GPHG is restructuring its categories
For its 26th edition, the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) is restructuring its categories and refining both the Special Jury Prize and the Iconic Watch Prize to reflect current market trends.
In light of changing consumer habits and evolving industry requirements, the existing gender-specific GPHG categories (Men’s and Women’s) will be replaced by two new, technically defined categories: Essential Watch and Complication Watch. In doing so, the competition is responding to an increasingly universal market in which traditional gender distinctions are becoming less significant.
In addition, the Gemset category is being introduced for watches set with gemstones (up to six carats). Going forward, the existing jewelry category will focus exclusively on particularly elaborate and exceptional creations.
To ensure a clear competitive structure, one-of-a-kind pieces are now permitted exclusively in the Jewellery Watch and Mechanical Clock categories.
The Iconic Watch Prize is open to the entire market: any model introduced in the given year that offers a contemporary interpretation of an iconic watch that has shaped the industry for over 20 years is eligible for the award—regardless of whether it was officially submitted.
Special Jury Prize (Extended)
The Special Jury Prize is also taking on a broader scope: in addition to individuals and institutions, brands can now be honored for the first time—for example, for significant watchmaking innovations or for exemplary commitment to ethics and sustainability.
“The GPHG remains true to its mission of showcasing the art of watchmaking in its current form and future development. The adjustment of our categories and prizes underscores our commitment to relevance and clarity—in line with the evolving demands of the market,” explain Raymond Loretan and Carine Maillard, President and Director of the GPHG Foundation.
GPHG Selection Process
The 2026 jury, chaired by the new jury president Wei Koh, will evaluate the nominated timepieces a few days before the awards ceremony. The shortlist was already determined this summer by the Academy’s approximately 1,000 members in an initial round of voting.
The final result is composed of two components: the jury’s decision, which is made under notarial supervision and is not open to the public, and a supplementary digital vote by the Academy, which accounts for one-third of the total result and thus ensures broad representation.
Composition of the 2026 Jury
To facilitate more in-depth discussions, the jury will be reduced from 30 to 24 members:
- Wei Koh, Jury Chair
- 11 members, appointed by the jury president in consultation with the GPHG Foundation
- 11 Academy members, selected by lot under the supervision of a notary
- Gregory Kissling, representing the Breguet brand, winner of the 2025 “Aiguille d’Or” (according to the rules, the winning brand is excluded from the competition the following year)
The winners will be announced on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices (BFM) in Geneva.
