Cover Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, where the first GPHG exhibition in Vietnam took place (photo: provided by The Hour Glass)
Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, where the first GPHG exhibition in Vietnam took place (photo: provided by The Hour Glass)
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For the first time, the prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG) exhibition arrives in Vietnam.
Ahead of the 24th GPHG awards ceremony, scheduled for 13 November 2024 at the Theatre du Leman in Geneva, the iconic awards programme will include a special stop in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam will be the only Southeast Asian destination in this global showcase, with an exclusive exhibition hosted by The Hour Glass from 9 to 11 October 2024.
This marks a significant chapter in the evolution of Vietnam’s luxury watch market, underlining the country’s growing influence, potential, and appreciation for fine timepieces.
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GPHG’s first visit to Vietnam: notable highlights
Above Key Visual of GPHG 2024 exhibition in Vietnam (photo: provided by The Hour Glass)
Key Visual of GPHG 2024 exhibition in Vietnam (photo: provided by The Hour Glass)
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Often dubbed the “Oscars” of the horological world, the GPHG is an annual celebration of the finest achievements in watchmaking. Vietnam’s inclusion in this year’s programme makes it not only the sole Southeast Asian stop, but a pivotal destination on GPHG’s international journey. The exhibition offers watch aficionados the chance to view 90 of the year's most exceptional timepieces, with leading figures from the industry also in attendance.
The Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, long regarded as the “Cathedral of the Arts”, serves as the venue. Fusing classical Greek and Roman aesthetics with French architectural influences, the historic building offers an ideal backdrop for the event. This exquisite setting elevates the experience, presenting the showcased watches as works of art within a grand cultural and architectural tableau.
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GPHG 2024, Where the best of craftsmanship converges
Above The GPHG trophy at the 2023 exhibition (photo: provided by The Hour Glass)
The GPHG trophy at the 2023 exhibition (photo: provided by The Hour Glass)
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Founded in Geneva in 2001, the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG) has grown into a leading non-profit organisation, recognised for celebrating excellence in watchmaking while promoting horological artistry worldwide. After 23 successful editions, it remains one of the most anticipated occasions in the global watch calendar. Beyond expert validation, the award enhances the prestige and collectibility of the honoured timepieces.
In 2020, the GPHG Academy was established, signalling a shift in the nomination process. It now plays an instrumental role in proposing candidates, supplementing entries from established maisons. Currently, 970 academy members are voting in the preliminary round, selecting 90 outstanding models for this year’s competition. The winner receives the coveted GPHG trophy, a gold-plated bronze sculpture designed by TEC GROUP by Roger Pfund. Depicting a hand inspired by Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel fresco, it symbolises the human touch behind masterful watchmaking.
Above The Hour Glass hosts a special exhibition at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (photo: courtesy of The Hour Glass)
The Hour Glass hosts a special exhibition at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (photo: courtesy of The Hour Glass)
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GPHG journey: a meeting place for watch enthusiasts
Each year, GPHG embarks on a global roadshow, presenting the nominated timepieces to collectors and connoisseurs around the world. This year’s edition in Vietnam offers more than a chance to admire remarkable craftsmanship, bringing together thought leaders and horological minds in a space designed to inspire. Helping bring this to life is The Hour Glass, a leading global specialist in luxury watch retail.
Above GPHG 2023 Awards Ceremony (photo: provided by GPHG)
GPHG 2023 Awards Ceremony (photo: provided by GPHG)
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Mr Tran Thanh Hai, General Director of The Hour Glass Vietnam, shared: “GPHG is a distinctive platform that recognises innovation, design and artisanal skill in watchmaking. Choosing Ho Chi Minh City as a host reaffirms its rising prominence in the global watch scene, aligning with The Hour Glass’s commitment to cultivating watch culture and giving enthusiasts access to extraordinary timepieces.”
Meanwhile, Mr Raymond Loretan, Chairman of GPHG, remarked: “We are deeply appreciative of The Hour Glass’s support. This marks the first time GPHG has brought the nominated watches to Vietnam, a country with a passionate and growing community of collectors. The interplay between contemporary urban energy and enduring Vietnamese traditions creates a compelling stage for this inaugural event.”
