GPHG 2013 - Exhibition in Macau
The Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve Timepieces Exhibition comes to the five-star Galaxy Macau™'s East Square, Macau's hottest venue for special events and exhibitions, from 15 to 18 October.
The exhibition, sponsored by the Edmond de Rothschild Group and organised in collaboration with the leading luxury magazine Hong Kong Tatler, is traveling the world with a selection of 69 of the world's finest timepieces prior to the annual year-end awards ceremony in Geneva in November, known as the "Oscars of watchmaking". Featured items are collectively valued at over HK$49 million and were selected from the competition's 10 categories. They bring together the essence of exceptional watchmaking at its best.
The Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG) was founded in 2001 to salute and reward excellence in watchmaking. It is regarded as the world's most prestigious watchmaking award. The GPHG tour showcases the nominees for the highly coveted "Aiguille d'Or" Grand Prix around the world ahead of the grand awards ceremony on 15 November.
The tour first arrived in China in 2011, with exhibitions held in Hong Kong and Shanghai. Galaxy Macau will host the tour's Macau debut this year. The resort, regarded as The New Palace of Asia and renowned for its "World Class, Asian Heart" hospitality, was identified as the perfect partner for this prestigious exhibition based on its luxurious surroundings and previous successful associations with some of the world's most highly regarded brands.
Award categories include Grande Complication, Ladies' Watch, Ladies' Complications, Men's Watch, Men's Complications, Innovation, Jewellery, Artistic Crafts, Sports and the "Petite Aiguille" (under CHF 7500 ). This year two new prizes will be presented: the "Horological Revelation" prize for exceptional achievement by a young brand, and the "Revival" prize for best contemporary reinterpretation of an iconic model. Watch enthusiasts are also invited to help choose the winner of the Public Prize by voting for their favourite on the award event's website - www.gphg.org - , or via GPHG 's mobile application. Those who vote will be entered in a prize draw to win a luxury timepiece.
This year the multidisciplinary international jury has been extended to comprise 23 illustrious members, including creative talent Philippe Starck, celebrity jeweller Viren Bhagat, renowned architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte and American rock star John Mayer. The panel will be chaired by leading authority Aurel Barcs, the international directo r of Christie's watch department.
The GPHG and Edipresse Group are teaming up to bring the exclusive travelling exhibition to Macau for the first time, following their collaborative success in 2011 and 2012. Edipresse publication Hong Kong Tatler, Asia's leading lifestyle magazine, has been selected as the official event organiser, and sister publication Revolution, the region's most influential luxury timepiece magazine, will be the supporting media.
Commenting on the event, CEO and Publisher of Edipresse Asia Barrie C. Goodridge said, "Edipresse is proud to once again help the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve present the finest timepieces, chosen by an international panel of globally acknowledged creative authorities. This event marks the appreciation of the best horological masterpieces in the world, and it's perfectly aligned with Edipresse's core luxury business and the authority our group enjoys in the luxury industry in Asia. It is with particular pleasure that we are introducing this competition to Macau, one of the world's most desirable destinations for top-tier luxury brands and international designer names."
The showcase will be held in Galaxy Macau's 2,100 - square - meter East Square, Macau's leading venue for multipurpose leisure and entertainment. Ms Janette Kendall, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Galaxy Macau, said, "Guests and visitors to The New Palace of Asia expect unique experiences, so we're excited to showcase some the world's most precious timepieces for them. Galaxy Mac au has some of the most discerning VIP customers in Macau, and we're sure they will be impressed by the 69 watches on display at East Square."
Carlo Lamprecht, President of GPHG, commented, "The GPHG bears eloquent testimony to this vibrant art, and it showcases the incredible skill of the actors on this particular professional stage. With the 13rd annual awards show and exhibition, we strive to promote and nurture this profession by guaranteeing its transparency and globalisation, helping it evolve - and most of all, by saluting the excellence and creativity of watchmakers production, in a competitive yet unifying spirit."
Single-day admission to the event costs MOP 100. Attendees may also purchase a VIP pass for MOP680, which entitles them to a complimentary glass of Perrier-Jouet Champagne and unlimited, prioritised entry to the three-day exhibition with an accompanying guest. Galaxy Privilege Club members, hotel guests, and those who spend more than MOP500 at Galaxy Macau restaurants and retail outlets, are entitled to a 50 per cent discount. Galaxy Macau's watch retailers, including IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget and Van Cleef & Arpels will have privilege offers to the guests when presenting the exhibition entrance ticket upon purchase at their shops.
Information of the finalist timepieces of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve