GHPG 2025 Istanbul Assessment

I wanted to open with a beautiful view…

As we mentioned before and explained in the video, recently VAKKO ve GARANTI BBVA sponsored by GPH extension, Vakko Hotel SumahanWe met with watch enthusiasts and the Turkish press at the event. We set out to bring you the best content and wanted to share our thoughts on some of the amazing watches we saw at the event.

Before you start writing VAKKOto and GARANTI BBVA We thank our brands for providing us with these opportunities. Seeing such magnificent watches was an invaluable experience.

After registering for open days, entry was by invitation only. We'd have loved to be in attendance as press, of course, but unfortunately, not yet. 🙂 After a polite welcome from Vakko staff, we entered with our QR code and proceeded to the exhibition area. The exhibition area was divided into rooms. Some rooms had one category, others three. I assumed this division was made because it would have been difficult to put all the categories together. Since touching the clocks (which is not allowed), we could only examine them from a distance, but even that was enough to see the details.

While seeing multiple wonderful watches every time GPH extension I said, "I'm so glad I have them." Because bringing together such beautiful timepieces and offering them to us watch lovers contributes to the development of our passion, helps us stay abreast of trends in the watch industry, and helps us understand the story behind each masterpiece. This contribution, in turn, furthers our love of horology.

Each category in our video(There are a few incorrect information in the video, please forgive me :) We reviewed it, but after examining it closely here, it wouldn't be a lie if I said that I changed many of my ideas. However, I wanted to take photos of a few of my favorites to show and tell you. While browsing through the watches watchmania(Ahmet Aydin) He also guided us. It wouldn't be a lie to say that with this guidance, we gained more knowledge and thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition by talking and discussing with our watch-loving friends.

Fam Al Hut

My love for the Fam Al Hut is unique. The overall case structure, craftsmanship, and combination of its many complications make it a truly magnificent piece. Furthermore, we, as Bersenti, have a special bond with them. I explained it in the video. From our first interviews. Our Fam Al Hut interview here You can find it. I was really impressed with the watch when I saw it in person. Generally speaking, it has a unique case design. That's why it might not appeal to everyone. But since I love experimenting with different things, I think I was very impressed, and even more so when I saw it in person.

Kari Voutilainen 28GML SOUYOU

Another watch that impressed me the most is Kari Voutilainen It became the 28GML SOUYOU watch. Every detail on the dial is captivating as you delve into it. Every detail reveals a masterpiece, every detail a masterpiece. The dial design, the lug design, the case diameter, finishes, hour-minute hand designs... You fall in love as you look at every detail of the watch. But this love doesn't begin immediately at first sight. At first, you look and say, "It's beautiful." After a while, you say, "It's wonderful." And then, as you get to know it, you truly fall in love. I'd like to touch on the 28GML SOUYOU model a little.

The 28GML Souyou, emerging from Kari Voutilainen's workshop, is not just a watch; it's a story born from the meeting of two cultures. The meticulous mechanical tradition of Switzerland and the profound artisanal spirit of Japan intertwine in this singular work. The name "Souyou" means sea and sun in Japanese. The union of these two words is like a metaphor for nature brought to life on the watch's surface. Looking at the dial, the blue-green tones evoke the waves of the sea, while the gold and red shimmering lights at the center evoke the power of the sun. This appearance isn't just paint or enamel; it's a surface crafted layer by layer using the Japanese Urushi lacquer technique, incorporating gold dust, abalone shells, and kirigane pieces. Every inch of it is crafted with weeks of patience.

The Souyou's interior is equally captivating as its dial. At its heart is Voutilainen's legendary 28GML movement. This movement features the master's own dual escapement system, where the balance wheel receives impulses directly from both gears. This system reduces energy loss, resulting in both smoother oscillation and longer-lasting stability. The balance spring features the Grossmann curve design, one of the most refined details in watchmaking. This detail symbolizes not only performance but also a watchmaker's pursuit of perfection.

The case is made of platinum. Its weight is immediately felt in your hand, but this weight is more like the weight of the craftsmanship than the metal itself. Every surface is hand-polished, every screw head individually polished, and the bridges are made of German silver. When you turn the case back, the depth of the movement shines through like a map of the sky. Voutilainen's signature large balance wheel rotates with a slow but steady rhythm, providing as much peace as precision.

The watch displays time on two different planes. Classic hands tell the current moment, while a rotating 24-hour disc at the center silently tracks the time elsewhere in the world. This feature seems designed to make the distance between you and a distant friend more meaningful.

The Souyou is a one-of-a-kind piece. This makes it not only a highly collectible piece, but also a singular work of art created by one person. Like a painting in a gallery, like a single song written by a musician. When you wear it on your wrist, you carry a story. A story of patience, detail, discipline, and respect for nature's own rhythms.

The value of this watch lies not just in its platinum or mechanical innovations; it lies in its human touch. Karl Voutilainen's Souyou is a watch that feels time rather than measures it. It's a silent, profound work that speaks its own language against time.

Louis Vuitton

I wanted to dedicate a separate section to Louis Vuitton because it has recently begun making significant strides in the watchmaking industry. While Bvlgari, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton are often considered fashion brands, they have moved beyond that stage and become brands with a significant presence in the watchmaking world. It's fair to say we saw this clearly in this exhibition. If you examine their 2025 models, you'll see they have a very beautiful range. The watch they created with Karl Voutilainen is particularly special. They made a remarkable statement in the exhibition, with timepieces that stand out in every way.

Face Of Tasaki

We wrote about Tasaki before. With this link You can read it. I can say that I was impressed again with the Mother of Pearl dial when I saw it in reality.

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo

I can say I've never seen anything like it. It's amazing engineering, amazing craftsmanship, amazing design, and incredible craftsmanship. You've rarely seen a watch where everything is so integrated. But when all this comes together, something's forgotten: how it will look on the wrist. 🙂 Fitting this movement into such a thin frame is a truly remarkable feat. But wearing it on the wrist is incredibly intimidating. We're talking about a watch you wear with the fear that anything could happen at any moment. As I mentioned above, it's almost impossible to call these brands fashion brands anymore.

Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante

This watch has a wonderful detail. It has a GMT function. But it's not a regular GMT function. With a pusher, you can hide the GMT hand under the hour hand, transforming the watch into a time-only watch.

Daniel Roth Extra Plat Rose Gold

Daniel Roth distinguishes itself significantly from other brands with this case design. It's elegant on the wrist, a statement piece, and a strong representative of the Time Only brand. It wouldn't be wrong to say that "timeless design" is the most appropriate term for this watch. The craftsmanship on the caseback, in particular, sets this watch apart. It's a superb watch in every way.

Summary

There are so many more watches to write about, frankly, it's endless. It was an invaluable event, especially for those of us who love watches, horology, or whatever we call them. It was also a source of pride that this event was held in our country. Two years ago, if anyone had told me I'd be involved in so many events and know so many stories, I wouldn't have believed it. But after this passion and your support, it's a real pleasure to share these stories with you. I hope you enjoyed this article.

GPHG 2025 overview here .

May your wonderful watches show you good times…