IT'S ABOUT TIME PRESENTS: The Real Time Show / GPHG 2025 Results Analysis (Rob Loses His Mind)

For more than a year now, this newsletter has actually been part of The Real Time Show network — I’ve just done a poor job of telling you that. The Real Time Show is a weekly watchmaking podcast founded by Alon Ben Joseph and Rob Nudds, now hosted by them along with Scarlett Baker and David Vaucher.

What they’ve built is genuinely impressive. Not only are we working together to grow this network — with me handling the newsletter side of things — but TRTS has also created a vibrant community of watchmaking enthusiasts.

More importantly, The Real Time Show has become a witness to a remarkably dynamic moment in watchmaking. They regularly speak with the most influential figures in the industry: people like Jean-Claude Biver, Sylvain Berneron, Phil Toledano, Andrew McUtchen, and CEOs from brands such as TAG Heuer, Oris, Greubel Forsey, Czapek, Ulysse Nardin, Frederique Constant, Fears, Bremont, MING, Doxa, Zenith, and many more. Honestly, it might be easier to list who they haven’t spoken to. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone who cares about the industry.

Today, we’re tightening the integration with the network. If you’re a podcast person, I know you’ll enjoy this one. Starting now, every Sunday — when new episodes typically drop — you’ll receive a short email with the latest installment in your inbox.

I hope you end up loving it as much as I do.

👂Listen up

In this episode, hosts Rob Nudds and Alon tackle the recent GPHG results, sharing their passionate opinions and insights on the winners and the overall ceremony.

The GPHG, often dubbed the "Oscars of Watchmaking," held its annual award ceremony on Thursday the 13th of November, and the results have sparked a deluge of reactions. Rob and Alon kick off the episode by expressing their excitement about the upcoming episode, but the mood quickly shifts as Rob voices his disappointment with the outcomes, declaring it "the worst set of results" he's seen. He emphasizes that the decisions made by the jury seem biased and politically influenced, sparking a lively debate about the integrity of the awards. Rob's strong feelings are evident as he urges listeners to consider whether the competition is genuinely open.

One highlight of the event was Dennison's win in the challenge category, which both hosts predicted. Rob expresses his joy for Dennison, who achieved a significant victory with a watch priced under 1,000 francs, impressively competing against brands with much higher budgets.

As they delve into the various categories, Rob and Alon analyze the winners, starting with the Ladies category, where the Audemars Piguet Mini Frosted Royak Oak took the prize. Alon notes that while it’s a good choice, it lacks innovation, leading to Rob's concerns about the jury’s decision-making process.

Moving on to the Ladies Complication category, they discuss Chopard's victory with its Four Seasons model, a choice that raises eyebrows. Rob critiques the decision, suggesting that it was more about the brand's prestige than the actual innovation of the watch. Alon shares similar sentiments, questioning the legitimacy of such a win.

In the Time Only category, Daniel Roth’s rose gold model emerged as the winner, but Rob expresses skepticism about its originality, calling it a re-edition. The conversation shifts to the Men's category, where Urban Jürgensen claimed a victory, which both hosts acknowledge as deserved but also part of a broader narrative-building strategy within the GPHG.

The Men's Complication award went to Bovet, which left Rob feeling disappointed. He highlights the trend of Bovet winning awards consistently over the years, raising questions about the fairness of the competition. Alon agrees, noting that while he appreciates the brand, the frequency of their wins is suspicious.

Throughout their discussion, Rob and Alon emphasize the importance of genuine innovation and the need for the GPHG to reflect true excellence in watchmaking rather than political maneuvering. They call for a reevaluation of how awards are determined and advocate for more transparency in the process.

The GPHG results of this year have undoubtedly stirred up a mix of emotions among watch enthusiasts. While some wins were celebrated, others raised significant concerns about the integrity of the competition. As Rob and Alon navigate through the winners and their implications, they remind us that the heart of watchmaking lies in innovation and authenticity.

You can listen to the entire podcast in the player on top or at this link:

Thanks for reading,
Vuk