Just like clockwork, it happens every year on the first Monday in November. Today, the final Jury vote is on for the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. The Academy have already cast their final ballots via a secure online platform. These ballots will count for a third of the voting weight in determining the winner of each category, with the other two-thirds coming from the Jury vote. Casting her vote throughout the day in her first outing as a GPHG Jurist, having been part of the Academy from its very inception, is our very own Sophie Furley!
Being a GPHG Jury member is not a job for the weak-hearted (or weak-stomached). I can share from my previous experience that the voting starts first thing in the morning and ends in the early evening, with only a quick break for lunch. Votes are cast by secret ballot, after hands-on time with the competing watches and small-group discussions with fellow Jurists.
The awards ceremony will be held this Thursday (keep an eye out for our live coverage, as we do every year), but the 84 competing watches will be on exhibition at the Musée Rath in Geneva until 14 November, so don’t miss your chance to see them in person. The watches are not behind glass, as you might expect, but securely attached to an open display so you can have a truly close-up experience of these fine timepieces. If you’re a member of our affiliated Fine Watch Club, get in touch to benefit from a private watchmaking atelier session where you can try your hand at assembling a watch movement. Members of the public can still sign up independently for the ateliers, subject to availability. The Fine Watch Club of WorldTempus already has events planned in Geneva, Paris and Dubai, starting in November. We would be pleased to welcome you!
Of particular interest at the exhibition, which spotlights the 20th anniversary of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (we share a birthday!), is a room featuring the 20 winners of the highest GPHG accolade, the Aiguille d’Or, from 2001 to 2020. We had the exclusive opportunity to shoot these exceptional pieces, and here are the 20 watches, featured in 5 group shots, separated by theme. I won’t reveal what those themes are just yet — try and test your horological sensibilities by guessing what the themes are. I expect to see some insightful observations in the comments from some of our regulars!
If all this puts you in the mind to add a new watch to your collection or perhaps even to take your first step in watch collecting (we’re proud to welcome all levels of watch lovers in the WorldTempus family!) — how about trying to win the Baume & Mercier Riviera that’s on offer in this month’s competition for our readers? Now that we’re firmly on the road to winter, there’s nothing more comforting than the thought of long summer days by the sea, and the Riviera transports you there (mentally, not physically, alas!) with its sporty yet elegant design.
Good luck to all competitors, whether they’re vying for a golden trophy or a fine timepiece!
