Who Decides the Best Watches of the Year?

On November 13, the 2025 GPHG winners will be announced in Geneva. But who actually decides which watches win? The 30-member jury is composed of Academy members from a wide range of fields: watchmakers, collectors, journalists, gallerists, and industry experts from around the world.
I am particularly pleased about two jury members whom I personally know: Konstantin Chaykin and Rexhep Rexhepi. I’ve met both at various events – Baselworld, AHCI gatherings, and Konstantin also at the Masters of Horology 2024.

Konstantin Chaykin – The Russian Inventor

Born in 1975, Konstantin Chaykin began his career as an independent watchmaker in St. Petersburg in 2003 and became an official AHCI member in 2010. He remains the only Russian watchmaker to have been accepted into this international association.

What makes Chaykin special is his multitude of patents and the recognition he received from the World Intellectual Property Organization with the WIPO Award. His manufacture is the only Russian luxury watch brand that produces exclusively high-end, locally made timepieces. His Joker watches are legendary – provocative, emotional, and technically brilliant.

In personal conversations, I am always impressed by his combination of technical innovation and artistic vision. A true inventor type.

Rexhep Rexhepi – The Young Genius from Geneva

Rexhep Rexhepi founded Akrivia in 2012 at just 25 years old; today he is 36. His entirely handmade watches explain why he produces fewer than 50 pieces per year.

Since its launch in 2012, he has become one of the brightest stars in independent watchmaking, combining traditional techniques with a modern edge. His Chronomètre Contemporain series and the AK-06 rank among the most sought-after independent watches worldwide.

What always fascinates me when we meet: his calm precision paired with youthful energy. A perfectionist in the best sense.

The Complete 2025 Jury

President:

• Nick Foulkes (Historian, Author, Journalist / UK)

Members:

Media & Journalists:

• Carlos Alonso (Founder Tiempo de Relojes and SIAR / Mexico)
• Wei Koh (Founder Revolution & The Rake Magazine / Singapore/Switzerland)
• Brice Lechevalier (GMT Magazine, WorldTempus / Switzerland)
• Barbara Palumbo (Watch and Jewelry Journalist / USA)
• Bill Prince (Editor-in-Chief Wallpaper* & The Blend / UK)
• Shining Zhu (Independent Watch and Jewelry Journalist / China)

Watchmakers & Industry:

• Konstantin Chaykin (Independent Watchmaker / Russia)
• Rexhep Rexhepi (Watchmaker, Founder Akrivia / Switzerland)
• Bernhard Lederer (Independent Master Watchmaker / Switzerland)
• Christoph Grainger-Herr (CEO IWC Schaffhausen / Switzerland)
• Carole Kasapi (TAG Heuer Strategy Director / Switzerland)
• Jean-Michel Piguet (President Chronométrophilia / Switzerland)
• Arnaud Faivre (Founder TEC Group / Switzerland)
• Lucien Steinmann (Co-CEO Positive Coating SA / Switzerland)

Collectors & Experts:

• Michael Hickcox (Collector / USA)
• Ahmed Rahman (Collector and Entrepreneur / UK)
• Auro Montanari (Collector, Author of Vintage Watches / Italy)
• Shusheng Zhang (Collector, President Macau Horologe Association / China)

Retail & Auction Houses:

• Jonathon Burford (SVP Sotheby’s / USA)
• Greg Simonian (President Westime / USA)
• Michael Tay (Managing Director Hour Glass Limited / Singapore)
• Yasho Saboo (Founder Ethos and Taratec / India)
• The Earl of Snowdon (Honorary Chairman Christie’s EMEA / UK)

Design & Culture:

• Jack Carlson (Designer, President J. Press / USA)
• Anne de Pontonx (Co-Founder Françoise Paris / France)
• Xavier Perrenoud (Founder XJC, Professor ECAL / Switzerland)
• Helen Molesworth (Senior Curator Victoria and Albert Museum / UK)
• Laurence Nicolas (CEO Baccarat / France)

Science:

• Pierre-Yves Donzé (Professor of Business History, Osaka University / Japan)

A Balanced Mix

What stands out is the geographical diversity (USA, UK, Switzerland, Germany, Singapore, China, Japan, India, Italy, Mexico, Russia) and the breadth of expertise. From practicing watchmakers to collectors and museum curators – every perspective is represented.
Especially noteworthy: with Chaykin and Rexhepi, two true masters of their craft sit on the jury. They know from personal experience what real innovation in watchmaking means. 😉
On November 13, these 30 individuals will decide who created the best watches of 2025. I can’t wait to see their choices.

I have highlighted the watches up for selection here:
List of watches nominated for the GPHG 2025.

The complete list and more information: https://www.gphg.org/en/gphg-2025/jury