Just before Christmas, several dozen of the world’s most important watch industry executives, media members, and super-collectors gather in Geneva to decide the best watches released that year. It’s an event called the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).
Understandably, GPHG winners usually command eye-watering prices, but in 2023, there were three pieces that collected awards that you can purchase for under AU$7,000.
Check them out below.
Sports Watch Prize: Tudor Pelagos 39
I’m a little biased when it comes to the Tudor Pelagos 39 because almost immediately after shooting the video below and returning the loan watch I had in hand, I went out and bought myself one. I’ve been in the game for more than a few years now, and there’s something about this watch I haven’t found combined in any other timepiece so far.
The 39mm case is perfect for most wrists, the titanium build is as solid as it is lightweight, and the bezel, clasp and crown are all a pleasure to interact with. I had little doubt the Tudor Pelagos 39 would make the list of GPHG finalists for dive watches, but I’m very happy to see it take out the win and get the recognition it deserves.
It’ll cost you a little more than it did when it was first released, but I challenge you to find a dive watch for the same money (or less!) that can compete in terms of specs, build quality, accuracy, and design. If you have a chance to experience one in the metal, I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Petite Aiguille Prize (Best Watch Between CHF 2,000 & CHF 8,000): Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto
Another worthy winner is the futuristic-looking and impressively complex Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto, which took out the mid-tier watch category in terms of pricing (around $3,500 to $14,000). While it might be a little overwhelming at first glance, the looping coil that makes its way twice around the bottom of the dial is actually a chiming gong, which ‘dings’ once an hour. The Swiss call this a Sonnerie au Passage, and if you investigate almost any other chiming watches you’ll quickly realise they generally cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, making this Christopher Ward a particularly compelling proposition.
Challenge Watch Prize (Best Watch Under CHF 2,000): Raymond Weil Millésime Automatic Small Seconds
Among the winners was, refreshingly, Raymond Weil awarded the 2023 GPHG prize for best watch under CHF 2,000 (the currency conversion isn’t kind to Australians). The neatly proportioned time-only watch features a sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock, it measures 39.5mm in diameter and just 10.25mm thick, making it a strong contender for a solid everyday dress watch. Powered by an automatic movement and offering a splash-proof 50m of water resistance, there’s decent value to enjoy here alongside a retro/sector dial with alluring vintage appeal.
