Every winter, the GPHG leadership convenes half a dozen experts to take part in a strategic think tank with which it discusses – over the course of several meetings – its vision and the changes to be made as the awards evolve. These may include major projects such as the creation of the GPHG Academy in 2020, or regular adjustments such as the definition of categories, such as the introduction of the Time Only category two years ago.
In 2026, a shift toward inclusivity led to the phasing out of the traditional categories of the Ladies’ Watch Prizeand Men’s Watch Prize, to which many brands no longer wished to confine certain models. In their place, the Essential and Complication categories were introduced, complemented by the new Gemset category, which encompasses watches featuring gemsetting weighing less than 6 carats. Furthermore, the Special Jury Prizethat previously honored institutions or prominent figures remains discretionary but is now extended to brands – whether or not they are officially entered in the competition – that may be honored “for a significant development opening up new avenues for the art of watchmaking; or for an exemplary approach to ethics and/or sustainability”, as specified in the rules.
Moreover, for the first time in the history of the GPHG, a watch may receive an award even if the brand has not entered it. As stipulated in the rules, the Iconic Watch Prize “rewards a watch stemming from an emblematic collection or model that has been exercising a lasting influence on watchmaking history and the watch market for more than 20 years or offering a contemporary interpretation. It is open to all watches – whether or not they are officially entered in the competition – released between May 2025 and the end of October 2026. This award is discretionary and the Jury will decide whether there are grounds for awarding it in 2026.” Many watch enthusiasts were disappointed to see some of their favorite brands staying out of the competition, so let’s hope this initiative will remedy that!
