Kosovar-Swiss watchmaker Rexhep Rexhepi has won the prestigious “Aiguille d’Or” award, the highest distinction in the luxury watch industry, at the 26th edition of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), held on November 7 in Geneva.

Rexhepi received the top prize for his Chronograph Flyback creation, selected as the most outstanding timepiece among 84 entries competing in 14 categories.

Speaking to Euronews Culture, Rexhepi said winning the award had always been a dream of his, praising his team and collectors from around the world who follow his work.

The Kosovar-Swiss watchmaker, who began his career at the age of 15 as an apprentice at renowned Swiss manufacturer Patek Philippe, said receiving the award from last year's winner, Breguet, made the moment even more special.

The award-winning Chronograph Flyback stands out for its harmonious proportions and a movement built around an entirely new architecture. Its dark blue Grand Feu enamel dial draws inspiration from historic pocket chronographs.

This year's edition also marked a change in the competition's format, with organizers removing the traditional men's and women's categories for the first time and replacing them with categories based on the technical characteristics of watches.

The “Aiguille d’Or” is the highest distinction awarded by the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève and is widely regarded as the “Oscar” of the watchmaking industry.

Last year's award went to Breguet for its Classique Souscription 2025 model.