Independent watchmaking claimed the ultimate prize at the 2026 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève as Rexhep Rexhepi secured the coveted “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix for his RRCHF Chronograph Flyback on Saturday night.
The ceremony, which marked its 26th edition at the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices in Geneva, showcased a restructured 14-category format replacing older gender-based divisions with framework criteria focused squarely on the timepieces themselves. Under the newly appointed jury presidency of Wei Koh, the event unfolded largely in English for the first time to engage a broader international audience.
Rexhep Rexhepi and Chopard Win Top Watch Prizes
- Rexhep Rexhepi took home the top “Aiguille d’Or” award for the RRCHF Chronograph Flyback.
- Chopard emerged as a major winner of the evening, capturing four total prizes including wins for Ferdinand Berthoud and its own L.U.C 1860.
- The GPHG implemented structural changes, replacing gender-based categories with 14 distinct watch-focused classifications evaluated by a 24-member panel and the wider GPHG Academy.
A Night of Shifting Accolades and Independent Victories
The competition brought together 84 nominated timepieces evaluated behind closed doors by a 24-member panel, alongside a one-third voting contribution from the GPHG Academy. Rexhepi expressed surprise at capturing the evening’s premier honor, noting that the watch encapsulates his personal dedication to the craft.
Alongside the top prize, Chopard dominated multiple categories. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele accepted the time-only award for the Chopard L.U.C 1860, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the maison’s Fleurier manufacture. Chopard also secured the Tourbillon prize with the Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 2TV, featuring a flying one-minute tourbillon and chain-and-fusée transmission, as well as the Jewellery category for its ethical rose-gold “Mystery Nut” pendant watch, and the Chronometry prize for the Ferdinand Berthoud Naissance d’une Montre 3.
Audemars Piguet claimed two awards, including the Iconic Watch Prize for its Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-thin Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph RD#5 “150th Anniversary,” alongside a victory in the Calendar and Astronomy category for the AP 150 Heritage.
Category Winners and Notable Surprises
The expanded 20-prize lineup highlighted varied expressions of contemporary micromechanics. Mathieu Cleguer secured the Complication Watch Prize for the Inspiration One, introducing a distinctive escapement developed by the independent maker who previously worked at Rexhep Rexhepi’s Akrivia. Blancpain captured the Mechanical Exception Watch Prize for the complex Grande Double Sonnerie, a minute repeater boasting 1,200 technical drawings and 21 patents during its development.
In the fiercely contested Chronograph category, Parmigiani Fleurier prevailed with the Tonda PF Chronographe Mystérieux, a design that conceals its secondary tracking hands until activated. Meanwhile, Grand Seiko earned the Sports Watch Prize with the compact Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Diver, outperforming entries from Laurent Ferrier, Hermès, IWC, and H. Moser.
Daniel Roth won the Essential category with the Extra Plat Rose Gold Skeleton. Louis Vuitton claimed the Artistic Crafts Watch Prize for the Tambour Taiko Arty Automata, featuring delicate animated elements on the dial.
The Rexhep Rexhepi RRCHF Flyback Chronograph has just won the Aiguille d'Or at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) 2026 . For those who don't know, the event is basically 'The Oscars of Watchmkaing'. pic.twitter.com/84MzfIZBhm
Patek Philippe and Dominique Renaud Receive Special Jury Honors
Special recognition extended beyond yearly novelties. Patek Philippe was awarded the Special Jury Prize for its traveling Watch Art Exhibition, which recently concluded its run in Milan. Additional jury honors went to Dominique Renaud for the 1-hertz Pulse60 Titanium Block in the Horological Revelation category, and Konstantin Chaykin for the ultra-thin 1.65mm ThinKing Mystery in the Audacity category.
For collectors and enthusiasts unable to attend the Geneva ceremony, the winning timepieces are scheduled for a public exhibition in London. The collection will be displayed at Watches of Switzerland’s Knightsbridge location from November 19 to 23rd.
