GPHG updates

There have been some gphg.org/en/news/new-features-of-the-gp…to the operations of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) - the biggest circle-jerk in the watch world.

First off, they are expanding the GPHG Academy to 960 people - the community of experts and enthusiasts who nominate timepieces for competition categories and select winners.

They will also feature new prize categories and adjustments to existing ones. For instance, instead of the Innovation Prize, there will be a focus on sustainability, with the new Eco-Innovation Prize, awarded to timepieces emphasising sustainable and traceable watchmaking developments.

Additionally, the Time Only category will highlight classic watches with two or three hands and no complications, while the Mechanical Clock category has been temporarily suspended to allow watchmakers “time to innovate.” *eye roll*

The most interesting one is the adjustment to price ranges for certain categories; the Petite Aiguille category now includes watches priced between CHF 3,000 and CHF 10,000, and the Challenge category is now reserved for watches costing less than CHF 3,000, instead of 2,000 - makes sense, as they’re all raising prices, sub-2k is somewhat pointless now.