Geneva’s Watchmaking Academy crowns Rexhep Rexhepi’s Chronograph Flyback

Geneva reaffirmed its position as the world’s watchmaking capital on 7 November when the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève held its 26th awards ceremony, bringing together the international horological community to recognise the year’s finest achievements in micromechanics and artistic craft. The occasion carried particular cultural weight, marked by the presence of UNESCO’s Director General, underscoring watchmaking’s place within humanity’s cultural heritage.

Rexhep Rexhepi, the independent watchmaker and founder of his own manufacture, received the highest distinction: the Aiguille d’Or Grand Prix for his Chronograph Flyback. The award, conferred by an international jury chaired by Wei Koh and drawn from an Academy of more than 1,000 members, recognised the technical poetry and creative boldness that define contemporary watchmaking at its most refined.

Twenty prizes were attributed across specialised categories. Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra thin Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph RD#5 “150th Anniversary” received the Iconic Watch Prize, while Patek Philippe was honoured with a Special Jury Prize for the Watch Art Grand Exhibition, acknowledging an exceptional commitment to watchmaking culture. Further distinctions recognised the work of Konstantin Chaykin, Ferdinand Berthoud, Chopard, Blancpain, Parmigiani Fleurier, Piaget, Cleguer, Daniel Roth, Dominique Renaud, Grand Seiko, La Vallée, Louis Vuitton, Otsuka Lotec and SpaceOne.

The exhibition of eighty four nominated timepieces remains open at the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire in Geneva until 15 November, before travelling to London for presentation at the Watches of Switzerland boutique in Knightsbridge from 18 to 23 November.

Imagery courtesy of Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (@gphg_official).