News • 28 Oct 2024
GPHG 2024 Exhibition in Vietnam: Celebrating Watchmaking Artistry
Vietnam had the honour of hosting one of the most important events in the watch industry – the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) 2024 Exhibition. The event took place at the iconic Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, capturing the attention of both watch enthusiasts and cultural aficionados.
The Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, illuminated in red on October 8, 2024, took centre stage as it welcomed the grand launch of the GPHG 2024 Exhibition. Preceding the GPHG awards ceremony scheduled for November 13 at the Théâtre du Léman in Geneva, 90 officially nominated watches were displayed in Ho Chi Minh City as part of GPHG’s world tour. Organised by The Hour Glass, the exhibition was open to the public from October 9 to 10.
The significance of this first-ever event in Vietnam was underscored by the presence of Mr. Raymond Loretan, President of GPHG, and Ms. Carine Maillard, Director of GPHG. Speaking at the event, Mr. Loretan shared heartfelt words about the event’s meaning, emphasising GPHG’s mission to promote watch culture in Vietnam:
“We are in Vietnam because we believe in its future, not only for the strength of its luxury sector, but also as a potential hub for innovation and creativity in watchmaking. This country’s economic dynamics makes it an ideal place for fostering new talents and promoting craftsmanship. Our aim here with this exhibition is not only to present extraordinary watches, but also to inspire future watchmakers and creators. So we really hope that this event sparks interest in the skills and profession involved in watchmaking and perhaps one day, sooner than later, we will have a Vietnamese-made watch competing for the GPHG. This would represent not only commercial success, but also a testament to Vietnam’s talents in this timeless craft”.
From the organising partners, Mr. Michael Tay – Group Managing Director of The Hour Glass Limited, Mr. Narun Thamavaranukup – Managing Director of PMT The Hour Glass, and Mr. Tran Thanh Hai – General Manager of The Hour Glass Vietnam were also present at the event. Sharing their pride in bringing GPHG to Ho Chi Minh City, while emphasising the great potential of the Vietnamese market, Mr. Tran Thanh Hai stated:
“The Hour Glass has cultivated a long-standing and rewarding relationship with GPHG, and we are truly thrilled to host this prestigious event alongside them. This year is particularly special, as we proudly celebrate Ho Chi Minh City being the only Southeast Asian city to host this traveling exhibition. This choice reaffirms the growing importance of Ho Chi Minh City in the global watchmaking world. It is a recognition of Vietnam’s importance in the watchmaking world, the growing status of this country as a watch hub and highlights the passion and sophistication of our local watch-collecting community. The selection of this city is perfectly aligned with The Hour Glass’ mission to advance watch culture, offering enthusiasts access to some of the world’s most extraordinary timekeepers.”
Watch enthusiasts in the region are presented with an opportunity to appreciate the finest examples of modern watchmaking. Visitors can appreciate all the nominees selected from 15 watch categories, including Men’s and Ladies’, Men’s & Ladies’ Complications, Iconic, Tourbillon, Calendar & Astronomy, Mechanical Exception, Time Only, Chronograph, Sports, Jewellery, Artistic Crafts, Challenge, and Petite Aiguille. Each category showcases outstanding timekeepers, providing viewers with a comprehensive view of the diversity and creativity in the watch industry.
The team at The Hour Glass Vietnam designed a unique exhibition space which celebrated the 90 nominated watches while showcasing Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Drawing inspiration from symbolic elements such as conical hats and meandering rivers, the design seamlessly blended modern aesthetics with distinctly Vietnamese influences. Every display was thoughtfully crafted to create the perfect setting to highlight and narrate the story behind each watch.
In addition to the unique watch display areas, the event offered engaging interactive experiences, including a photo booth activity and the opportunity to take pictures with a replica of the iconic GPHG trophy. Guests were also treated to a special musical performance by celebrated singer Phuong Vy. Accompanied by a classical orchestra, she brilliantly performed two songs, “Hello Vietnam” and “La Vie en Rose,” providing guests with an unforgettable musical experience.
The grand launch of the GPHG 2024 exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City unfolded in a refined atmosphere, capturing the attention of watch connoisseurs and cultural enthusiasts alike. With its exceptional combination of watchmaking craftsmanship, modern technology, and Vietnamese cultural influences, the GPHG 2024 exhibition stood out as a must-see event for horology lovers. It celebrated both innovation and tradition in watchmaking, while providing guests with a closer understanding of excellence in this renowned industry.