Most notably, the grand prize 2014  “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix went to the Breguet Classique Chronométrie Ref. 7727. Upon first glance, it might look like a classic fairly uncomplicated watch, but that’s where this piece deceives most. The watch is the result of many years of hard work at Breguet that has led to six new patents. The magnetic pivot is a unique development from Breguet that removes the issues that magnetism causes on watch movements. They’ve also included several silicon components. Furthermore, they go beyond to actually use a magnet to support the balance pivots, creating a system that adjusts itself after a shock. What does this all lead to? an extremely tough movement with high accuracy. Breguet are rating it in the range of -1 to +3 seconds a day, well within COSC standards.  Enough? not for a GPHG Aiguille d’Or winner, the watch has been supercharged to beat at 10Hz, allowing Breguet to measure down to the 20th of a second. To round it all off, this 40,000 Swiss Francs wtch has six patterns of hand guilloché work. Understated and impressive.

The Women’s Watch prize went to the Blanpain Off-Centered Hour

The Chronograph prize went to the De Bethune DB29 Maxichrono Tourbillon, whereas we secretly hoped it would be the Omega Dark Side of the Moon. Although the Omega did win the Revival prize.

Our A. Lange & Söhne hopeful, the Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar “Terraluna” unfortunately didn’t win the grand prize but it did pick up the Calendar prize.

The Urwerk EMC picked up the Mechanical Exception prize, although we favoured the Hublot La Ferrari, the EMC is a very deserving piece.

Finally our Petite Aiguille favourite, the Grand Seiko Hi Beat GMT did win.

Perhaps we will have better luck next picking the winners.