The publisher, entrepreneur, journalist, and filmmaker—recognized as one of the most influential and respected voices in the watchmaking industry—will succeed Nick Foulkes, himself a writer, historian, and journalist, who chaired the GPHG Jury from 2021 to 2025.
The GPHG Foundation (Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève) has just announced the appointment of Wei Koh as president of its Jury starting with the 2026 edition.
To succeed the historian, writer, and journalist Nick Foulkes, who chaired the Jury from 2021 to 2025, another “key figure in the international watchmaking scene” has thus been appointed.
Public-benefit foundation
Created in 2001,the GPHG has been overseen since 2011 by a foundation recognized as a public utility. For more than twenty-five years, it has pursued “its mission of promoting the art of watchmaking internationally, with the support of public and private partners, notably its main partner FGP Swiss & Alps, and thanks to the collaborative participation of industry stakeholders.”
Wei Koh, a publisher, entrepreneur, journalist, and filmmaker, is recognized, at the age of 56, as one of the most influential voices in the watchmaking media.
The son of a Singaporean diplomat, born in the United States where he grew up and studied, he launched Revolution in 2005,a publication dedicated to mechanical watches and modern watchmaking culture. It has since become a global brand with regional editions, a digital platform, and collaborations with major watch manufacturers.
Last year, Wei Koh also created Man of the Hour, the first episodic television series dedicated to the watch industry, which he hosts and executive produces.
A respected voice in contemporary watchmaking
In 2008, Wei Koh launched a second magazine, The Rake, dedicated to men’s lifestyle, which has become “the definitive guide to classic men’s style,” celebrating elegance and the concept of the modern gentleman, blending craftsmanship, tailoring, and heritage.
Before founding his own publications, Wei Koh worked as an editor and creative consultant in the lifestyle, luxury, and fashion sectors. This experience honed his writing skills and deepened his extensive knowledge of watchmaking and men’s fashion.
In the press release announcing Wei Koh’s appointment,Raymond Loretan, President of the GPHG Foundation, hails “one of the most respected voices in contemporary watchmaking,” whose “intimate knowledge of the watchmaking world, independent perspective, and infectious passion” make him “an ideal president for the GPHG Jury.”
“In a globalized watchmaking world, his international experience will help strengthen the GPHG’s role as the global benchmark for highlighting creativity and excellence in watchmaking,” he further emphasized.
Unique vision and boundless energy
Nick Foulkes said he was “absolutely delighted that this important and prestigious position has been entrusted to the inimitable Wei Koh,” and is “delighted to see him bring his unique vision, boundless energy, and boundless enthusiasm to this role,” adding that he “hopes he will enjoy it as much as” he himself has.
“Watchmaking has given me everything: a career, a passion, friendships, and a community,” says Wei Koh. “That is why I have made it my mission to defend and preserve, to the best of my ability, the values of true and authentic watchmaking, and to help promote this craft that I love so much. Watchmaking represents that unique convergence where engineering meets craftsmanship, and where science meets art.”
“In his view, the GPHG celebrates the most remarkable aspects of our world.” While he describes his appointment as President of the GPHG Jury as “deeply moving,” he explains that to say “it is one of the greatest honors of my life would still fall far short of the truth.” The new president also expressed his “immense gratitude” and his “most sincere respect” to his “predecessor, the exceptional Nick Foulkes” and thanked Raymond Loretan, President of the GPHG Foundation, Carine Maillard, Director of the GPHG, as well as the GPHG Council.
Increasing the GPHG’s international visibility
Regarding the GPHG, Wei Koh also explained that he “harbors certain ambitions for the evolution of the Jury” and hopes to “increase the international visibility of this essential initiative.”
He looked forward to reuniting in November with “the entire watchmaking community,” which he “likes to think of as one big family.”
In fact, the 2026 GPHG awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 7 at the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices in Geneva.
The composition of the 2026 GPHG Jury will be officially revealed in mid-September.
Meeting behind closed doors a few days before the awards ceremony, its members will physically evaluate each of the 90 timepieces shortlisted by the GPHG Academy. Voting will then take place by secret ballot under notarial supervision.
At the same time,the members of the Academy, composed of approximately a thousand experts, will vote digitally. Their votes will account for one-third of the final result, “thus ensuring a balanced and representative list of winners.”
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Featured photo: © GPHG
