⏱ 2 min read
Background
The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) rewards the best watchmaking creations every year. It is often described as the “Oscars” of watchmaking. In 2025, the highest distinction went to Breguet. The 84 watches shortlisted for 2026 are on display in Geneva.
The key points
Geneva-based independent watchmaker Rexhep Rexhepi has won the Aiguille d’Or, the top prize of the GPHG 2026. He was rewarded for his Chronographe Flyback watch. The 26th ceremony took place on Saturday 7 November at the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices in Geneva. It was held on a Saturday for the first time.
Of Kosovar origin, Rexhep Rexhepi founded his workshop Akrivia in 2012, at the age of 25. His chronograph was designed entirely by his workshop, according to Monochrome Watches. The Special Jury Prize goes to Patek Philippe, for its Watch Art Grand Exhibition. This prize honours a personality or an institution that has left its mark on watchmaking.
Several French-speaking Swiss houses are among the winners: Chopard and Audemars Piguet (two prizes each), Blancpain, Piaget, Parmigiani Fleurier and Ferdinand Berthoud. According to Le Temps, Rolex is still not among the winners.
Key figures
- 20 : creations rewarded, including 14 category prizes
- 150,000 francs : selling price of the winning Chronographe Flyback, according to L’Agefi
- 84 : shortlisted watches, on view at the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire
- 26th : edition of the Grand Prix
Analysis
- According to Monochrome Watches, this prize shows the growing weight of high-end, traditional independent watchmaking.
- The same site compares this choice to 2022, when the prize also went to an independent watchmaker’s chronograph.
- For Le Temps, watchmaking culture was at the heart of this edition, which also celebrated young watchmakers.
What's next
- Exhibition of the 84 watches at the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire in Geneva until 15 November.
- The winning watches will then be shown in London from 18 to 23 November 2026.
Read also
Sources
- WorldTempus – GPHG: the winners are here
- L’Agefi – Rexhep Rexhepi wins the Aiguille d’Or at the GPHG
- Le Temps – The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève honours Rexhep Rexhepi, 39, and Patek Philippe, 187 years old
- Monochrome Watches – Breaking News: The Rexhep Rexhepi RRCHF Chronograph Wins the GPHG 2026 Aiguille d’Or
