GPHG 2023: A Closer Look at the Nominees in the Sports Category

All six nominees vying for this year’s GPHG award in the Sports category come with serious credentials. GMT India takes a closer look at the models in the category.

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Chopard Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF (Ref. 298600-3020)

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Cased in titanium and sporting a pitch black dial with subtle orange accents, this 41 mm timepiece houses one of the most advanced movements from Chopard’s workshops: the chronometer-certified Chopard Calibre 01.12-C, featuring a high-frequency escapement, reaches its cruising altitude at 57,600 vibrations per hour (8 Hz). The second high-frequency model within the Alpine Eagle collection, this perfectly combines precision with a stylish sporty aesthetic. The model is water-resistant up to 100 metres, making it a solid choice for wearers with a strong sporty identity.

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DOXA Army (Ref. 785.60.031.26)

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The brand’s history with the elite Swiss Army Divers unit remains at the heart of this model — a reissue of the iconic DOXA Army model from 50 years ago. The design aesthetics of the original remain intact, with a subtle modern touch. The 42.5 mm stainless steel case is topped with a sapphire crystal, giving the case and self-winding movement (that offers a 38h power reserve) a water resistance of 300 metres. The bronze unidirectional rotating bezel marks the first time ever that DOXA has used this metal in its collections – with a hunter green ceramic insert or in stainless steel with a black ceramic insert. The diving-related indications are all coated with Super-LumiNova, thereby amping up the legibility in low-light conditions or under water.

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Grönefeld 1969 DeltaWorks (Ref. 1969 DeltaWorks)

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This steel sports watch — the brand’s first ever — inspired by the Dutch ‘Delta Works’, is apt for an active lifestyle as well as for daily wear. Water-resistant for up to 100 metres, the timepiece is sized at 45 mm and houses the self-winding calibre G-06. Completely hand-finished, the rotor turns on smooth running ceramic ball bearings. The stainless steel bridges replicate the façades of traditional Dutch houses, termed ‘bell gables’. Each bridge features a micro-blasted central section, framed with a hand-bevelled edge. The integrated strap ergonomically circles the wrist, guaranteeing a high degree of wearer comfort. The hour markers are coated with Super-LumiNova, thus enabling higher readability, and the small seconds display features ‘60’, in orange, a nod to Grönefeld’s homeland.

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IWC Schaffhausen Ingenieur Automatic 40 (Ref. IW328904)

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With this new model, the brand revisits the iconic design of Gérald Genta’s legendary Ingenieur SL from the 1970s, with a high degree of emphasis on ergonomics, finishing, and technology. The case, the bezel and the integrated H-link bracelet with a butterfly folding clasp are all made of Grade 5 Titanium steel (45% lighter than steel), and finished with polished and sand-blasted surfaces. The case size, 40 mm, and the newly engineered middle-link attachment ensure excellent wearability, even on slimmer wrists.The grey dial flaunts the distinctive “Grid” structure, and the hands and appliques are luminescent. The 32111 calibre builds up a power reserve of 72 hours, and the 100-metre water-resistant case makes the timepiece a truly versatile luxury sports watch.

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TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer (Ref. CR5090.FN6001)

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The newest edition of the TAG Heuer Monza, this bold chronometer is a special edition with a 42 mm case, crafted from ultra-lightweight and resistant carbon. A racing chronograph in essence, the watch features three functions essential to a racing driver in action: a chronograph, a tachymeter scale as well as a pulsometer. Ideal for lovers of speed, racing and action, this is a collector’s piece that brings together racing heritage and contemporary design and technology. The stunning black dial features a two-register layout with a translucent fumé blue sapphire crystal chronograph counter at 3 o’clock and the permanent second at 6 o’clock. The timepiece is powered by the in-house Calibre Heuer 02 Flyback, a chronograph movement with COSC certification. 

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TUDOR Pelagos 39 (Ref. 25407N)

Featuring Grade 2 titanium, luminescent ceramic composite monobloc hour markers, a rapid adjustment system for the clasp, and a diver’s extension, the Pelagos 39 model combines a versatile 39 mm case with the brand’s dive watch heritage. The chic sports watch also flaunts sunray satin finishes on the bezel and the dial, with the bezel slightly exceeding the middle case for enhanced grip. The subtle shine of the sunray satin finish flat disc of the dial easily contrasts with the matte finish of the bead-blasted flange. At 6 o’clock, in a glossy cherry red, the name Pelagos stands out. The “Snowflake” hands, a part of TUDOR’s heritage, are luminescent in order to amp up legibility. Manufacture Calibre MT5400 powers the watch, offering a 70-hour power reserve. The water resistance of 200 metres justifies why the brand remains a go-to option for dive watch enthusiasts.

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