Christopher Ward becomes the first British brand to win a GPHG prize

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British watch company Christopher Ward’s C1 Bel Canto has been named winner of the ‘Petite Aiguille’ category at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) 2023 awards in Switzerland. Based in Maidenhead, Christopher Ward created history by becoming the first UK winner of a GPHG prize.

The annual GPHG awards celebrate excellence within watch and clockmaking, recognising exceptional creations and key contributors within the industry.⁠ The prizes are decided by the GPHG Jury, which comprises 30 industry experts – this year, led by British watch journalist and author Nick Foulkes.

The Bel Canto held off competition from the likes of Bulgari and Tudor in the Petite Aiguille class, which covers watches priced from CHF 2,000 to CHF 8,000 (Swiss Francs). All the watches were released between May 2022 and October 2023.

Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto
Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto

“We’re incredibly proud to win this award,” says Christopher Ward CEO Mike France. “Ever since day one, we’ve aimed to put quality timepieces in the hands of as many people as possible, and nothing symbolises that better than the C1 Bel Canto. Of course, the ultimate satisfaction comes from creating a piece of haute horlogerie our customers will treasure for years to come.”

The C1 Bel Canto launched on the 1st of November, 2022 and it was truly Christopher Ward’s finest hour. The chiming watch, limited to 300 pieces, sold out in just a few hours. This watch demonstrated, not just Christopher Ward’s ambition, but its commitment to bringing haute horlogerie to as many people as possible.

No brand has made the art of sound so accessible, or opened up the possibility of owning such high horological art to so many. And its chime has been heard around the world. The story of the C1 Bel Canto continues, with Christopher Ward creating an open-series version of the watch in new colours – Cielo, Noir, Purple, and Rosa.

“While we’re delighted with the result, this is a victory for the whole of UK horology. The sector is undergoing a renaissance, as can be seen with the foundation of the Alliance of British Watch and Clockmakers, and the growing number of indie watch brands making their mark. I’ve never felt more positive about British watchmaking!” says Mike France.