Grand Prix d'Horlogerie: The world's most prestigious watchmakers vie for l'Aiguille d'Or in Geneva

Watch enthusiasts are waiting for it. Manufacturers are holding their breath. The minutes are ticking away before one of the highlights of the watchmaking calendar: the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, or Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix.

After an international tour, the nominated timepieces were exhibited in Geneva. They are in the running for 20 prizes, including the prestigious Grand Prix de l'Aiguille d'Or.

These awards for watchmaking excellence are the result of a selection process overseen by more than 850 academics from around the world.

"The universal academy allows us to assert that we are impartial. It allows us to assert that we are universal since the academics come from all over the world, but also the watches selected come from all over the world," revealed Raymond Loretan, the president of Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève. 

"Finally, there is a third principle, which is that of solidarity: it's a call to all the brands to take part in this great festival of watchmaking, which celebrates the excellence of all the watchmaking professions."

The winners of this 23rd edition will be announced here in Geneva on 9 November. There are 90 timepieces in the competition.

One of the brands to stand out this year is Chopard, based in Geneva.

The independent luxury company, founded in 1860, has already won the Aiguille d'Or in 2017 thanks to its famous L.U.C. Full strike.

This year, four of its creations were nominated. Like this re-edition of the first timepiece in the L.U.C. Collection - named after the founder, Louis-Ulysse Chopard - in a creation made of recycled steel.

"One of our core values has always been creation and research," explained Caroline Scheufele, the co-president of Chopard. 

"Research into working with