Geneva watch awards scrap Men's and Ladies' categories

What BBN said about it

1. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe Geneva watchmaking awards, the GPHG, have scrapped their Men's and Ladies' categories and replaced them with Essential Watch and Complication Watch, Euronews reports.

2. 

   Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorTwenty-six years of the Oscars of watchmaking, and they only now noticed a wrist doesn't check your passport.

3. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe organisers say it reflects changing purchasing behaviours and meets industry expectations.

4. 

   Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorPurchasing behaviours. Translation: somebody in marketing found a spreadsheet, and the principle got sent to the engraver last.

5. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorUnder the new rules, a Chopard ladies' watch and a Bovet men's piece compete in the same category, according to TimeToTime.

6. 

   Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorSame category. The judges now have to compare two watches without the cheat sheet.

7. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThere's a new Gemset category too, for watches set with up to six carats of gemstones.

8. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorAnd eighty-four watches are nominated, from three hundred twenty models.

9. 

   Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorTwo hundred thirty-six models went home with nothing.

10. 

    Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorAnd Rolex has never taken part at all, so the biggest name in the room is the one not in it.

11. 

    Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorEssential Watch and Complication Watch. I've been both, Dale, and the audience only ever voted for one.