Winners of the 2016 ‘Oscars of watches’ | CNN

The Oscars of Watches 2025: Anticipation Builds for the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève

Each year, the world of haute horlogerie gathers in Geneva for what has become known as the Oscars of the watchmaking world—the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG). More than just an awards night, this celebration is a showcase of human ingenuity, centuries of tradition, and the ever-evolving artistry of mechanical timekeeping.

A Legacy of Excellence

Since its founding at the turn of the millennium, the GPHG has grown into the most respected and widely followed competition in watchmaking. The event does not merely honor beautiful objects; it highlights the dialogue between heritage and innovation, between artisanal craft and cutting-edge technology. Now in its 25th edition, the 2025 awards ceremony is poised to be especially symbolic, marking a milestone in the institution’s history.

The Shortlist and the Stakes

Earlier this summer, industry insiders were presented with a curated shortlist of 90 timepieces across 15 categories. These range from the Ladies’ and Men’s Watch Prizes to more specialized recognitions such as Tourbillon, Chronograph, Calendar and Astronomy, Mechanical Exception, Sports, Iconic, and Artistic Crafts. Each category represents a distinct facet of horology, from technical mastery to design brilliance.

The ultimate honor—the “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix—remains the most coveted award. Past winners of this top distinction have often seen their creations achieve near-mythical status, instantly becoming reference points for collectors and connoisseurs worldwide.

How Winners Are Decided

The GPHG Academy, now numbering over a thousand professionals, plays a decisive role in shaping the outcome. Members include watchmakers, journalists, historians, collectors, designers, and retailers. Their votes, combined with the deliberations of a jury convened in Geneva under the chairmanship of writer and historian Nick Foulkes, will determine the victors. This process ensures a balance between global perspectives and the intimate expertise of seasoned industry figures.

More Than Awards: A Cultural Event

What makes the GPHG unique is its ability to unite the entire watch industry, from the most established maisons to independent creators. Winning is not simply a matter of prestige; it can define the trajectory of a brand, elevate its international reputation, and influence global trends in horology.

Equally important, the ceremony has become a cultural event, drawing personalities from beyond the watch world. Designers, artists, and patrons of luxury see in the GPHG a celebration of creativity that transcends mechanics. It is not unusual for the awards to spark wider conversations about sustainability, craftsmanship, and the future of luxury in a rapidly digitizing world.

Looking Ahead to November

The ceremony is scheduled for November 13, 2025, at the iconic Bâtiment des Forces Motrices in Geneva. As the date approaches, speculation is rife about which houses will emerge triumphant and which independents might upset the established order. For enthusiasts, collectors, and industry insiders, this year’s edition carries the weight of history: twenty-five years of honoring the art of measuring time, distilled into one night of recognition and glamour.

In a world increasingly ruled by digital screens and instant connectivity, the GPHG stands as a reminder of something profoundly human: our fascination with precision, beauty, and the steady march of time. This November, when the envelopes are opened and the winners declared, it will not simply be watches that are celebrated, but the enduring spirit of craftsmanship itself.