From Shanghai to Dubai: Swiss Watchmaking on World Tour
The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève has kicked off its 2025 world tour in Shanghai, showcasing Swiss and international watchmaking at Bund 33. The exhibition highlights both artistry and diplomacy, marking 75 years of China-Switzerland relations.
The 2025 edition of the The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) world tour began on Monday in Shanghai, where the city’s historic Bund 33 provided a striking backdrop for the launch. The exhibition runs until October 8 and features 84 nominated watches and six mechanical clocks competing for this year’s awards.
Organized in partnership with Hantang Culture, the showcase brings together over 50 brands and presents a curated display inspired by the Chinese cyclical perception of time. Beyond watchmaking craftsmanship, the event also celebrates the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Switzerland.
Cultural Rediscovery
«For more than two decades, Hantang Culture has grown in step with the fine watchmaking industry,» said Jessica Yu, founder and president of Hantang Culture, adding that hosting the event in Shanghai is both a cultural rediscovery and «a powerful statement of renewed confidence across the industry».
Raymond Loretan, president of the GPHG Foundation, highlighted China’s importance as one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
«Launching our world tour in Shanghai thus holds special significance,» he noted, thanking Hantang Culture for its role in bringing together Swiss watchmaking and Chinese perspectives on time.
Shanghai, Istanbul, Geneva, Dubai
After Shanghai, the travelling exhibition will head to Istanbul for the first time from October 15 to 20. It will then move to Geneva’s Musée d’Art et d’Histoire from October 29 to November 16. The awards ceremony itself takes place in Geneva on November 13, marking the 25th edition of the GPHG, and will be broadcast live on gphg.org at 6 p.m. CET. Finally, Dubai Watch Week will welcome the winning timepieces from November 19 to 23.
This year’s GPHG brings together 90 nominated timepieces competing for 20 prizes, including the prestigious «Aiguille d’Or» Grand Prix. The exhibition underscores the creativity, expertise, and vitality of contemporary watchmaking, while also acting as a cultural bridge between East and West.
