The Watchonista Academy: Our Staff Favorites from the GPHG 2026 Finalists, Part I

As a general rule, Watchonista likes to stay out of the prediction business. However, while this year’s impressive slate of nominees for the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) makes that job harder than ever, it also makes chiming in with some passionate, opinionated feedback ahead of the awards simply irresistible.

We imagine the 25-member jury for this year’s awards feels a similar level of excitement – and challenge – as they select the ultimate winners. In fact, we found declaring our favorites so daunting that we are sharing them in two parts.

So, without further ado, here is the first round of Watchonista staff picks from the GPHG 2026 finalists. Best of luck to all the nominees!

Ashken Longet, Director
Mechanical Exception: Konstantin Chaykin ThinKing Mystery

I’m drawn to watchmakers who refuse to behave, and Konstantin Chaykin is gloriously guilty. The ThinKing Mystery is horology with a twisted sense of humor: clever, unconventional, and far more interesting than just another pretty dial.

At just 1.65mm thick, it also holds the record as the world’s thinnest mechanical wristwatch, which is proof that serious engineering doesn’t have to take itself seriously.

Mike Espindle, Executive Editor
Chronograph: TAG Heuer Monaco Evergraph

While TAG Heuer’s similar (but very different) Monaco Chronograph is up for a “Petite Aiguille” prize this year, the TAG Heuer Monaco Evergraph is my favored nominee in the Chronograph category because of its chronography innovation, plain and simple.

While it is a safe bet that TAG will keep launching innovative new technology on an elevated Monaco model, this timepiece’s so-called “compliant” (meaning flexible) pusher components change the game, delivering benefits in functionality, efficiency, and, most notably, tactile pusher feel.

For me, this is such a big deal that I can easily foresee a day in the not-so-distant future when this compliant approach defines the next generation of wrist-worn chronographs.

Rhonda Riche, Editor-at-Large
Gemset: Piaget Swinging Pebble

The Piaget Swinging Pebble pendant watch is my pick for the Gemset category because it is all gem.

First, the case is made of semi-precious pietersite, carefully selected for its color intensity, and sculpted into an organic shape. Then another slice of the stone is made into the dial. Finally, diamonds decorate the bezel and bale.

To quote the theme song of the 1980s Saturday morning cartoon series Jem:

It’s truly, truly, truly outrageous.

Sébastien Aeberli, Design, Content & Social Media
Sports: IWC Big Pilot’s Perpetual Calendar Ceralume®

My pick for the Sports category is the IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Ceralume® because, for me, its bold design and luminous ceramic, which produces a striking blue glow in the dark, immediately set it apart.

Firstly, the perpetual calendar and seven-day power reserve complement its distinctive appearance. Moreover, I appreciate IWC’s willingness to explore new materials while staying true to the Big Pilot’s strong identity. This watch offers an engaging mix of innovation, character, and technical ambition.

Elena Fichtel, Deputy Managing Editor
Time-Only: Piaget Polo 79 Sodalite

As my staff pick for Watches and Wonders 2026, choosing the Piaget Polo 79 Sodalite as my favorite finalist in the Time-Only category was a no-brainer for me. And, just as I wrote back in April, the big draw for me is the sodalite dial.

Moreover, beyond finding the mineral’s intense royal-blue color and ghost-like wisps of white veining inherently pleasing to look at, I’m also choosing this finalist because of how it takes advantage of the exquisite natural contrast between the sodalite mineral and the brushed and polished white gold of the Polo 79’s signature gadroons, case, and bracelet.

Victoria Bouniot, Managing Partner, VVAgency
Tourbillon: David Candaux DC6 Night Forest

I’ve always had a soft spot for David Candaux, and I genuinely admire his talent as an independent watchmaker. The competition in this category is incredibly strong, but my vote goes to the DC6 Night Forest.

Its 30° inclined flying tourbillon, titanium movement, and patented Magic Crown are impressive examples of his technical creativity. I think David deserves more recognition for his work, and I would absolutely love to see him win!

Stay tuned for the second part, coming up just before the award show. Plus, for more information about the finalists, check out our GPHG 2026 event page!