Award-Winning Timepieces of the Year, and a Hublot Timepiece Embarks on the Vendée Globe
Discover GPHG 2024 winners, an exclusive Hublot timepiece for the Vendée Globe, Hermès’ unisex designs, festive OMEGA picks, Jaeger-LeCoultre's Reverso, and insights on women reshaping watch trends
GRAND PRIX D’HORLOGERIE DE GENÈVE 2024
Who Stole the Spotlight at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève 2024?
The results are in, and the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) 2024 has announced its winners. If you have been wondering which timepieces received the coveted gold GPHG trophy this year, get comfy, because we’ve got all the details right here.
Starting with the biggest prize: IWC Schaffhausen took home the prestigious “Aiguille d’Or” with its stunning Portugieser Eternal Calendar. This timepiece seduced the jury with its innovative calendar that, if kept wound, can calculate the date (including leap years) for the next 3,999 years. It also features a moon phase that is accurate to 45 million years.
Feeling bold? The Berneron Mirage Sienna received the Audacity Prize, proving that avant-garde designs definitely have a place in the hearts of watch enthusiasts. And speaking of pushing boundaries, Chopard’s L.U.C Qualité Fleurier won the Eco-Innovation Prize, showing us that luxury can indeed go hand in hand with sustainability.
Moving on to complications, De Bethune’s DB Kind of Grande Complication took the Men’s Complications prize, while Van Cleef & Arpels received triple honors in the women’s categories with the elegant Lady Jour Nuit, the poetic Lady Arpels Brise d’Été, and the artistic Lady Arpels Jour Enchanté. And for those who appreciate pure chronometric precision, Bernhard Lederer’s 3 Times Certified Observatory Chronometer took the prize for Chronometry.
The surprises didn’t stop there. Piaget’s Polo 79 claimed the Iconic Watch Price, reminding us all why classics never go out of style, and the Tourbillon Prize was awarded to Daniel Roth for its Tourbillon Souscription, a marvel of mechanical artistry.
Last but not least, Massena Lab’s Monopusher Chronograph captured the hearts of the judges in the Chronograph category and Chopard’s Haute Joaillerie Laguna won the Jewelry Watch Price with its 100 decorated shells.
Curious to see the world’s best watches up close?
If you're in Geneva (or planning a trip), you have got until the 17th of November to feast your eyes on the above timepieces. That’s right! The Musée Rath is hosting the annual exhibition for the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).
We’re talking about 90 exceptional watches competing in 15 categories. Each one handpicked by the prestigious GPHG Academy, which features over 900 experts from around the globe. Imagine getting up close and personal with all the winners and finalists from last night’s award ceremony. Address: Place de Neuve 1, between 11 am to 6 pm.
WATCH REVIEWS
Alan Roura embarks on the Vendée Globe with his own Hublot timepiece
On a crisp autumn day in Lorient, France, WorldTempus had the privilege of meeting Alan Roura on his high-performance monohull, an IMOCA 60 christened "Hublot" after his watchmaking sponsor. As Roura gears up for his third Vendée Globe, he shared insights into how he has fine-tuned his boat for the grueling challenge ahead and hinted at surprises for the upcoming race.
But it’s not just the boat that’s getting attention! Roura also revealed his new timepiece, the limited-edition Big Bang Unico Sailing Team, a watch he had a direct hand in designing. This exclusive Hublot model, limited to just 100 pieces, sports a robust 42mm carbon fiber case mirroring the construction of his IMOCA vessel. The striking yellow and black color scheme is complemented by a Swiss flag at the 9 o'clock position, marked with "SUI 7," Roura’s sail number.
This new watch comes with two strap options: a rugged black and white fabric strap inspired by the mainsail of his boat, prominently branded with "HUBLOT," and a vibrant yellow rubber strap echoing the watch's bold accents. Both straps are secured with a black ceramic deployant clasp to ensure a secure fit, even in the toughest sea conditions.
At its heart, the watch is powered by Hublot's latest in-house Unico HUB1280 caliber, a self-winding chronograph movement with an impressive three-day power reserve and a construction of 354 components.
Is the Hermès Cut the next icon in unisex watch design?
This year’s Watches and Wonders event brought many impressive releases, but it was the Hermès Cut that truly stole the show for the French Maison, introducing a brand new collection. Blending timeless elegance with a modern edge, it stands out for its clever use of shapes and proportions.
The Hermès Cut pairs a circular dial with a slightly cushion-shaped case for a unique look, while the crown, placed off-center at 1:30, adds a playful element. The 36mm case is just the right size for any wrist, making it a versatile choice for both men and women. The collection offers four versions: from sleek stainless steel to a luxurious two-tone model, with the option of diamond bezels for those who want an extra touch of sparkle.
Inside, the Hermès Cut is driven by the caliber H1912, a self-winding movement crafted in collaboration with Vaucher Manufacture. With a power reserve of 50 hours, it is built to be both reliable and stylish. The movement is visible through the sapphire caseback, revealing fine circular graining and Hermès' iconic "H" motifs details.
For those who love personalization, the watch also comes with interchangeable rubber straps in eight bold colors from Hermès’ signature palette.
THIS WEEK’S NEWS
Unwrap the Magic of OMEGA’s Festive Timepieces for 2024
The festive season is here, and OMEGA has just announced a number of ideas for those looking for gift ideas.
First up, we have the Seamaster Aqua Terra. This 38mm timepiece pays tribute to OMEGA’s ocean roots, boasting a lacquered black dial and a Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8800 that’s as reliable 150 meters underwater as it is on dry land.
Then, there’s the Speedmaster 38 mm, inspired by the legendary Moonwatch. It’s the perfect chronograph for those with a taste for adventure, blending space exploration heritage with modern elegance.
For those who prefer something sleek and city-ready, the De Ville Prestige is your go-to timepiece. With a sophisticated 40mm stainless steel case, a sun-brushed black dial, and touches of 18K Sedna™ Gold, this watch is all about precision and style.
Finally, the Constellation Meteorite. with its dial crafted from genuine meteorite, offering a piece of the cosmos right on your wrist, powered by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8900.
Each piece is set against a backdrop of OMEGA’s signature red, reminding us that all the best gifts come in red packages this season.
How Does Jaeger-LeCoultre Elevate the Reverso Tribute Chronograph to New Heights?
Today, we dive into the world of haute horlogerie where Jaeger-LeCoultre has once again raised the bar for sophistication and craftsmanship. The iconic Reverso Tribute Chronograph, originally launched in 2023, has been reimagined in a new edition, now fully crafted in pink gold. This timepiece is produced in a strictly limited run of just 250 pieces.
First introduced in 1931, the Reverso was born out of necessity for polo players seeking to protect their watches during matches. Over the decades, it has evolved into a symbol of Art Deco elegance, worn by tastemakers across the globe. The new Reverso Tribute Chronograph maintains its distinctive two-faced design, now powered by the innovative Calibre 860. This hand-wound movement brings a unique twist: it displays time on both sides, revealing intricate craftsmanship on its reverse face.
The front of this watch showcases a stunning laser-engraved pink gold dial with horizontal lines, adding a modern yet timeless flair. The signature dauphine hands, applied trapezoidal indices, and contrasting black minute track create a bold statement. On the flip side, the skeletonized chronograph display reveals the full beauty of its mechanism, adorned with hand-finished Côtes de Genève.
The Calibre 860 integrates a column-wheel chronograph with a retrograde 30-minute counter, all in a case just 11.14 mm thick. It’s not just a chronograph; it's a technical marvel with a 52-hour power reserve, meticulously engineered to offer the elegance and performance that Jaeger-LeCoultre is celebrated for.
MUST-SEE THIS WEEK
Are Women Changing the Rules of the Watch Industry?
Deloitte's released its latest report this week with insights from Watch Femme.
For years, the world of luxury watches was traditionally viewed through a male-dominated lens. Deloitte’s latest 2024 insights reveal that women are not only buying more watches for themselves, but they are also seeking out timepieces that blend technical craftsmanship with a touch of elegance. Forget those stereotyped “for her” collections; today’s female consumers want something that fits their personal style without being pigeonholed by gender labels.
Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable shift toward online shopping. In 2024, nearly half of female consumers prefer to buy their watches online. That’s a big leap from the days when shopping meant stepping into fancy boutiques. The report also reveals that 80% of women polled by Watch Femme felt that their shopping experiences were different than men’s? Clearly, there’s room for improvement if brands want to win over this increasingly well-informed audience.
What’s also on the rise? Gender-free timepieces. More and more women are opting for watches that don’t fit into traditional “his” or “hers” categories. This trend is growing, especially in places like Hong Kong, Italy, and Japan. It’s a bold move away from conventional marketing, and excuse the pun, but it is about time!
Looking for the Ultimate Travel Watch? Let’s Dive into GMT Publishing’s Latest Release!
If you’ve ever dreamt of owning the ultimate Millenium Watch Book Travel Watch Edition or simply want to brush up on your knowledge, this 2024 edition is going to be your new obsession!
This fifth edition focuses entirely on the art of travel watches, diving deep into the world of world timers and GMT models that have defined the past two decades. What’s on the cover, you ask? None other than the iconic Patek Philippe Ref: 5330G, a masterpiece that’s been turning heads since the 1930s. And wait, there's more, a special feature on a limited-edition version made exclusively for Singapore with a jaw-dropping cloisonné dial. If you’re a fan of travel complications, this book is your golden ticket to exploring the history and evolution of these incredible timepieces.
But it’s not just about looking back; the book also highlights brand-new, exclusive releases celebrating GMT Publishing’s 24th anniversary. Check this out: the TAG Heuer Carrera Twin-Time, De Bethune’s ultra-limited DB24, and a stunning new H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Dual Time, each in ultra-rare limited editions that’ll make any collector’s heart skip a beat.
And hey, with the holidays just around the corner, could this be the perfect gift for the watch lover in your life? Whether you’re shopping for someone special or just treating yourself, this beautifully illustrated 200-page book filled with expert insights and stunning photography might just be what you’re looking for.
