Wei Koh to lead 2026 GPHG jury as industry awards shift to English

OPA WIRE, Oct 30 (OPA) — Wei Koh, a prominent figure in watch media, takes the helm of the 2026 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) jury. The competition features 84 nominated watches vying for 19 prizes, including the prestigious Aiguille d'Or. A 24-member jury will convene behind closed doors in early November to evaluate the entries through secret ballot, continuing a tradition of rigorous debate established by previous jury presidents.

This year’s competition introduces structural changes, replacing traditional gender-based categories with criteria focused on technical innovation. Koh, who has spent two decades advocating for broader accessibility in horology, noted that the ceremony will be conducted entirely in English for the first time. The shift aims to engage a global audience, reflecting the industry's ongoing efforts to modernize its presentation while maintaining its heritage.

Koh emphasized that the jury seeks "singularity" in the nominated pieces, looking for contributions that advance the craft of mechanical watchmaking. Among the contenders are complex movements, including a grand sonnerie capable of playing two distinct melodies and a chronograph featuring a redesigned user interface. These pieces represent the technical artistry that has kept mechanical watchmaking relevant despite the rise of digital technology.

As the industry faces the 2026 awards, Koh maintains that mechanical watches offer a necessary contrast to the ephemeral nature of the digital age. He points to the growing interest among major technology executives as evidence of the enduring appeal of horology. The winners will be announced on November 7 at the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices in Geneva, with the event broadcast live on GPHG platforms.