The 32-year-old wunderkind behind Geneva watch brand Akrivia, Rexhep Rexhepi, has been awarded the industry's Oscar for best mens' watch in this year's Grand Prix D'Horlogerie Geneve.

Picking up the prize for the industry-favourite Chronometre Contemporain (above), developed at his own atelier in Geneva's Old Town, Rexhepi (above), a student of Patek Philippe before branching out on his own, fought off competition from Vacheron Constantin, MB&F, H. Moser & Cie. and De Bethune to achieve his loudly celebrated win.

© Andrew Hildreth

As exclusively detailed in this article by Andrew Hildreth, Rexhepi (above) represents a new generation of watchmakers using skills developed in the canton of Geneva that resonate world-wide amongst collectors and connoisseurs alike.

In other categories, best mens' complication was awarded to Laurent Ferrier for his Galet Annual Calendar, and Seiko was awarded best Sports watch for its reinterpretation of its 1968 Prospex Diver.

The prize for Mechanical Exception was awarded to Greubel Forsey, for its Grand Sonnerie (below), whilst Singer Reimagined won for its Track1 Hong Kong Edition in the Chronograph category.

The finale was reserved for Jean-Claude Biver, who was awarded the Special Jury Prize in recognition of his 45 years' service to the Swiss watch industry. In paying tribute, Jury President Aurel Bacs long-listed the many achievements of the Audemars Piguet, Omega, Hublot and TAG Heuer veteran before welcoming Mr. Biver onstage to a standing ovation.

© Shutterstock

Said Mr. Biver: "This tribute belongs to the people I have worked with in my career, that has allowed me to climb to the top of the mountain. This is for you."

2018 GPHG PRIZE-WINNERS:

Aiguille d’Or “Grand Prix: Bovet 1822, Récital 22 Grand Récital Revival Prize: Vacheron Constantin, Historiques Triple calendrier 1942 Innovation Prize: Krayon, Everywhere Horizon Ladies’ Watch Prize: Chanel, Boy-friend Skeleton Ladies’ Complication Watch Prize: Van Cleef & Arpels, Lady Arpels Planétarium Men’s Watch Prize: Akrivia, Chronomètre Contemporain Men’s Complication Prize: Laurent Ferrier, Galet Annual Calendar School Piece Chronograph Watch Prize: Singer Reimagined, Singer Track1 Hong Kong Edition Chronometry Watch Prize: De Bethune, DB25 Starry Varius Chronomètre Tourbillon Mechanical Exception Watch Prize Greubel Forsey, Grande Sonnerie Sports Watch Prize: Seiko, Seiko Prospex 1968 Diver's Re-creation Jewellery Watch Prize: Van Cleef & Arpels, Secret de Coccinelle Artistic Crafts Watch Prize: Hermès, Arceau Robe du soir “Petite Aiguille” Prize: Habring2, Doppel-Felix Challenge Watch Prize: Nomos Glashütte, Tangente neomatik 41 Update Audacity Prize: Konstantin Chaykin, Clown Special Jury Prize: Jean-Claude Biver, President non-executive of the LVMH Group Watch division, Chairman of Hublot & Zenith