The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) awards ceremony at Théâtre du Léman in Geneva on Wednesday, 13 November 2024, was a spectacular celebration of watchmaking excellence. The event was hosted by French actress Carole Bouquet and honoured the best in contemporary horology. The 2024 Jury, led by Nick Foulkes, alongside the GPHG Academy, recognised the industry’s innovation, craftsmanship, and creativity by awarding 21 prizes.
The prestigious “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix was awarded to IWC Schaffhausen for its remarkable Portugieser Perpetual Calendar watch, based on the perpetual calendar by Kurt Klaus invented in 1985. In his emotional acceptance speech, IWC CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr remembered his last time on the Théâtre du Léman stage with Hans Zimmer in a live show during Watches and Wonders in 2022. Zimmer also composed the music for the Eternal Calendar, played for the first time at Watches and Wonders this year. “To be back on this stage and receive this award is truly amazing. We may not be a small studio, and we may not be an independent, but I want to point out that these awards celebrate the art of watchmaking and the fact that, like all of you, at the end of the day, we are a small group of very passionate people who love this craft, who love to come up with cool ideas and love to get stuff done that has never been done before,” he said.
“It’s a truly unique refinement that goes to the end of the calendar we know, the year 3999, and has a record-breaking moon phase accuracy of 45 million years. To think that you can carry all of this on your wrist reminds us as human beings of our place in the universe and how small and insignificant we really are.”
Other notable winners included brands like Berneron, Bernhard Lederer, Bovet 1822, Chopard, Daniel Roth, De Bethune, H. Moser & Cie, Kudoke, Laurent Ferrier, Massena Lab, Ming, Otsuka Lotec, Piaget, Rémy Cools, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Voutilainen, celebrated for their exceptional contributions across various categories. Chopard and Van Cleef & Arpels won two each. Piaget’s win of the Iconic Watch Prize made it the third brand (with IWC and Van Cleef & Arpels) from the Richemont stable to be honoured.
Chopard’s Laguna Secret Watch, winner of the Jewellery Watch Prize is crafted from ethical gold and embellished with coloured sapphires, topaz, and 116 multicoloured shells, concealing a natural pearl beneath a shell-shaped cover. Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele expressed his pride, highlighting the dedication of Chopard’s artisans and his sister, Caroline Scheufele, in bringing this masterpiece to life. This project required over 1 000 hours of meticulous craftsmanship.
In addition, Chopard clinched the Eco-Innovation award for its L.U.C Qualité Fleurier model, crafted in Lucent Steel™. This sustainable material, containing at least 80 per cent recycled content, underscores the Maison’s commitment to responsible sourcing. The jury recognized Chopard’s leadership in sustainable luxury, citing its use of 100 per cent ethical gold and its pioneering role as a member of the Climate Group’s SteelZero initiative.
“These awards highlight the values we hold dear,” said Karl-Friedrich Scheufele. “The Eco-Innovation Prize not only celebrates our achievements but shines a spotlight on the broader importance of sustainability within our industry.”
Meanwhile, the hotly contested Time Only category saw H. Moser & Cie’s Streamliner Small Seconds Blue Enamel take the award. Blending exclusivity, performance, and artistry, the Schaffhausen-based Manufacturer has created more than just a watch – it’s an objet d’art for connoisseurs of discreetly sophisticated, high-performance horology. This accolade is a testament to H. Moser & Cie.’s dedication to redefining the boundaries of traditional watchmaking while embracing a distinctive, avant-garde aesthetic.
Edouard Meylan, CEO of H. Moser & Cie., expressed his gratitude and pride at receiving the award: “For over 10 years, we have been boldly and creatively reinventing the codes of watchmaking. This award recognises our approach and the passion that drives our teams. We dedicate this award to all those who have accompanied us on this adventure, and in particular to our watchmakers, whose talent is foundational to this success.”
Founded in 2001 and managed since 2011 by a Foundation recognised as a public interest organisation, the GPHG has spent over two decades promoting and celebrating the art of watchmaking. This is made possible through the support of its public and private partners, particularly FGP Swiss & Alps, and the commitment of key industry players.
This year’s Special Jury Prize, which acknowledges significant contributions to the watchmaking world, was awarded to master artisanal watch case maker Jean-Pierre Hagmann.
2024 prize list
“Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix: IWC Schaffhausen, Portugieser Eternal Calendar
Audacity Prize: Berneron, Mirage Sienna
Eco-innovation Prize: Chopard, L.U.C Qualité Fleurier
Chronometry Prize: Bernhard Lederer, 3 Times Certified Observatory Chronometer
“Horological Revelation” Prize: Rémy Cools, Tourbillon Atelier
Iconic Watch Prize: Piaget, Piaget Polo 79
Tourbillon Watch Prize: Daniel Roth, Tourbillon Souscription
Calendar and Astronomy Watch Prize: Laurent Ferrier, Classic Moon Silver
Mechanical Exception Watch Prize: Bovet 1822, Récital 28 Prowess 1
Chronograph Watch Prize: Massena Lab, Chronograph Monopoussoir Sylvain Pinaud x Massena Lab
Sports Watch Prize: Ming, 37.09 Bluefin
Men’s Complication Watch Prize: De Bethune, DB Kind Of Grande Complication
Men’s Watch Prize: Voutilainen, KV20i Reversed
Time Only Watch Prize: H. Moser & Cie, Streamliner Small Seconds Blue Enamel
Jewellery Watch Prize: Chopard, Laguna High-Jewellery Secret Watch
Artistic Crafts Watch Prize: Van Cleef & Arpels, Lady Arpels Jour Enchanté
Ladies’ Complication Watch Prize: Van Cleef & Arpels, Lady Arpels Brise d’Été
Ladies’ Watch Prize: Van Cleef & Arpels, Lady Jour Nuit
“Petite Aiguille” Watch Prize: Kudoke, 3 Salmon
Challenge Watch Prize: Otsuka Lotec, No.6
Special Jury Prize: Jean-Pierre Hagmann
