2021 Grand Prix D’Horlogerie de Genève Watch Nominations

Created in 2001, the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) serves to highlight the most remarkable watch creations annually and promote the art of watchmaking on a global scale. This is achieved through the GPHG’s annual competition, a unifying global event that draws attention to the world of haute horlogerie. At the helm of this contest is the GPHG Academy – a collective of watchmakers, industry specialists, educators, journalists, collectors, and other horological experts. Through a series of nominations and votes by the Academy, hundreds of watches this year have been evaluated, and ultimately condensed to this year’s top 85 pieces across 14 categories. These incredible watches will move forward to compete in the 2nd round of voting this Fall, culminating in the crowning of 18 different prizes that celebrate the finest in watchmaking, including the esteemed “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix. Akin to the Oscars of the watch world, the winners will be announced November 4th, 2021 at the GPHG awards ceremony and 20th anniversary of the foundation.

Leading up to the ceremony, each watch will be on display throughout Europe in three key cities as part of a travelling exhibition hosted by the GPHG: St. Petersburg (Fabergé Museum, October 13 – 17, 2021), Geneva (Rath Museum, October 22 – November 14, 2021), and Paris (Chronext, December 2 – 5, 2021). If you are in Denver you won’t have to travel too far to see some of these exquisite timepieces – just visit us at Oster Jewelers in Cherry Creek North. For those of you that can’t make it, we are excited to showcase some of the nominees for you here to explore at your leisure, below.


LADIES’ CATEGORY: Parmigiani Tonda Metropolitaine Sélène



The Tonda Metropolitaine Sélène offers a decidedly feminine display demonstrating the strength of Parmigiani Fleurier’s artisan watch-making ability with finesse and luxurious detailing.



An opalescent mother-of-Pearl dial sets the stage for rose gold flourishes and a bevel of diamonds while behind it the calibre PF318 ensures 50 hours of autonomous and exceptionally regular operation with its two series-coupled barrels. In addition to hours, minutes, and small seconds, a date and moon-phase mechanism is magnificently displayed.


LADIES’ CATEGORY: Armin Strom Lady Beat



Another nominee for the Ladies’ Category, Armin Strom delivers with its first entry into femme forward watchmaking, with the sleek and sophisticated Lady Beat. Lady Beat’s aesthetic holds true to the vision of Armin Strom while dreaming up a design that is undoubtedly unique and feminine for the brand.



The Lady Beat features an off-center dial and slimmer new case with a much smaller diameter than the manufacture is accustomed to. The 38mm case diameter of Lady Beat is a first at Armin Strom, hitting the sizing sweet spot of many women. The highlight of the front of this watch is the visible triplet of bridges echoing the pocket watch inspiration behind Caliber ALA20, just one of many mechanical elements visible on the dial. This Armin Strom creation is available in white as well as black, and can be requested through OsterJewelers.com


TOURBILLON CATEGORY: De Bethune Kind of Two Tourbillon



Holding court in the Tourbillon category, the DB Kind of Two from De Bethune is two identities in one in a ~43mm titanium case. The first face reflects the core aesthetic the manufacture is regarded for – sleek, modern, and incredibly innovative. In addition to the central hours and minute hands, a tourbillon sits at 6 o’clock with 30-second indication, but it’s the finishings where this masterpiece truly shines. From the polished and chamfered barrel bridge with shot blasted stages to the titanium balance wheel with white gold inserts, every detail has been given meticulous attention.

With a simple and seamless flick the tourbillon face disappears revealing the refined second personality. The hand-guilloché central part sets the stage for traditional numerals. In place of the tourbillon from the first side, elegant centrally placed hours, minutes, and seconds hands keep the time in classic form. A limited edition of only 10 pieces, this watch is a collector’s dream piece.


MECHANICAL EXCEPTION CATEGORY: Ulysse Nardin UFO



More than a table clock, the Ulysse Nardin shows off innovation on a grand scale with this “unidentifiable” work of art nominated for the Mechanical Exception category. The UFO transforms what we expect of a timepiece, with the reinvention of the chronometer, in a 75 piece limited release.





The UFO encompasses all of the manufacture’s horological history in one single object spanning nearly two centuries. From marine chronometers of the past to Blast of the present, the UFO celebrates 175 years of Ulysse Nardin, with visions, dreams, and hope for the future.


CHRONOGRAPH CATEGORY: Zenith Chronomaster Sport



It’s no surprise that Zenith landed with a nomination in the GPHG Chronograph Category with their Chronomaster Sport, a 21st century athletic re-imagining of their iconic A386. Seen here in a 41mm steel case with a striking white dial on a steel bracelet, the Chronomaster Sport is heralded for its ability to measure and display 1/10 of a second with a 60 hour power reserve and stop-second mechanism.



Not satisfied with releasing only one version, the versatile Chronomaster Sport is available in a choice of white or black tri-counter dials, a steel or 18k rose gold case, and either a bracelet, textured rubber or calfskin strap, allowing personal style to shine on the wrist.


DIVER CATEGORY: Ulysse Nardin Diver X Skeleton



Ulysse Nardin makes a big splash in the Diver Category, with the Diver X Skeleton, a powerhouse of a watch in a 44mm titanium case. Unleashed as part of their Vertical Odyssey collection, the Diver X Skeleton is rugged while still light weight in its 44mm titanium case.



Reaching depths of 200 meters, the Diver X Skeleton makes for the perfect diving companion. In celebration of 175 years of Ulysse Nardin, the Diver X Skeleton is a limited edition release of 175 pieces and is available in Supercharged Orange or Ocean Blue.


CHALLENGE CATEGORY: Massena Lab



Massena Lab enters the GPHG “race” with their white version of the Uni-Racer in the Challenge Category, a grouping of more wallet-friendly timepieces that still exude the technical prowess and sensibilities of luxury watches. The Uni-Racer is a modern interpretation of mid-century aesthetics, with each detail painstakingly re-edited, down to the smallest detail.



Inside the 39mm stainless steel case, the striking white “Panda” dial features a chronograph with sector dial and unique 30 minute oversized counter. The hand wound SW510 M Elaboré keeps the Uni-Racer ticking with 28,880 half oscillations per hour and an impressive 58 hour power reserve. Each watch from this limited edition collection (200 pieces per color) is individually numbered and manufactured in Switzerland. A black dial version is also available.




Find all of these GPHG nominated timepieces and more at Oster Jewelers.