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NEWS: The 15 best watches of 2017, according to the GPHG

NEWS: The 15 best watches of 2017, according to the GPHG

Felix Scholz

A few hours ago, watchmaking’s night of nights – the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève – wrapped up (though we suspect the afterparties may still be in full swing), and 15 prizes, along with a special jury prize, were awarded by the jury. The GPHG awards are often hotly debated, but do, nonetheless, provide an interesting barometer of where the watch industry is at. This year’s winners are an interesting mix of bigger brands and niche players, haute horology and a more mass approach. I also think it’s great to see a focus on commercially minded innovation, which is perhaps indicative of where the industry’s mind is at right now. But that’s enough from me. Here are the winners.

MEN’S WATCH PRIZE

Bulgari
Octo Finissimo Automatic

This hotly tipped favourite is a worthy winner. Read our review here.

“AIGUILLE D’OR” GRAND PRIX

Chopard
L.U.C. Full Strike

Chopard has quietly been making excellent watches for years. It just paid off, big time.

LADIES’ WATCH PRIZE

Chanel
Première Camélia Skeleton

Chanel’s second manufacture movement is an attractive blend of brand motif and engineering prowess.

LADIES’ HIGH-MECH WATCH PRIZE

Van Cleef & Arpels
Lady Arpels Papillon Automate

Whimsical. Ingenious. Beautiful. When it comes to women’s high mechanicals, VC&A are the ones to beat.

CHRONOGRAPH WATCH PRIZE

Parmigiani Fleurier
Tonda Chronor Anniversaire

Parmigiani Fleurier, always a favourite with the experts, had an excellent year with two wins in complicated categories.

TOURBILLON AND ESCAPEMENT WATCH PRIZE

Bulgari
Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Skeleton

Another thin win for Bulgari, rewarding the hard work and non-traditional design approach of their watch design team.

CALENDAR WATCH PRIZE

Greubel Forsey
QP à Équation

Few brands can make a watch like Greubel Forsey, as this stunner of a perpetual calendar (with bonus EOT) proves.

TRAVEL TIME WATCH PRIZE

Parmigiani Fleurier
Toric Hémisphères Rétrograde

Parmigiani’s second win is for this two-timing take on their original Tonda.

MECHANICAL EXCEPTION WATCH PRIZE

Vacheron Constantin
Les Cabinotiers Celestia Astronomical Grand Complication 3600

Guaranteed to give you a headache (unless you’re an astrophysicist), this incredibly complex VC is truly outstanding.

“PETITE AIGUILLE” PRIZE

Tudor
Black Bay Chrono

Proving that in-house nous and a smart price is a winning combo. Find out more about the BB Chrono here.

SPORTS WATCH PRIZE

Ulysse Nardin
Marine Regatta

A smart (and stylish) take on a niche complication. Read our review of one of SIHH’s best here.

JEWELLERY WATCH PRIZE

Chopard
Lotus Blanc Watch

A second, high jewellery win for Chopard proves that they’re masters of both brains and beauty.

ARTISTIC CRAFTS WATCH PRIZE

Voutilainen
Aki-No-Kure

Just look at it. Seriously. How could it not win?

REVIVAL WATCH PRIZE

Longines
The Longines Avigation BigEye

Longines prove (again) that they’re a dab hand at heritage. Read our review here.

INNOVATION PRIZE

Zenith
Defy Lab

With a completely new escapement that could revolutionise the watch industry, Zenith’s Defy Lab is true innovation.

SPECIAL JURY PRIZE

Suzanne Rohr and Anita Porchet

Specialist artisans like enamellers Suzanne Rohr and Anita Porchet are the hidden lifeblood of high horology. Great to see them honoured.