Twenty years of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) is indeed something to celebrate. First established in 2001, the GPHG has become the awards body to note for horological creations, akin to the Oscars for the film industry. What better way to ease back into normalcy and face-to-face than with the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève celebration at the Museé Rath in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Museé Rath started construction in 1824, upon the bequeathing of funds from General Simon Rath and in cooperation with the state of Geneva. The building was envisioned as a temple of the muses, the arts. The columns at the entrance are reminiscent of Ancient Greek temples. Initially meant for both permanent and temporary exhibits, the Museé Rath now solely exhibits temporary collections and hosts special events.
The evening of October 22 was special indeed as the Museé Rath welcomed visitors to gaze upon the 84 nominated watches for this year’s Aiguille d’Or “Grand Prix” nominations. Eighty-four watches were on display for visitors to peruse (and wish for). But wait, there is more.
The added appeal for this special evening was the 20 winners of the Aiguille d’Or, also on display. An evening spent in the company of horological admirers and more than 100 amazing timepieces is undeniably time well spent. For those unable to join that evening, fret not, as the watches will be on display until November 14, 2021.
As Raymond Loretan, President of the GPHG Foundation says, “This 20th anniversary exhibition underscores the maturity of the GPHG and the continuity of its mission on behalf of watchmaking, also reflected in the recent creation of its Academy.”
Which of the twenty Aiguille d’Or winners will you visit first? Is it the diamond-covered Lady Kalla from Vacheron Constantin, the very first winner back in 2001? Perhaps the TAG Heuer Mikrogirder from 2012 is more your style, with the fastest mechanical regulator. Last year’s winner, the Altiplano Ultimate Concept from Piaget is a good choice too, in its ultrathin finery and that beautiful touch of blue o the dial. All twenty winners are definitely worthy of the Golden Hand.
And if you want to try your hand at watchmaking, the GPHG offers a special opportunity: free introductory watchmaking workshops run by the Geneva School Watchmaking. Each one-hour workshop will whet your appetite just enough for you to become an even more avid horological fan.
The awards ceremony on November 4, 2021, will be exciting indeed, and we will see which of the 84 nominated watches will join the list of “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix winners.
