Check out these first images of the Beijing Watch Factory 'State of Mind’, being considered in the Tourbillon and Escapement category of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève. There is stiff competition in the category with the likes of Arnold & Son, Zenith, and Ulysse Nardin, to name a few. Beijing Watch Factory has offered something quite unique here, hoping to stand out from the crowd visually. In terms of striking color use and design, I've never seen anything quite so bold from the Beijing brand.

For those unfamiliar with the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), it is "intended to salute the excellence of worldwide horological production and annually rewards the finest creations and the most important operators in the watchmaking sector."

This year, there are two Chinese brands nominated for their excellent quality and craftsmanship. Hong Kong-based Memorigin is nominated in two categories, while Longio is nominated in another.

This past weekend I was in Macau for the first International Exposition of Intangible Cultural Heritage and Ancient Art. I was very fortunate to be invited by my friends from the China Horologe Association to have a look at some cool watch products that were showcased along with many other Chinese cultural relics, both old and new. As the name of the event suggests, this weekend was all about historically important Chinese craftsmanship. I was pleased to be introduced to a brand that was not previously on my radar, Zhang Dao, from Shanghai.

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