The GPHG is presented to Malaysia for the first time by The Hour Glass

Ahead of the winners’ announcement of the annual Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG) on 9 November 2023 at the Theatre du Leman in Geneva, Switzerland, 84 of the 90 watches nominated for the prestigious awards ceremony known as the Oscars of watchmaking went on display as part of its multi-city tour.

What’s more, Malaysia is the only pitstop in South East Asia for the CPHG and the exhibition is hosted by leading specialist watch retailer The Hour Glass at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur from 5 to 8 October 2023.

Moreover, watches from 14 of the awards’ 15 categories offer enthusiasts in the region a glimpse into the pinnacle of contemporary watchmaking. The 14 categories comprise the Men’s and Ladies’, Men’s and Ladies’ Complications, Iconic, Tourbillon, Calendar and Astronomy and Mechanical Exception.

Other categories include the Chronograph, Sports, Jewellery, Artistic Crafts, Challenge or entry-level and “Petite Aiguille” or mid-range priced. Only shortlisted entries for the Mechanical Clock category were absent from the exhibition. Outside of viewing the watches themselves and making predictions on the winner of each category, guests also made a beeline to view the GPHG trophy.

Created by Genevois graphic designer Roger Pfund, who also designed the Swiss passport and a large number of bank notes, the trophy is from gilded bronze and cast in Geneva, the historic home of haute horlogerie. Pfund’s inspiration is Michaelangelo’s fresco on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, in which God touches Adam’s extended hand to give him life.

On top of that, the Hour Glass is hosting a series of workshops throughout the duration of the travelling exhibition’s stop in Kuala Lumpur, including a fascinating workshop on watch photography. The organisation believes that it is never too early to cultivate an appreciation for the art of watchmaking.

Malaysia also marks the third stop on a worldwide tour after Hong Kong and Macau. Other cities to host the travelling exhibition include New York (18 to 22 October 2023), Geneva (26 October to 12 November 2023) and Dubai (16 to 20 November 2023) before making its final stop in Zurich (2 and 3 December 2023).

The Geneva stop coincides with the GPHG prize-giving ceremony, which will take place at the Theatre du Leman on 9 November 2023. All nominated watches will be presented here and winners for the coveted 20 or so prizes, including the “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix (Best in Show) distinction, will be announced following a closed-door selection by the GPHG Jury.

More information can be found on the official GPHG website linked here.