Created in 2001, the Grand Prix de l'Horlogerie de Genève continues its mission of celebrating and promoting the art of watchmaking internationally with the support of its public and private partners, and its new main partner, notably the LGT bank. The 8 edition of the GPHG or Grand Prix de l'Horlogerie de Genève took place on Wednesday, November 2017th, at the Théâtre du Léman. Chopard, the Swiss luxury watchmaking expert, won the "Aiguille d'Or" Grand Prize during this 17thrd edition.
Chopard wins the most prestigious award
The timepiece named 'LUC Full Strike' allowed the Swiss luxury watchmaker Chopard to win the Grand Prix "l'Aiguille d'or" at the 17rd edition of the GPHG. While Chopard won the most prestigious prize, other renowned brands were also recognized for their trophies during the awards ceremony, including Vacheron Constantin for the Exceptional Mechanics prize. Chanel also stood out, winning the Ladies' Watch prize. The Tourbillon and Escapement prize went to Bvlgari, as did the Men's Watch prize. Parmigiani Fleurier won the Chronograph Watch prize, while Greubel Forsey won the Calendar Watch prize. Van Cleef & Arpels was awarded the Ladies' Haute Mechanics prize.
But Chopard wasn't just honored for the 'LUC Full Strike' watch; the luxury house also won the Jewelry Watch Award with its 'White Lotus Watch'. And this isn't Chopard's first time in the spotlight; last year, it was Ferdinand Berthoud, a brand from the luxury house, that won the GPHG 2016.
A trophy that admirably marks Chopard's 20th anniversary
It was a great honor and a great opportunity for the luxury brand to win this exceptional trophy to celebrate and mark the 20th anniversary of the Chopard Manufacture. It is worth noting that the prestigious 'L .UC Full Strike' watch was designed with 18-carat fair trade rose gold, equipped with a minute repeater caliber. A great first for the brand with this feature that serves to sound the minutes, quarters and also the hours through gongs made with sapphire crystal for an exceptional sound.
To produce this exceptional watch, one of the most accomplished, carefully crafted and meticulously assembled by Chopard, the manufacturer had to work for more than six years on this creation, or nearly seventeen thousand hours of development for the perfecting of the 08.01-L caliber. "In appearance, it is a 42,5 mm rose gold watch with an openworked dial. In reality, it accommodates a significant number of technical solutions, which make it one of the most innovative minute repeaters," explains the luxury brand in a press release.
The caliber of this timepiece is the subject of three patents currently being validated. Chopard has devised innovative solutions to historical mechanical problems. Not only in the nature of the gongs, but also in the entire chiming system, its operation, and its ergonomics.
The 72 competing watches, including fifteen winners, were exhibited at the Geneva Museum of Art and History (MAH) until November 12 as part of the unique exhibition dedicated to contemporary watchmaking. The winners were revealed as part of the 3rd Dubai Watch Week from November 16th to 20th.
Quentin
