Grand Prix d’Horologerie de Genève Reveals 2022 Official Nominated Timepieces
The gradual departure of Summer ushers in one of the most exciting competitions of the year for watch lovers. Formed in 2001, the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) aims to highlight the most significant timepieces annually with a fabulous awards ceremony in November that focuses on celebrating the nuanced details of some of horology world’s shining stars.
The Grand Prix d’Horologerie de Genève
2021 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (Photo courtesy of gphg.org)
The GPHG Academy forms the backbone of this competition – a prestigious collective of watchmakers, industry specialists, collectors, journalists, educators, and other horological experts. Hundreds of watches this year have been evaluated, and ultimately condensed to the top 90 pieces across 15 categories, by a series of nominations and votes by the Academy. These phenomenal timepieces will move forward to compete in the 2nd round of voting this Fall, culminating in the crowning of the esteemed “Aiguille d’Or” trophy and nineteen additional prizes, each celebrating different facets of watchmaking. The winners will be announced November 10th, 2022 at the GPHG awards ceremony and 21st anniversary of the foundation to take place at the Théâtre du Léman in Geneva.
Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève Awards (Photo courtesy of gphg.org)
Leading up to the ceremony, each watch will be on display throughout the world in three key cities across three continents as part of a travelling exhibition hosted by the GPHG: New Delhi, India (October 8 – 9, 2022), Casablanca, Morroco (Villa Roosevelt, October 20 – 23, 2022), and Geneva (Musee Rath, November 2 – 20, 2022). No need to travel halfway across the world to see some of these incredible timepieces as we are spotlighting a selection of them for you here.
LADIES’ CATEGORY: Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Automatic Gold
A name we’re delighted to see repeatedly in this year’s GPHG’s nominees shortlist is the Swiss watch manufacture Parmigiani Fleurier. A sleek 18k rose gold watch, the new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Automatic 36mm stands proudly in the Ladies’ Category. This beautiful watch manages to retain the qualities of the model that has become a signature of the brand: the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor. Equipped with a new, in-house automatic movement of subtly more delicate proportions, the Tonda PF Automatic 36mm introduces itself in a format suitable for a thinner wrist.
The fluid and harmonious integration of the 18-carat rose gold case and bracelet, knurled bezel, finely guilloché minimalist dial with invisible set baguette-cut diamond indexes are all a nod to the stylistic language of Parmigiani Fleurier. Without a doubt, the PF Automatic 36mm Gold is a timepiece of austere sobriety and discreet elegance. Shop the Parmigiani Fleurier Collection.
MEN’S CATEGORY: Parmigiani Tonda PF Micro-Rotor in Steel
Parmigiani Fleurier also makes a showing in the Men’s Category with the steel version of the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor. The ultra-slim, 3 mm thick engine is self-winding thanks to a full platinum micro-rotor. This diminutive oscillating weight is integrated inside the movement’s structure rather than lying on top of it. This in turn allows the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor to measure a mere 7.8 mm on the wrist, ensuring comfort and elegance.
In an unusual and exclusive combination, it features hours, minutes and date. The date disc is the exact same color as the minute track’s, creating a consistent colorway. Combined with its slimness and sleekness, this makes the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor a refined everyday timepiece that can literally be worn on any occasion. Also available in 18k rose gold.
MEN’S COMPLICATION CATEGORY: Singer Reimagined Flytrack Barista
Forging two passions together, the Singer Reimagined Flytrack Barista brings a love of coffee to the wrist with a timepiece that ticks in the beat of a perfect brew. Much like the Flytrack Tachymeter and the Flytrack Telemeter, the Barista is distinct and purposeful with its use. Like the rest of the collection it retains the signature peripheral hours disc indication combined with central minutes and central swiping seconds.
Evoking the essence of fresh Italian dark roast coffee, the dial is matte brown, velvet-touch with the unique one-minute coffee brewing scale highlighted in contrast with a nuanced beige hue. A circular brushed golden rehaut, with a contrasting 60 second indication in black, brings focus to the refinement of this unique timepiece. Shop the Singer Reimagined Collection.
MECHANICAL EXCEPTION CATEGORY: Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance First Edition
The Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance First Edition with its blackened gold colored dial is nothing short of a micro-mechanical revolution. It works by means of the patented Resonance Clutch Spring, which directly connects the two hairsprings for the fastest and most regular resonant state ever witnessed in a wristwatch. The success of this mechanism is a culmination of efforts as a result of years of extensive research in the physical phenomenon of resonance in watchmaking.
Additionally the Mirrored Force Resonance also allows the wearer to track its performance with twin-second indicators linked to the two resonant regulating organs, which can be synchronized using a flyback function activated by a pusher on the case. This interactive feat of functional micro-mechanical art elevates Armin Strom’s unique resonance technology above all others and makes this timepiece a decidedly strong candidate in the Mechanical Exception category. Oster Jewelers will be releasing a special limited edition Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance in celebration of our 20th Anniversary later this year.
TOURBILLON CATEGORY: Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Flying Tourbillon
Parmigiani Fleurier is one of the elite few watchmakers with five time pieces nominated for this year’s Grand Prix d’Horlogerie competition. Included in this list is the magnificent limited edition Tonda PF Flying Tourbillon. This new model undeniably expresses the Parmigiani Fleurier identity with authenticity in both spirit and materials, with the use of platinum in the case, dial, and bracelet.
The flying tourbillon carriage is revealed in all its glory by a circular dial opening while hidden behind the platinum dial resides the automatic calibre PF517 with a platinum micro-rotor. With only 25 pieces to be made available worldwide, the limited edition Tonda PF Flying Tourbillon is as rare as it is powerful and shines with sleek refinement in a 42mm diameter case. Explore this watch and more from the Parmigiani Fleurier Collection at Oster Jewelers.
PETITE AIGUILLE CATEGORY: Zenith Defy Skyline Blue
The “Petite Aiguille” brings notice to timepieces that tick in the 3,500 to 10,000 CHF range. Zenith DEFY Skyline impresses in a 41mm steel octagonal case with a faceted bezel. The blue-toned sunburst-patterned dial revisits the emblematic Zenith four-pointed star. Powered by the El Primero 3620 high-frequency automatic manufacture movement with the very first 1/10th of a second indicator.
This versatile watch features an interchangeable steel bracelet and blue patterned rubber strap, and is also available in two additional dial styles: Zenith Skyline Black Dial and Zenith Skyline Silver Dial. Shop the Zenith Collection at Oster Jewelers.
CHALLENGE CATEGORY: Louis Erard Le Régulateur Louis Erard X seconde/seconde/
Similar to the “Petite Aiguille” category, the GPHG “Challenge” category creates a platform on the global stage for watches retailing under 3500 CHF. This is a category that Louis Erard excels in, while still making space for constant creativity and unique partnerships, as shown on Le Régulateur Louis Erard X seconde/seconde/. Tongue firmly in cheek, Louis Erard brings a chuckle to the face of its iconic regulator with their open collaboration with French design firm seconde/seconde/.
Interjected on the face of this classic timepiece is the dreaded “404 Error” message, reinterpreted as a minute hand. Le Régulateur Louis Erard x seconde/seconde/ erases Erard on the dial transforming it into Louis Error. Once the minute hand reaches a quarter to the hour, the 404 Error is displayed across the face of this timepiece with a sense of humor. View more from the Louis Erard collection at Oster Jewelers, like the Louis Erard x Massena Lab Gold, also nominated in the 2022 “Petite Aiguille” category.
Find GPHG nominated timepieces and more at Oster Jewelers.
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