What is GPHG? It's a global watch award, known as the "Oscars of the watch industry."
In the world of watches, there is a major award that attracts the attention of watch industry professionals worldwide every year.
This is the GPHG (Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève).
Also known in Japan as the "Geneva Watch Grand Prix," it is an international award that recognizes outstanding timepieces that symbolize the year, celebrating artistry, technical prowess, and originality in watchmaking.
In the watch industry, it is often referred to as "the Academy Awards of watchmaking", highlighting its immense prestige.
History of the GPHG
The GPHG began in 2001 and is held annually in Geneva.
Brands from around the world participate, and the year's most representative watches are selected across various categories such as complex mechanisms, design, artistry, price range, and innovation.
It's not just expensive watches that are recognized; watches with excellent craftsmanship within a limited price range, watches incorporating new ideas, and watches that express traditional watchmaking in a contemporary way are also considered.
Therefore, the GPHG is a very interesting award, not only for the "price" of a watch, but also for understanding
why a particular watch was created and what value it holds.
Why the GPHG is interesting
The appeal of the GPHG lies in the fact that it shines a spotlight not only on global high-end brands but also on independent and unique brands.
For example, models that reinterpreted the beauty of traditional Swiss watches in a modern way.
Models that use natural stones and innovative materials to create unprecedented expressions.
And models that rethink the very method of displaying time.
At the GPHG, such watches are evaluated regardless of country or brand size.
When choosing a watch, if you consider not only the design and price, but also
"how it is evaluated in the global watch industry,"
your watch selection will become even more enjoyable.
GPHG-Related Watches Introduced at Contevanou
At Contevanou, an authorized retailer of watches and jewelry, we also introduce brands and models related to the GPHG.
RAYMOND WEIL MILLESIME
RAYMOND WEIL's "Millesime" is a collection that reinterprets the charm of vintage watches, such as classic sector dials and box-shaped crystals, in a modern way.
It's not overly ornate, yet it has meticulous craftsmanship in every detail.
It's a dress watch that easily blends into everyday life, truly embodying the term "neo-vintage."
Thanks to its recognition at the GPHG, the Millesime has become a globally acclaimed collection.
DENNISON
DENNISON, while having a background as a historic watch case manufacturer, is now attracting attention for its beautiful case lines and unique dials.
Especially models using natural stone dials, each having a unique expression, offer the appeal that no two watches are exactly alike.
The colors and patterns unique to natural stones like tiger's eye, malachite, lapis lazuli, and onyx give the watches a presence akin to jewelry.
The recognition at the GPHG demonstrated DENNISON's design aesthetic and craftsmanship, which transcends its price range, on an international level.
CIGA Design
CIGA Design is a brand known for its free-thinking approach, unconstrained by conventional watch design.
Its signature work, "Blue Planet," adopts an innovative time display inspired by the Earth, expressing "time" with an approach different from traditional hour and minute hands.
The greatest appeal of CIGA Design is that it allows you to enjoy a watch not merely as a tool, but as wearable art and a product that sparks conversation.
Its award at the GPHG was also a significant event, as it brought high international acclaim to a design watch from China in the global watch industry.
Currently, "Blue Planet" is sold out in Japan, and the next restock date at Contevanou is undecided.
However, CIGA Design offers many other attractive collections. The "Series U Blue Planet Ice Age," which evokes the beauty of glaciers, and the powerful and sophisticated "Hunter Silver" are also popular, allowing you to enjoy CIGA Design's unique worldview.
Learning about GPHG award-winning watches makes choosing a watch more enjoyable
The GPHG is an international award that attracts the attention of watch industry experts and enthusiasts.
However, there's no need to overthink it.
Understanding the GPHG can change how you view watches.
Why this design?
Why is this material used?
Why is this brand recognized globally?
When you understand these backgrounds, a watch ceases to be merely a tool for telling time and becomes a reflection of its creator's philosophy and the spirit of the era.
At Contevanou, we introduce a wide range of unique mechanical watches and design watches from around the world, including those connected to the GPHG.
We invite you to visit our small atelier in Yoyogi, Tokyo, to experience their charm firsthand.
Contevanou, Authorized Watch and Jewelry Retailer
Contevanou, an authorized watch and jewelry retailer, exhibits and sells authentic watches and unique brands from around the world, including RAYMOND WEIL, DENNISON, and CIGA Design.
You can take your time to browse watches at our store in Yoyogi, which is easily accessible from Hatagaya, Sangubashi, and Shinjuku areas.
In addition to helping you choose a watch, we also offer services such as battery replacement, strap replacement, overhaul, and consultation for antique watch repairs.
Please come and experience the charm of globally acclaimed watches in person at our store.