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

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 (click HERE to check out Part I).

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

Ashken Longet, Director
Calendar and Astronomy: Audemars Piguet 150 Heritage

With the 150 Heritage, Audemars Piguet is showing just how far mechanical horology can be pushed.

Combining an extraordinary range of calendar and astronomical indications in a single timepiece, it’s a technical statement that balances historical legitimacy with unapologetic ambition. For me, that’s what makes it compelling.

Mike Espindle, Executive Editor
“Petite Aiguille”: Frederique Constant Worldtimer Manufacture

I’m still reeling a bit from watchmaker Frederique Constant’s unveiling of a superb, world timer wristwatch for about $6,000 at this year’s Watches and Wonders. The GPHG limits the “Petite Aiguille” (or “hour hand”) category to production watches between CHF 4,500 and CHF 10,000, and while competition is stiff, this might be something of a layup for Frederique Constant, IMHO.

While the watchmaker has always focused on making classic complications more accessible, this timepiece shakes that philosophy up considerably. If, like me, you have always been fascinated by world timers, you just ran out of reasons not to take the step into the true global timing pool.

Rhonda Riche, Editor-at-Large
Artistic Crafts: L. Leroy Vox Temporis

My second pick, the L. Leroy Vox Temporis, combines many fanciful mechanical complications, including a rotating dial, a minute repeater, and a flying tourbillon. Even more interestingly, it’s also a montre à tact (a.k.a. a watch that you read the time by feel or touch). It also uses equally challenging decorative techniques: An arrow points to an arrangement of diamonds and pearls around the case that serve as an hour hand and markers.

Moreover, the dial features hand-guilloché in a radial finiqué pattern and is then finished with a translucent varnish. I like the Vox Temporis for the Artistic Crafts prize because it offers so many artisanal touches while making them look effortless.

Sébastien Aeberli, Design, Content & Social Media
Time-Only: Chopard L.U.C 1860

My personal favorite in this category is the Chopard L.U.C 1860 because of its understated elegance and beautifully balanced 36.5mm proportions. Moreover, its Areuse Blue hand-guilloché gold dial gives the watch a distinctive character, while its design feels both timeless and contemporary.

I particularly appreciate the subtle details and classic aesthetics, which make the L.U.C 1860 elegant without feeling overly formal. It is a thoughtful expression of traditional Swiss watchmaking and a worthy choice in this category.

Elena Fichtel, Deputy Managing Editor
Tourbillon: Girard-Perregaux Laureato Fifty Three Gold Bridges

In a twist that surprised even me, my favorite watch in the Tourbillon category is the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Fifty Three Gold Bridges.

I wasn’t expecting this to be one of my favorite finalists, but of all the sports watches with integrated bracelets released in the 1970s, including the Patek Philippe Nautilus and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, I have always been a bit more partial to the Laureato. So, combining the Laureato design with Girard-Perregaux’s iconic Three Bridges architecture makes this watch the clear winner for me.

Victoria Bouniot, Managing Partner, VVAgency
Jewellery: Jacob & Co, Billionaire Double Tourbillon Angel-Cut Diamonds

For me, the Jewellery category is where Jacob & Co. should shine and where its Billionaire Double Tourbillon Angel-Cut Diamonds truly deserves a win because Jacob is a jeweler at heart, and his extraordinary talent for working with precious stones has always set him apart.

Besides, who else would come up with the idea of creating an entirely new diamond cut, spend two years developing it in-house, patent its 37-facet design, and name it after his wife, Angela? Lastly, with the brand celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, I can’t think of a better anniversary gift than seeing Jacob take home a GPHG award!

For more information about tomorrow’s awards ceremony, check out our GPHG 2026 event page!