The new time lord: Wei Koh on his first year as GPHG jury president
With just a week to go before the prestigious awards at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, Euronews Culture caught up with one of watchmaking's most charismatic figures, Wei Koh, founder of media company Revolution and, for the first time, jury president of GPHG, the "Oscars of watchmaking".
Wei Koh, a 54-year-old Singaporean, presides over the jury for the first time at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), the industry's most prestigious watch competition. With 84 nominated timepieces in the running, the jury will select 19 winners, including the coveted Aiguille d'Or prize for the most remarkable watch of the year.
Koh emphasizes the importance of singularity and unique voice in a watch, drawing parallels to iconic musicians like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Tupac. Among the contenders, he highlights a watch with the first ever grand sonnerie playing two different melodies for the quarter-hour chimes, a century-old balance-wheel technique revived, and a chronograph that redefines interaction with complications.
The 24-member jury will meet in Geneva to examine each piece, discuss, and vote by secret ballot ahead of the awards ceremony on November 7. Koh, known for his media work and documentary series "Man of the Hour," attributes his rise to meritocracy and a commitment to preserving the industry's principles. He believes mechanical watches remain relevant despite the rise of artificial intelligence, citing their durability and timeless appeal.
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