2026 GPHG Nominations Highlight Global Watch Tour
The 2026 GPHG nominated timepieces have been unveiled, with 84 pieces selected from a pool of 320 entries submitted by 194 brands. They will compete for 19 awards, including the coveted Aiguille d’Or Grand Prix.
Selection process and jury composition
The GPHG Academy completed its first round of voting this summer, narrowing the field to the 84 pieces spread across 14 categories. A digital vote accounts for one‑third of the final outcome, while the remaining two‑thirds are decided by a closed‑door jury meeting in Geneva.
Chaired by Wei Koh, the jury will examine each nominated piece in person a few days before the ceremony. Their assessment will be supplemented by the Academy’s online tally, ensuring both expert scrutiny and broader community input.
While the process appears thorough, the reliance on a single digital vote could raise questions about weighting. Still, the hybrid model aims to balance insider expertise with public sentiment.
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World tour brings the collection to five cities
The roadshow kicks off in Mumbai from September 28 to October 1, marking the first GPHG exhibition in India’s financial hub. Partner Ethos Watches, which previously staged shows in New Delhi, will host the display.
Next, the 78 watches and six mechanical clocks travel to Bangkok for an October 15‑18 showcase at The Forum cultural centre in Gaysorn Amarin. This return follows the inaugural Thai exhibition in 2019.
Geneva’s Musée d’Art et d’Histoire will host the full set from October 29 to November 15. The museum plans educational programs for schools and the public, offering a deeper look at contemporary horology.
The final leg lands in London between November 18 and 23, where Watches of Switzerland will present the prize‑winning models. The venue has previously collaborated on three New York exhibitions, adding an international flair.
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An awkward phrase slipped into the schedule note: the clocks will “quietly tick” while visitors wander, a reminder that even formal events can have quirky wording.
In the middle of the tour, observers might wonder how the exposure influences brand perception. If the showcased pieces attract media attention in each host city, manufacturers could see a modest sales lift, especially in markets where luxury watch demand is rising. However, the effect will likely vary by region and by how well each brand leverages the publicity.
The official awards ceremony is set for Saturday, November 7 at the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices in Geneva. The event will be livestreamed on the official website, allowing global audiences to watch the announcement of the winners.
All nominated pieces will be on view again in Geneva before the ceremony, giving enthusiasts a chance to see the competition up close. After the awards, the winning models will join the London exhibition, completing the world‑tour circuit.
