Despite the challenges the industry had to face this year, it needed a celebration and some joy. So here we are, as the 2020 edition of the GPHG, known as the “Oscars of the watchmaking industry”, has come to a close and the prize for the best watch of the year, also known as the “Aiguille d’Or”, has been awarded. As often with the Grand Prix, the focus has been on creativity, innovation and high-end watchmaking. It is, without much surprise, that we can announce to you that the best watch of 2020 is the Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept, the world’s thinnest mechanical watch ever made (at 2mm). A well-deserved prize, if you ask us, considering the impressive technical achievement.
GPHG 2020 – Quick Take
For multiple years, the Grand Prix tends to reward ultra-complex watches that celebrate haute horlogerie and innovative watchmaking. The GPHG 2020 is no exception to the rule, as this year, one of the most impressive technical achievements of the last decade has been rewarded with the Aiguille d’Or. As often too, independent watchmaking is at centre stage, with brands like Bovet, Voutilainen, Greubel Forsey, H. Moser & Cie. and even some of the most promising newcomers Petermann Bédat, all coming home tonight with a “golden hand” prize.
And now, here’s the complete list of watches awarded at the GPHG 2020.
Aiguille d’Or – Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept
The Grand Prix goes this year to a watch that will definitely mark history as being the thinnest mechanical watch ever manufactured. The Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept, a radical reengineering of the conception of a watch, measures only 2mm in height – less than most mechanical movements. Since this year, this watch that was presented as a concept prototype in 2018, is now available for orders through a customisation program. Congratulations to Piaget for this objectively deserved prize.
Ladies’ Watch – Bovet 1822 Miss Audrey
Ladies’ Complication – Charles Girardier, Tourbillon Signature
Men’s Watch – Voutilainen 28SC
Men’s Complication – Greubel Forsey Hand Made 1
Iconic Watch – Bulgari Aluminium Chronograph
Chronometry – Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud FB 2RE.2
Calendar and Astronomy – Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton
Mechanical Exception – Bovet 1822 Récital 26 Brainstorm Chapter 2
Chronograph – H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Automatic
Diver’s Watch – Breitling Superocean Automatic 48 Boutique Edition
Jewellery – Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Secrète watch
Artistic Crafts – Van Cleef & Arpels Lady Arpels Soleil Féerique
Petite Aiguille – Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 Limited Edition II
Challenge Watch – Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight
Innovation – Parmigiani Fleurier Hijri Perpetual Calendar
Audacity – H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Cylindrical Tourbillon H. Moser X MB&F
Horological Revelation – Petermann Bédat Dead beat second
Special Jury Prize – Antoine Simonin
Watchmaker, teacher, editor and former director of the WOSTEP Foundation.
More details at gphg.org.