New features of the GPHG 2014 edition

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New features of the GPHG 2014 edition - Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix
2 minutes read
The categories are evolving in terms of both quality and quantity: Calendar, Chronograph, Striking, Tourbillon… The jury is more broad-based than ever to ensure even greater expertise and independence; the exhibitions will be making stopovers in India, China and the SalonQP in London; and the public will be increasingly involved. The 2014 vintage is set to be exceptional.

After broad-based consultations within the industry and numerous meetings of its think-tank committee, the Foundation of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève unveiled the program for its 14th edition of which the ceremony will be held on October 31st 2014 at the Grand Théâtre de Genève. One quarter of the jury has been modified to ensure regular turnover while maintaining a solid base. Collectors, retailers, recognized experts in their own fields and specialized journalists make up the 24 members from all continents lend by Aurel Bacs, serving as President of the jury. Together, they will select six watches this summer in each of the 12 categories listed below from the 200 or so candidates put forward by the watch brands and visible as of early July on gphg.org.

For the former director of Christie’s watch department Aurel Bacs, “This year’s Grand Prix is promising to become a particularly interesting millesime thanks to several new categories and prizes but also given the ever broadening jury. It is the continuous mission of the GPHG to improve year after the year and to "keep in time” with the latest developments – both in regards to the market and in terms of technology. As a first, the 2014 edition will award specific complications such as the calendar watch as well as chronographs, just to name two. The jury continues to grow with many new respected specialists coming together from the world of horology, with a particular focus on a well balanced variety of different cultures, professional backgrounds and skills. I would not be surprised to see more manufactures participating thanks to the more attractive environment, resulting in a fair and exciting competition amongst the world’s latest and most fascinating creations in the field of watch making.”

 

New features of the GPHG 2014 edition

Each week, as official media partner of the GPHG, WorldTempus will analyze the categories and the reasons that have incited the brands to present such or such a model. In September, the 72 selected watches will set off to meet the Chinese and Indian public in partnership with the Banque Rothschild, before returning to the Cité du Temps in Geneva. WorldTempus will then offer visitors a chance to make one forecast per category, and then to vote for the Public Prize of the GPHG. During the week following the ceremony, the winning watches will be showcased at the SalonQP in London. In addition to the distinctions relating to the 12 categories below, six other prizes will be awarded: the “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix, the Innovation Watch Prize, the “Horological Revelation” Prize, the Revival Watch Prize, the Special Jury Prize and the Public Prize.

 

2014 categories
Ladies’
Ladies’ High-Mech
Men’s
Chronograph
Tourbillon
Calendar
Striking
Mechanical Exception
“Petite Aiguille”
Sports
Jewellery
Artistic Crafts

Definitions of these categories, rules and presentation of the jury on www.gphg.org; analysis, competition and weekly GPHG section on Worldtempus.