This year there are 15 categories, up from 14 last year, thanks to the new category: Mechanical Clock. This offers a greater variety of designs and creative possibilities, since participants no longer have to limit themselves to the dimensions of a wristwatch. Our friends at Trilobe, who found success with their wall/desk clock during the 2021 edition of Only Watch, are presenting it in competition to raise awareness of what they created in collaboration with concept artist Daniel buren. The remarkable Fontaine Aux Oiseaux, exhibited by Van Cleef & Arpels at Watches and Wonders, also competes in this category, highlighting the house’s signature blend of mechanical prowess and visual poetry.
Automaton Bird Fountain Van Cleef & Arpels
The whimsical spirit is fully expressed among the timepieces in competition this year. Konstantin Chaykin is a reckless clockmaker, whose eccentric “Joker” wristwatch sometimes masks the fact that he makes some of the world’s most complex astronomical clocks – more accurately, highly ornate (and decorative) mechanical computers. This year, he’s represented in four separate categories, but it’s his “Minions” wristwatch, inspired by the popular animated series, that makes us smile the most.
Famous animated characters are also featured in Bamford Watch Department and Reservoir watches, the former featuring Snoopy, everyone’s favorite beagle, and the latter featuring detective duo Blake and Mortimer from the eponymous comics. Louis Vuitton’s beloved mascot, Vivienne, appears in the Tambour Slim Vivienne Jumping Hours, while Takashi Murakami’s jubilant flower shines in the Hublot Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Sapphire Rainbow.
Drum Slim Vivienne Jumping Hours © Louis Vuitton
All in all, there’s a festive air to all the participating watches this year – watchmaking in 2022 is all regarding fun. Whether it’s the colorful exuberance of a peacock-themed watch from Chopard, the mechanical extravagance of MB&F’s first chronograph (and what a chronograph!), a phalanx of dancing bees in the flying tourbillon from Gucci or the extra-thin openworked Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” anniversary watch, this edition of the GPHG is filled with pieces that remind us that fine watchmaking is made to be enjoyed. Boring and overly serious luxury is a thing of the past.
G-Timeless Dancing Bees © Gucci
On that note, WorldTempus wishes good luck to all competing brands and, to the GPHG Academy, good vote!
To find all the pre-selected watches, Click here.
