After announcing the shortlisted watches for the 2023 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) awards, both the GPHG and its Academy have arranged for these nominated timepieces to tour in a traveling exhibition. The first stop of this exhibition is in Kuala Lumpur, the sole city in Southeast Asia selected for this showcase. The Hour Glass, a renowned specialist watch retailer globally, is set to host this exhibition at the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Centre Court, from the 5th to the 8th of October 2023.
Enthusiasts in the region will have the opportunity to witness a curated display of 84 watches representing 14 out of the 15 award categories, showcasing the epitome of contemporary watchmaking. These categories encompass Men's and Ladies', Men's and Ladies' Complications, Iconic, Tourbillon, Calendar and Astronomy, Mechanical Exception, Chronograph, Sports, Jewellery, Artistic Crafts, Challenge or entry-level, and "Petite Aiguille" or mid-range priced. Notably, the only category absent from the exhibition will be the shortlisted entries for Mechanical Clock.
The notable victors of the 2022 awards featured MB&F, securing the prestigious "Aiguille d'Or" Grand Prix or best in class prize with their Legacy Machine Sequential Evo watch. Other winners included TAG Heuer, recognized with the Iconic Watch Prize for the Monaco X Gulf, and Akrivia, honored with the Men's Watch Prize for the Chronomètre Contemporain II.
To commemorate this significant event, The Hour Glass has curated a variety of captivating activities during the exhibition's presence in Kuala Lumpur. In addition to thrilling events like a watch photography workshop, bringing delight to collectors and enthusiasts, the schedule encompasses a do-it-yourself mechanical clock workshop and an enjoyable coloring session in collaboration with Hublot. The aim is to cultivate an early passion for the art of watchmaking among children. The event promises a plethora of engaging activities throughout its duration, including the Breitling Navitimer Slide Rule Demonstration and a Coloring Workshop tailored for children aged 7 to 12. It's set to be a week brimming with enriching educational experiences, culminating in an exciting weekend for everyone involved.
The GPHG stands as a unique organization and platform, honoring the realms of horological innovation, design, and craftsmanship. The selection of Kuala Lumpur reaffirms the growing significance of this city within the watchmaking domain. Mr. Michael Tay, Group Managing Director of The Hour Glass, expressed, "This is in line with The Hour Glass’ commitment to advancing watch culture, providing our community of enthusiasts with unparalleled access to some of the most exceptional watches of our era.
Raymond Loretan, President of the GPHG Foundation, stated, "Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève partners represent an exclusive group of connoisseurs dedicated to authentically upholding and promoting the highest standards of haute horlogerie. The Hour Glass has consistently showcased its expertise and discernment in this realm, and we take pride in having them once again as a partner and a member of the jury for the 2023 awards.
The Malaysian leg of the global tour marks the third destination, commencing in Macao and extending to Hong Kong. Following Kuala Lumpur, the traveling exhibition will visit several other cities, including New York, Geneva, Dubai, and ultimately concluding in Zurich.
A Celebration of Excellence
During the Geneva stop, the GPHG prize-giving ceremony will coincide and is scheduled to occur at the Théâtre du Léman on 9th November 2023. All nominated watches will be showcased at this event, and the winners of approximately 20 prestigious prizes, including the distinguished “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix (Best in Show), will be revealed following a confidential selection by the GPHG Jury.
Established in 2001, the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) attained public interest organization status in 2011 under the supervision of the Canton and City of Geneva. Its primary mission is to showcase and honor the most exceptional contemporary creations within the realm of watchmaking, promoting the art, traditions, and innovation of this field on a global scale.
The principal method through which it accomplishes this is the GPHG awards ceremony, a yearly competition encompassing hundreds of watches released throughout the year, presenting the highest accolades within this domain.
Taking place annually in November, the awards ceremony gathers distinguished figures from the international watchmaking profession, uniting in acknowledgment and celebration of the finest creations and innovators who infuse vibrancy and ingenuity into the world of watchmaking.
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