The 2026 edition of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) has concluded, crowning a new champion that underscores the industry’s shift toward independent, traditional mastery. Often referred to as the “Oscars of Watchmaking,” the GPHG serves as the premier annual celebration of horological excellence, and this year’s top honor, the “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix, has been awarded to the Chronograph Flyback by independent watchmaker Rexhep Rexhepi.
The victory marks a significant moment for Rexhepi, cementing his status at the pinnacle of modern watchmaking. The RRCHF Chronograph Flyback is a technical marvel that balances traditional construction with a strikingly distinctive, modern aesthetic. Featuring a highly complex, ground-up development, the watch showcases a symmetrical movement with deep Geneva stripes and impeccably finished internal angles. Its visual appeal is anchored by an offset time display and off-centered sapphire sub-dials, with the platinum edition boasting a mesmerizing blue-green Grand Feu enamel dial.
This year’s jury decision echoes the sentiment of 2022, favoring the singular vision of an independent artisan over large-scale manufacturing. As the industry grapples with the evolving landscape of collectability, Rexhepi’s win serves as a powerful validation of the importance of high-end, traditional craftsmanship.
Beyond the “Aiguille d’Or,” the 2026 ceremony recognized a wide array of talent across various categories:
- Special Jury Prize: Patek Philippe, for their “Watch Art” Grand Exhibition.
- Audacity Prize: Konstantin Chaykin, for the ThinKing Mystery.
- Chronometry Prize: Ferdinand Berthoud, for the Naissance d’une Montre 3.
- Horological Revelation Prize: Dominique Renaud, for the Pulse60 Titanium Black.
- Iconic Watch Prize: Audemars Piguet, for the Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-thin Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph RD#5.
- Mechanical Exception Watch Prize: Blancpain, for the Grande Double Sonnerie.
- Complication Watch Prize: Cleguer, for the Inspiration One.
- Chronograph Watch Prize: Parmigiani Fleurier, for the Tonda PF Chronographe Mystérieux.
- Tourbillon Watch Prize: Ferdinand Berthoud, for the Chronomètre FB 2TV.
- Sports Watch Prize: Grand Seiko, for the Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Diver.
- Calendar and Astronomy Watch Prize: Audemars Piguet, for the 150 Heritage.
- Essential Watch Prize: Daniel Roth, for the Extra Plat Rose Gold Skeleton.
- Time Only Watch Prize: Chopard, for the L.U.C 1860.
- Jewellery Watch Prize: Chopard, for the Mystery Nut.
- Artistic Crafts Watch Prize: Louis Vuitton, for the Tambour Taiko Arty Automata.
- Gemset Watch Prize: Piaget, for the Swinging Pebble.
- “Petite Aiguille” Watch Prize: Otsuka Lotec, for the No.8.
- Challenge Watch Prize: SpaceOne, for the SpaceOne X Baltic – Seconde Majeure.
- Mechanical Clock Prize: La Vallée, for the Cosmo.
This year’s results confirm that while heritage brands continue to innovate, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the daring creativity of independent makers who are defining the future of the watch industry. For full details on the winning timepieces, visit the official GPHG website at www.gphg.org.
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