A Turtle with the Characteristic Panache and Inventiveness of Mr Gérald Genta
Ever since the Gérald Charles brand was founded just a few years ago, clients have displayed their profound attachment to the characteristic panache and inventiveness of its creator, Mr Gérald Genta. In a swiftly changing world, Gérald Charles pursues its quest for excellence by producing collections that prove that time never stands still, and is instead a perpetual invitation to journey through a world of dreams.
The Gérald Charles brand owes its success to the remarkable person of Gérald Genta. A legendary and unique watchmaker, Genta has left an indelible mark on each stage in the company’s development. Constantly looking for new places and new fields of inspiration and creativity, Genta nurtures his imagination by the encounters and discoveries experienced during his extensive travels.
Mr Gérald Genta is undoubtedly the most creative watch designer of the past fifty years. Born in Geneva, but of Piedmontese origin, he is endowed not only with that mysterious Italian flair for design, but also with the meticulous approach and technical qualities inherent to the Swiss watchmaking tradition.
This dual heritage doubtless lies behind the exceptional style of Mr Gérald Genta, and is characterized by a perpetual desire to capture time within fabulous showcases. The Master has created a considerable number of iconic timepieces for prestigious brands, including the Royal Oak (Audemars Piguet), the Nautilus (Patek Philippe), the Constellation (Omega) and the Bulgari Bulgari (Bulgari).
Free of any material constraints, he lives his two passions – haute horlogerie and painting – to the full. These two loves give rise to a unique style eloquently displayed in the Gérald Charles timepieces. But while the artist stands alone in front of his canvas, he is careful to surround himself with the finest craftsmen in order to ensure that each watch creation is distinguished by its design, its precision, and its originality.
Gérald Charles is intended to be a unique meeting point where skills and creative visions join in the pursuit of a single-minded goal – that of tracing the roadmap to excellence. Among the numerous values associated with luxury, one that is particularly in tune with the Gérald Charles brand is “exclusivity”.
Rather than opting for high-volume production, the brand has followed the spirit of Mr Genta by choosing to focus on non-conformism and inventiveness. It is therefore naturally pursuing its intimate relationship with its customers by offering models in limited and, when it comes to some really exceptional creations, sometimes ultra-limited quantities.
Guided and headed by Mr Genta, a group of watchmaking experts works in perfect harmony on the development of the brand’s collections. Stemming from the encounters and wishes of the Master, this team includes the magical BNB trio, acknowledged aesthetes in the field of Grand Complications; the “Artisans Horlogers” who are past masters in the art of development and finishing; as well as the brilliant dial-maker Luis Villa. Devoting the full measure of their talent to their art and using a blend of ancient and modern techniques, these artisans play an active role in the composition of the luxurious Gérald Charles timepieces.
A unique shape for a unique piece
For Only Watch 09 Gérald Charles is unveiling a new interpretation of the famous Genta spirit – the Big Date Gérald Charles Turtle with a highly original square case with elegant cut-off corners. The decoration of the front of the watch is enriched with six clips which clip over the white gold bezel and are each topped with a blue lapis cabochon in white gold, treated with blue PVD to match the blue of the center of the dial and the white outer ring of the dial track.
A small gold turtle continually turns at 6 o’clock, indicating the seconds and giving a touch of “nature” to this unique creation. Genta’s inspiration for this unique timepiece came from both the sea and nature. Along with the sea, Genta imagines the endangered turtle living for ever, much like the ever-turning small seconds.
click on the image to see a higher resolution image
Technical details
The Unique Gerald Charles Only Watch 09
The Big Date Gérald Charles Turtle
| Movement | Mechanical self winding |
| Caliber | 3532 La Joux-Perret |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph (4Hz) |
| Jewels | 26 |
| Power reserve | 44 hours |
| Case | White gold |
| Folding clasp | White gold |
| Strap | Crocodile |
For more information contact:
Ita McCobb
Patrizzi & Co Auctioneers SA
Tel +41 22 318 28 38
e-mail i.mccobb@patrizziauction.com
Audrey Baylac
Association Monégasque contre les Myopathies / Monaco Yacht Show
Tel +377 93 10 41 70
e-mail audrey@monacoyachtshow.mc
