The Inhorgenta Award, first introduced in 2017, recognizes outstanding achievements in the watch and jewelry sectors across several categories.

This year’s edition received 137 submissions across nine categories. The winners were selected by an international jury comprising industry experts such as Gisbert L. Brunner (watch historian), Sarah Fabergé (Director of Special Projects at Fabergé), and Leo Eberlin (jewelry designer).

The Watch of the Year

The Masterlink, first presented at Watches & Wonders 2024, is a continuation of the Geneva-based watch brand Gerald Charles' Maestro collection. It features an integrated asymmetrical bracelet, a design element inspired by the archives of Gérald Charles Genta (1931–2011), the company's founder.

The watch is crafted from 316L stainless steel, has a 38 mm x 38 mm case, and maintains a thickness of 7.99 mm. A key feature is the «smile» at 6 o’clock, characteristic of the Maestro case. The movement, developed in collaboration with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, is ultra-thin (2.7 mm) and powered by a micro-rotor.

Masterlink by Gerald Charles. (Image: Courtesy)

Gérard Genta

Gérald Charles Genta, considered one of the most influential watch designers of the 20th century, founded Gerald Charles in 2000. The brand was acquired by a group of investors around the Ziviani family in 2003. It remains independent and family-owned, producing approximately 1,500 watches per year.

The Masterlink takes inspiration from Genta’s 2007 Sarawak model, one of the few integrated bracelet watches he designed.

An Award for Patek Philippe Boutique

The award underlines Gerald Charles' positioning in the high-end Swiss watch segment. CEO Federico Ziviani stated that the win reflects the company's ongoing efforts in design and technical innovation while maintaining the original creative vision of Genta.

Another partly Swiss triumph at the Inhorgenta Award was achieved in the «Next Generation Retail» category: The Jeweler Kutter x Patek Philippe Boutique in Stuttgart, designed by Karolina Ćurić Architekten was awarded for its innovative retail concept. The ceremony also included a gala event featuring various industry representatives and a performance by Icelandic singer Ásdís.