GPHG 2024 All Set to Welcome New Prizes and a Special Focus on Sustainability

The 24^th edition of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), scheduled to be held on November 13 this year at Geneva’s Théâtre du Léman, will welcome some brand new features to the highly-anticipated annual gala, including new prizes and a special focus on sustainability.

The GPHG Academy members—who play a key role in the operation of the GPHG—annually nominate the six timepieces that compete in each category and also choose the winners alongside the Jury, entirely drawn from the Academy. The size of the Academy has steadily increased over the years with the current total number of members being 960, reflecting the GPHG’s commitment to honouring all crucial stakeholders in the world of watchmaking while also encouraging the participation of the younger generation.

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This year’s edition will bring in a new opportunity for the Academy to train the spotlight on six timepieces that will compete in the “Time Only” category, open to classic watches with two or three hands and no complications. Meanwhile, the “Petite Aiguille” category will now be open to models with a retail price of CHF 3,000-CHF 10,000 and the “Challenge” category will focus on timepieces with price tags of less than CHF 3,000. The “Mechanical Clock” category will not be included in the roster, a decision made with the intention to give watchmakers more time to develop new creations.

Sustainability continues to draw attention in horology, and GPHG has been taking note of its impact as well. Case in point: The Eco-Innovation Prize, which will replace the Innovation Prize, will be awarded to one of the 90 competing timepieces featuring watchmaking developments, placing particular emphasis on sustainability and traceability. Watches and Wonders is right round the corner, meaning several of the competitors for this year’s GPHG awards will be making their first appearances soon. GMT India will, of course, be keeping a close eye on the developments.