Perhaps it is best to explain; GPHG we are not. What we are is a consumer-focused trade title that seeks to discern, understand, and anticipate the burning questions and desires of anyone who loves watches. To that end, the categories and the novelties that have been nominated or selected as eventual winners are reflective of how a watch consumer might shop or embark on a decision-making process. That said, the selected watches are not curated in a vacuum; a panel of two editorial staff and two collectors were chosen to pick from the novelties of 2018.

Winner of the WOW Awards 2018 – The “WOW Watch” Award

Patek Philippe

Our namesake prize is more than a pun. Obviously, it’s a big prize for a timepiece that makes you go, “WOW!” It does not necessarily have to be the most expensive watch or feature a never-before-seen complication, but whatever it embodies, it must be different enough from the norm (from the perspective of the brand or how consumers perceive it) as to place itself firmly as a timepiece to remember in the course of contemporary watch history.

Patek Philippe, 5968A_001_AMB

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph Ref. 5968A

Combining technical excellence with high performance and creative design, Patek Philippe launched the Aquanaut in 1997. Since then, we have witnessed the Aquanaut take a new direction with travel time and even an “Advanced Research” edition. However, the youthful, sports luxury timepiece with rounded octagonal case, inspired by the vaunted Nautilus itself, is always elegantly serious in execution. Available in steel or gold with sombre hues like black, blue, brown, and charcoal, it surprised us at BaselWorld 2018 with the Ref. 5968A. Complete with orange accents and an orange rubber strap, it is one of the most unexpected Pateks we have seen, casting new light and perspective on the venerable brand. Wow.

WOW Awards consist a total of 11 categories. See the rest of the winners on LUXUO.com