Rexhep Rexhepi has won the top prize at the 2026 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, one of the most closely watched events in the international watch industry. The award places the independent watchmaker at the centre of the latest European luxury news, as Geneva once again hosts the ceremony widely regarded as the “Oscars of watchmaking”.
The result is the headline development from the 26th edition of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, known as the GPHG. The ceremony took place on Saturday 7 November 2026, following months of anticipation, official nominations and a travelling presentation of selected timepieces.
Rexhep Rexhepi takes the GPHG’s top honour
Rexhep Rexhepi’s victory is significant because the GPHG is not simply a commercial ranking. The awards are designed to recognise technical skill, design, craftsmanship and innovation across a broad range of mechanical and luxury watches.
Rexhepi has built a reputation as one of the leading figures in independent watchmaking. His work is associated with a highly refined approach to traditional watch construction, where the movement, finishing and proportions are central to the final object.
Winning the competition’s principal award gives the watchmaker international recognition at a time when collectors are paying close attention to smaller independent brands as well as established Swiss houses.
Why the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève matters
The GPHG has become an important annual meeting point for watchmakers, collectors, retailers, journalists and luxury consumers. Its categories cover different types of watches and acknowledge both major manufacturers and independent ateliers.
The event matters for several reasons:
- Craftsmanship: It highlights the work involved in creating, decorating and assembling complex mechanical watches.
- Independent makers: Smaller brands can gain visibility alongside companies with much larger production and marketing budgets.
- Collector interest: Awards can influence attention around rare or limited-production models.
- Swiss watchmaking: The ceremony reinforces Geneva’s position as a global centre for haute horlogerie.
- Industry direction: The nominated and winning watches offer a snapshot of current ideas in design, materials and mechanics.
Although the GPHG is rooted in Geneva, its influence extends well beyond Switzerland. The shortlisted watches are followed by collectors across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America, while winning brands often see increased attention in the specialist market.
From nominations to the final ceremony
The 2026 awards followed an international campaign that began with the announcement of the official nominees. Selected watches were presented during the GPHG world tour before the final ceremony in Geneva.
That process allows enthusiasts and professionals to examine the watches before the winners are revealed. It also turns the awards into more than a single-night event, with exhibitions and public displays helping audiences understand the range of work submitted.
The 2026 edition marked the 26th anniversary of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. Its longevity reflects the continuing appeal of mechanical watchmaking, even as the wider luxury sector adapts to changing consumer habits, digital marketing and growing interest in resale markets.
A wider spotlight on independent watchmaking
Rexhep Rexhepi’s success also underlines the role of independent watchmakers in shaping the modern luxury landscape. These makers typically produce watches in much smaller numbers than global groups, but their appeal often lies in hand finishing, technical detail and a strong individual design language.
For collectors, that scarcity can be part of the attraction. A prize at the GPHG can strengthen a maker’s profile, introduce its work to a broader audience and encourage new interest in pieces that may otherwise remain known mainly within specialist circles.
However, the award should not be interpreted as a guarantee of future resale performance. Watch values can be influenced by availability, condition, provenance, demand and wider economic conditions. The GPHG’s recognition is best understood as an assessment of artistic and technical achievement rather than investment advice.
What happens after the 2026 awards?
Attention will now shift from the ceremony to the winning watches and the response from collectors, retailers and the specialist press. The award results are likely to shape conversations about the most important developments in contemporary watchmaking over the coming year.
The event also provides a reference point for future industry coverage. As brands prepare new releases and collectors reassess the year’s standout models, the 2026 winners will remain part of discussions about independent craftsmanship, Swiss horology and the future of luxury watches.
For European luxury markets, the ceremony is another reminder that heritage and innovation continue to work together. Geneva’s watchmaking tradition remains influential, but the recognition given to independent creators shows that the industry’s most closely followed names do not always come from its largest companies.
Conclusion
Rexhep Rexhepi’s victory at the 2026 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève places independent craftsmanship at the centre of this year’s watchmaking conversation. The award confirms the continuing international importance of the Geneva ceremony and gives collectors a clear point of reference as they assess the year’s most notable luxury timepieces.