Marking The Hours With GPHG 2026 Aiguille d’Or Winner, Rexhep Rexhepi

I had a feeling this was going to happen. In fact, I had said it even before the results were announced. Rexhep Rexhepi was one of my favourite watchmakers of the year, and his work had caught my attention for all the right reasons. So, when I found myself sitting across from him, fresh from his big win at the 2026 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), I couldn't resist reminding him that I had predicted it. 

There are watchmakers who make beautiful watches, and then there are those who make you stop and think about what watchmaking really stands for. Rexhep Rexhepi belongs to the latter. Fresh from winning the coveted Aiguille d’Or Grand Prix at the 2026 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), I caught up with the independent watchmaker to talk about recognition, the growing appeal of independent watchmaking, staying true to his vision and why making a good watch at the right price matters more than ever.

There was a smile, a congratulations and then a conversation with a watchmaker who, despite receiving one of the industry's highest honours, seemed remarkably grounded. Rexhepi had just won the Aiguille d’Or Grand Prix, the most prestigious distinction at the GPHG, for his Chronograph Flyback. It was a significant moment, not just for him but for independent watchmaking. Yet, when I asked how it felt to finally take home the big one, his response was refreshingly honest. 

"It was actually the third one, but I have to tell you, I've always been dreaming about the big one," he said. For someone who has already experienced the thrill of GPHG recognition, this particular win clearly meant something more. "It's an incredible organisation. We work hard, but at the same time, we've been very lucky. I think we had some luck with us. Sometimes you can put it all together at the same time, and the result of this watch was nice. I'm happy that the jury appreciates it." There was, however, one unexpected consequence of winning. Pressure. "You want to do better now," he admitted. And that, I suppose, is the interesting thing about recognition. It celebrates what you have achieved, but it also raises expectations about what comes next.

Staying true to the dream

I was curious to know whether an award of this stature would change anything about the way he approaches watchmaking. Would he create more watches? Would the creative direction evolve? Or would the recognition influence the way he looks at the industry? His answer was immediate. "No. Since I'm 14, I've been passionate about watchmaking. When I was 16 or 17, I started really dreaming a bit more. Actually, all these dreams have always been with me."

For Rexhepi, the award is less a turning point than an additional source of motivation. He has a plan, and he intends to stick to it. "It just gives you more motivation. It's the only way of changing, maybe. But we have enough challenges, we have enough things. I'm just focused on what I have to do. I have my plan, I stick to my plan, and let's see how it works in the future."

I liked that answer. In an industry where success can sometimes bring an almost immediate pressure to expand, diversify or capitalise on momentum, there is something reassuring about a watchmaker who is content to concentrate on the workbench and the next creation.

Is independent watchmaking having its moment?

Independent watchmaking has undoubtedly become one of the most exciting conversations in the industry. Collectors are increasingly looking beyond established names, paying closer attention to the individuals behind the watches and the ideas that drive their creations. With independent watchmakers enjoying greater visibility, I wanted to know where Rexhepi thought this movement was headed. His response was thoughtful, and perhaps a little cautious. "I just hope it's not a trend. If we look at the past, it's always been like this. Sometimes people focus more on independents, sometimes less. Let's see what happens in the future."

He believes that ultimately, good watchmaking will stand the test of time. "If you're doing a good job, a good job should stay there. If you do less, maybe at some point you will see the results. You just have to do a good job, and the good ones will always stay around. Maybe some others will disappear, but I hope everyone will be there." It is a rather simple philosophy, but one that says a great deal about his approach. For him, independent watchmaking should not be about riding a wave of popularity. It should be about consistently delivering something that deserves to exist.

The importance of leaving something on the table

Of everything we discussed, this was perhaps the part of our conversation that stayed with me the most. I wanted to understand what he believed was behind the success of his watches. Was it the craftsmanship? The community of collectors? The exclusivity of independent watchmaking? Or something else altogether? He wasn't entirely sure himself, but he brought up a piece of advice from a friend that has stayed with him. "One of my friends used to tell me, you have to leave something on the table."

He went on to explain that his focus is on creating the best possible watch, putting in the effort, being creative, delivering exceptional workmanship and, importantly, pricing it well. "For me, to do a watch where you put a lot of effort, where you're trying to be creative, where you're doing good work and you price it well, I think even if it's a rainy day, maybe this watch will survive. So this is what I'm just focusing on. I want to do the best watch possible for the best price possible, to give a lot of love. And that's it. To be kind."

There was something particularly compelling about this answer. In a segment where exclusivity and escalating prices often dominate conversations, Rexhepi was talking about value, consideration and respect. Not value in the conventional sense of resale or investment, but the value of the hours, skill and human effort that go into making a mechanical watch.

"At the end, we are doing a watch. It's a métier. It's an incredible industry, but we don't need a watch. I don't think you buy watches today because you need a watch. You're actually investing in the craftsmanship." And that, for him, comes with a responsibility. "This is why we have to respect it even more. And we have to respect the people who are interested in us."

Perhaps this is also what makes his approach resonate with collectors. There is an honesty in knowing that the person making your watch genuinely cares about what goes into it, what it represents and the people who choose to own it. Rexhepi wants to build something for the long term, rather than chase immediate success. Having started his independent journey 14 years ago, he is still very much focused on what lies ahead.

Inspiration comes from everywhere

Naturally, I wanted to know which watchmakers he looks up to. Was there someone whose work had particularly influenced his own journey? As expected, he wasn't going to single out just one name. He spoke fondly of Sean Curry, while also acknowledging younger watchmakers such as Rémy Cools. "I like a lot of them. You have a lot of good guys, to tell you the truth. A lot, a lot. And now we're looking forward to seeing how they go."

It was an answer that reflected his appreciation for the wider watchmaking community. For someone who has built a reputation as one of the most compelling independent watchmakers of his generation, there is clearly no shortage of respect for the people working alongside him. I also couldn't resist asking about his personal watch collection. After all, when you spend your life creating exceptional timepieces, what do you choose to wear yourself? His response? "Very interesting question. I would not let you know."
I tried, but he wasn't giving anything away. He did, however, share his affection for the industry as a whole. "I love the industry. I've been learning from all these brands. I like some big brands, I love some small brands. I just love when people are doing a good job and representing Swiss watchmaking. Swiss or other countries, but I'm in Switzerland, so I have to support my country."

An invitation to India

Before wrapping up, I had one final question. Had he ever visited India, and could we hope to see him here sometime soon? He hasn't visited yet, but the idea clearly appeals to him. "I've never been there, so I would love to know more about the culture and to visit. I'm sure it will be very inspiring. I'm looking forward to going and visiting."
I hope that happens soon. India has a growing community of collectors who appreciate independent watchmaking, and meeting the man behind the creations would certainly be special. 

As our conversation came to an end, I found myself thinking about what makes Rexhep Rexhepi so interesting. Yes, there is the technical mastery, the beautifully considered watchmaking and now the recognition of the GPHG's highest honour. But there is also something rather rare: a watchmaker who seems more interested in the work ahead than in celebrating the accolades behind him. I began our conversation telling him I had predicted his win. I left with the feeling that the award, impressive as it is, is only one chapter in a much longer story. And if his philosophy of doing good work, respecting craftsmanship and always leaving something on the table is anything to go by, I suspect the most interesting chapters are still to come.

Rexhep Rexhepi RRCHF: Name A Better Chronograph, We'll Wait 

GPHG 2026 Winners List: Rexhep Rexhepi And All The Watches That Took Home The Top Honours