TIMELESS: 2023 Grand Prix d' Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) Exhibition
TIMELESS: 2023 Grand Prix d' Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) Exhibition
The 2023 GPHG Exhibition – the preamble to the "Oscars of watchmaking" – debuted in the Crystal Palace-inspired atrium of The Londoner Macao, hosted by Sands Lifestyle - Photo by Sands China
On 25 and 26 September, the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) exhibition made its debut in Macao, in a spectacular event hosted by Sands Lifestyle, a new experience-focused brand under Sands China, at The Londoner Macao.
Every year, this annual exhibition showcases timepieces nominated for the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève – a competition dubbed the "Oscars of watchmaking" – and tours them around the world before the final awards ceremony in Geneva. This year, Macao proudly became the first host city on the exhibition's 2023 circuit, ahead of Hong Kong, Dubai, New York and Zurich.
Named TIMELESS, the two-day event featured 84 of the world's finest watches, valued collectively at nearly US$4.5 million, from across the award's 15 categories. These span jewelled watches, chronographs, divers' watches, timepieces with astronomical features and more. Eminent brands like Audemars Piguet, Bovet 1822, Chopard, Hermès, IWC Schaffhausen, Louis Vuitton, Piaget and Van Cleef & Arpels stood out, but the event is equally famous for giving a platform to independent names such as Simon Brette in the world of haute horlogerie.
Having unveiled his inaugural timepiece just in April 2023, Brette's craftsmanship has quickly turned heads. Producing a mere 12 handmade watches annually, the demand for his creations is astounding – with pieces spoken for through 2030. Many attendees at the GPHG event seized the rare opportunity to glimpse his watch in person, a sight elusive to most enthusiasts.
Every year, this annual exhibition showcases timepieces nominated for the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève – a competition dubbed the "Oscars of watchmaking" – and tours them around the world before the final awards ceremony in Geneva. This year, Macao proudly became the first host city on the exhibition's 2023 circuit, ahead of Hong Kong, Dubai, New York and Zurich.
Named TIMELESS, the two-day event featured 84 of the world's finest watches, valued collectively at nearly US$4.5 million, from across the award's 15 categories. These span jewelled watches, chronographs, divers' watches, timepieces with astronomical features and more. Eminent brands like Audemars Piguet, Bovet 1822, Chopard, Hermès, IWC Schaffhausen, Louis Vuitton, Piaget and Van Cleef & Arpels stood out, but the event is equally famous for giving a platform to independent names such as Simon Brette in the world of haute horlogerie.
Having unveiled his inaugural timepiece just in April 2023, Brette's craftsmanship has quickly turned heads. Producing a mere 12 handmade watches annually, the demand for his creations is astounding – with pieces spoken for through 2030. Many attendees at the GPHG event seized the rare opportunity to glimpse his watch in person, a sight elusive to most enthusiasts.
On 25 and 26 September, the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) exhibition made its debut in Macao, in a spectacular event hosted by Sands Lifestyle, a new experience-focused brand under Sands China, at The Londoner Macao.
Every year, this annual exhibition showcases timepieces nominated for the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève – a competition dubbed the "Oscars of watchmaking" – and tours them around the world before the final awards ceremony in Geneva. This year, Macao proudly became the first host city on the exhibition's 2023 circuit, ahead of Hong Kong, Dubai, New York and Zurich.
Named TIMELESS, the two-day event featured 84 of the world's finest watches, valued collectively at nearly US$4.5 million, from across the award's 15 categories. These span jewelled watches, chronographs, divers' watches, timepieces with astronomical features and more. Eminent brands like Audemars Piguet, Bovet 1822, Chopard, Hermès, IWC Schaffhausen, Louis Vuitton, Piaget and Van Cleef & Arpels stood out, but the event is equally famous for giving a platform to independent names such as Simon Brette in the world of haute horlogerie.
Having unveiled his inaugural timepiece just in April 2023, Brette's craftsmanship has quickly turned heads. Producing a mere 12 handmade watches annually, the demand for his creations is astounding – with pieces spoken for through 2030. Many attendees at the GPHG event seized the rare opportunity to glimpse his watch in person, a sight elusive to most enthusiasts.
Every year, this annual exhibition showcases timepieces nominated for the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève – a competition dubbed the "Oscars of watchmaking" – and tours them around the world before the final awards ceremony in Geneva. This year, Macao proudly became the first host city on the exhibition's 2023 circuit, ahead of Hong Kong, Dubai, New York and Zurich.
Named TIMELESS, the two-day event featured 84 of the world's finest watches, valued collectively at nearly US$4.5 million, from across the award's 15 categories. These span jewelled watches, chronographs, divers' watches, timepieces with astronomical features and more. Eminent brands like Audemars Piguet, Bovet 1822, Chopard, Hermès, IWC Schaffhausen, Louis Vuitton, Piaget and Van Cleef & Arpels stood out, but the event is equally famous for giving a platform to independent names such as Simon Brette in the world of haute horlogerie.
Having unveiled his inaugural timepiece just in April 2023, Brette's craftsmanship has quickly turned heads. Producing a mere 12 handmade watches annually, the demand for his creations is astounding – with pieces spoken for through 2030. Many attendees at the GPHG event seized the rare opportunity to glimpse his watch in person, a sight elusive to most enthusiasts.
At the 2023 GPHG Exhibition, coveted timepieces from elite brands such as Bovet 1822 (left), Simon Brette (centre) and Audemars Piguet (right) graced the display - Photo by Sands China
With luxury lifestyle media, Tatler Asia, as the event's co-producer, the exhibition was held in The Londoner's exquisite atrium, a replica of the historic Crystal Palace. Guests were treated to a panel discussion at the VIP lounge of The Londoner Arena with notable industry figures such as Horoloupe's Austen Chu and GPHG's Carine Maillard, moderated by Tatler Asia's own watch connoisseur, Adrien Choux. Additionally, a Great Gatsby-themed lavish cocktail hour was held at The Club of Londoner Court, featuring live performances, free-flowing Moët & Chandon, a caviar bar, specially crafted signature drinks by Jay Khan from COA, hailed as Asia's top bar by Asia's 50 Best Bar, among other fine things.
On 26 September, the exhibition welcomed the public, offering a unique chance to explore the world's premier timepieces while enlightening masterclasses on watchmaking and watch-collecting were exclusively held for invited guests.
On 26 September, the exhibition welcomed the public, offering a unique chance to explore the world's premier timepieces while enlightening masterclasses on watchmaking and watch-collecting were exclusively held for invited guests.
With luxury lifestyle media, Tatler Asia, as the event's co-producer, the exhibition was held in The Londoner's exquisite atrium, a replica of the historic Crystal Palace. Guests were treated to a panel discussion at the VIP lounge of The Londoner Arena with notable industry figures such as Horoloupe's Austen Chu and GPHG's Carine Maillard, moderated by Tatler Asia's own watch connoisseur, Adrien Choux. Additionally, a Great Gatsby-themed lavish cocktail hour was held at The Club of Londoner Court, featuring live performances, free-flowing Moët & Chandon, a caviar bar, specially crafted signature drinks by Jay Khan from COA, hailed as Asia's top bar by Asia's 50 Best Bar, among other fine things.
On 26 September, the exhibition welcomed the public, offering a unique chance to explore the world's premier timepieces while enlightening masterclasses on watchmaking and watch-collecting were exclusively held for invited guests.
On 26 September, the exhibition welcomed the public, offering a unique chance to explore the world's premier timepieces while enlightening masterclasses on watchmaking and watch-collecting were exclusively held for invited guests.
Prominent celebrities like Thai actor Gulf Kanawut (left) and Taiwanese actor Yo Yang (right) attended the event at The Londoner Macao - Left image by Zed Leets, right image by Isaac Woo
Commenting on the decision to debut the 2023 GPHG Exhibition in Macao, Sean Fitzpatrick, chief experience officer from Tatler Asia, explained, "Macao is home to some of the world's most luxurious hotels, resorts, and state-of-the-art facilities. And then you have unique gems like The Londoner Macao, something you won't find anywhere else in the world."
"These high-level attractions really highlight Macao's emerging status as a luxury hotspot, tying it closely with upscale entertainment. It's no wonder that more top-tier brands are viewing the city as the ideal setting for rare and exclusive events."
"These high-level attractions really highlight Macao's emerging status as a luxury hotspot, tying it closely with upscale entertainment. It's no wonder that more top-tier brands are viewing the city as the ideal setting for rare and exclusive events."
Commenting on the decision to debut the 2023 GPHG Exhibition in Macao, Sean Fitzpatrick, chief experience officer from Tatler Asia, explained, "Macao is home to some of the world's most luxurious hotels, resorts, and state-of-the-art facilities. And then you have unique gems like The Londoner Macao, something you won't find anywhere else in the world."
"These high-level attractions really highlight Macao's emerging status as a luxury hotspot, tying it closely with upscale entertainment. It's no wonder that more top-tier brands are viewing the city as the ideal setting for rare and exclusive events."
"These high-level attractions really highlight Macao's emerging status as a luxury hotspot, tying it closely with upscale entertainment. It's no wonder that more top-tier brands are viewing the city as the ideal setting for rare and exclusive events."