The Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) is a yearly event in November that celebrates the excellence of watchmaking. For the first time, Vietnam will be hosting the GPHG Exhibition in conjunction with The Hour Glass. Right after its stint in Ho Chi Minh, the exhibition will continue its journey to New York, Geneva, and Bucharest.

Vietnam is the only Southeast Asian country to host the GPHG Exhibition this year and it joins the list that includes Kuala Lumpur, which played a part in last year's proceedings. The iconic Saigon Opera House in Ho Chi Minh City will host the GPHG Exhibition, featuring all the watches nominated for the prestigious award.

Here are all the dates and locations for the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève Exhibitions:

• Hong Kong (September 28th - September 30th)
• Ho Chi Minh (October 10th - 11th)
• New York (October 18th - 21st)
• Geneva (October 31st - November 17th)
• Bucharest (November 22nd - 23rd)

Each November, the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève awards ceremony celebrates and unites the watchmaking industry by honouring exceptional horological creations for the year. The annual GPHG awards ceremony is often seen as the 'Oscars' of the watch industry as it's often viewed as the essential event of the year for collectors and enthusiasts alike. This will be the 24th GPHG awards ceremony since its inception in 2001, which will take place at the Théâtre du Léman in Geneva, Switzerland on November 13th.

The Hour Glass will be part of the GPHG's only stop in Southeast Asia with a special exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City between October 10th and 11th. This will take place after its exhibition in Hong Kong, which will be between September 28th - 30th. The Vietnam edition of the GPHG Exhibition will be held at Ho Chi Minh City's iconic Saigon Opera House, often referred to as the 'Cathedral of Art'.

Completed in 1900, the Saigon Opera House features a timeless blend of Greek-Roman architecture and was designed by French architects, which showcases its artistic display in full effect. This will serve as the perfect backdrop for the upcoming GPHG exhibition that promises a harmonious celebration of art, architecture, and culture amidst an assemblage of horological creations.

The Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève was founded in 2001 as a non-profit foundation with a commitment to celebrating and recognising while promoting the art of watchmaking worldwide. Having had 23 award ceremonies in the past, the 24th edition of the GPHG will feature 90 watches that are nominated for the 2024 competition. Pre-selected nominations will be announced on August 27th.

The nominations will be chosen by the GPHG Academy with its 970 members currently engaged in the first round of voting to select the 90 watches. The academy was founded back in 2020 to embody the values of neutrality, independence, and universality. Members will not only propose eligible watch models alongside traditional brand entries, but they will also participate in voting to determine the winners.

And it is because of its over two-decades-long existence that the GPHG has managed to solidify its status as the pinnacle event in the watchmaking industry. Each GPHG award is highly coveted by the industry as it provides greater recognition amongst one's peers as well as enhances the overall desirability it will bring to the community.

As for the award, the iconic GPHG trophy was crafted entirely out of gilded bronze by the TEC group and was created by graphic designer Roger Pfund from Geneva, Switzerland. Pfund was also responsible for designing not only the Swiss passport but also a large number of Swiss Francs bank notes. The design for the trophy features a hand that symbolises skill and mastery, two crucial aspects that are key to the watchmaking trade.

Pfund's inspiration for the trophy derived from the fresco on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, which was painted by none other than Michelangelo. It showcases when God touched Adam's extended hand to give him life while also symbolising the memory and passing of knowledge.

If you will be in Vietnam during the first full week in October, be sure to stop by the Saigon Opera House to check out the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève Exhibition, happening on October 10th and 11th.