I am particularly happy to see that there is a big proportion of Indies in the winners, and most of them are well known by us here. Because we are in the Indies Forum here, we'll concentrate on this segment and leave others announce the other winners even if we are glad to congratulate all winners with no exception of course .
Let us start with a very coveted prize, the "Men's Watch Prize" won this year by our dear friend Kari Voutilainen with his Twenty-8 SC (for Seconde Centrale) with case in titanium. The two tone dial is made in house, it is made from silver and engine turned by hand.
The “Chronometry Watch Prize” has been awarded to Ferdinand Berthoud for their FB 2RE.2
This new timepiece reinterprets the architecture and design of this Marine Clock. Fitted along its middle with a large panoramic window, the round 18-carat gold case frames a grand feu enamel dial with a complex two-tiered construction.
Beneath this traditional, uncluttered display lies an exceptional mechanism: the new Chronomètre FB 2RE combines the emblematic fusee-and-chain transmission with a one-second remontoir d’égalité mechanism.
The “ Mechanical Exception Watch Prize ” was attributed to Bovet 1822 for their Recital 26 Brainstorm Chapter Two
This incredible watch is a Double-face flying tourbillon, world time with indexable second-time zone, moon phase, and five days’ power reserve.
With this piece, the House of Bovet is giving decorative arts, chronometry, mechanical ingenuity, and innovation their greatest acclaim since their creation in 1822.
As for the “Chronograph Watch Prize” H. Moser & Cie managed to grab it with the Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Automatic.
It is a form watch, with a steel cushion case 42.3 mm in diameter. With dynamic water resistance to 12 ATM, the chronograph function of the Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Automatic can be used underwater. Its off-centre crown, adorned with an "M", balances the two chronograph push-buttons set at 10 and 2 o'clock. Designed as a truly sculptural piece, this case boasts harmonious proportions and beautiful aerodynamics. It is topped by a subtly domed Glassbox type sapphire crystal, echoed by the see-through case back.
The “Innovation Prize” has been awarded to Parmiginai Fleurier. It is a world premiere with the very first Hijri Perpetual Calendar wristwatch. The new calendar is based on technology Parmigiani Fleurier developed for an exclusive table clock launched in 2011 and inspired by the restoration of a pocket watch featuring an Arabic calendar. For the first time in Parmigiani Fleurier’s history, the Hijri Perpetual Calendar complication is made available in a wristwatch.
But one was not enough, H. Moser & Cie managed to grab a second prize with the "Audacity Prize 2020" with their Endeavour Cylindrical Tourbillon.
For this watch, H. Moser & Cie. has adopted features from MB&F machines, such as the concept of three-dimensional movements, a strong element of the Geneva Maison’s identity, protected by a sapphire dome. H. Moser & Cie. is emphasizing a one-minute flying tourbillon that rises above the main dial through a ventricular opening appearing at 12 o’clock. Benefiting from the expertise of its sister company Precision Engineering AG, H. Moser & Cie. has equipped its tourbillon with a cylindrical balance spring.
This watch is actually the result of the friendship between these two gifted watchmakers who decided they wanted to have their own project.
For their dead beat second, the Gafner system was the inspiration. It requires the best craftsmanship to adjust while offering great room for creativity. The anchor of second is the most complex component to manufacture in the system. Adjusted by hand to the hundredth of a millimeter, it is only the watchmaker’s exceptional skill that makes the difference between the movement working or not.
In spite of the special situation, this 2020 GPHG was a great success and has kept all its promises.
It has honoured great watchmakers and masterpieces, congratulations to all of them.