Known as horology’s version of the Oscars, the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie (GPDH) de Genève is an annual international exhibition that takes the finest luxury watches around the world to be judged by a panel of experts in an effort to continuously highlight the artistry of the luxury watchmaking industry.

Following several hundred entries, a pre-selection process takes the long-listed on an international exhibition schedule so audiences across the globe can discover and admire the finest timepieces of the year.

This exhibition is held each year during the months of October and November in the countries that generate the greatest interest in the watch market.

After stopping off around the world, the event culminates at a prestigious ceremony in Geneva where watchmakers are rewarded for the innovative, sophisticated and aesthetically stunning timepieces they submitted to the various categories on offer.

Brands including TAG Heuer, Audemars Piguet, A. Lange & Söhne and many more are represented at the event where a panel of judges comprising distinguished horologists, journalists and collectors decide which is the year’s finest timepiece.

In November, at the Grand Théâtre de Genève in the final leg of the international event, the winners of each category are presented with the highly-esteemed “Aiguille d'Or” (Golden Hand) trophy.

The event was founded in 2001 and ten years later the Foundation of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève was officially recognised as a public interest organisation in Geneva on May 2011. The main objective of the Foundation of the GPHG is to contribute, thanks to its label, to promoting Swiss watchmaking and its values around the world.

At last year’s event Chopard claimed the “Aiguille d'Or” for their beautifully conceived and executed L.U.C Full Strike — a crown operated minute repeater with sapphire gongs. While Bvlgari picked up the Men’s Watch Prize for their Octo Finissimo Automatic and Chanel scooped the Ladies’ Watch Prize for the Première Camélia Skeleton.