The name Gerald Charles might not be as familiar as Gerald Genta, but in fact, they belong to the same person… Gerald Charles Genta. This man made history in watchmaking as one of the most successful designers of the 20th century. His genius is behind creations like the Royal Oak, Nautilus, Omega Constellation, UG Polerouter, and Cartier Pasha, among many others. Although the Gerald Genta brand was sold to Bvlgari in 2000, Mr. Genta continued to work on another personal watch brand, Gerald Charles. He has returned, releasing watches inspired by his own designs, such as the Gerald Charles Maestro 2.0 Premier 2021 Green Limited Edition!
Currently, the brand is based in Lugano and supported by the Italian Ziviani family. After Genta's death in 2011, Federico Ziviani decided it was time to revive the Gerald Charles brand. Last year, Gerald Charles re-entered the watch scene, reviving a 2006 design in a distinctive 42mm stainless steel case called the Maestro Anniversary. In 2021, the Maestro model is presented in two versions: an automatic with “time and date” function and a chronograph, both with striking emerald green dials and rose gold cases.
The case of the Gerald Charles Maestro 2.0 Premier 2021 measures 39 mm x 41 mm and is made of polished 18-karat rose gold. Like its predecessor, the combination of a rounded octagonal shape with a mysterious “smile” at the bottom of the case is a true Genta touch. The case is forged from eight pieces of solid 18-karat rose gold to form two-tiered bezels. The unique design was inspired by the architecture of Baroque Roman architect Francesco Borromini - one of Genta's recurring themes.
Thanks to the 18-karat rose gold case, the height of the watch was reduced by 3 mm, achieving a slim size of 8.7 mm. The flange around the dial was reduced, and the lugs were altered to create a flatter profile so the watch sits evenly on the wrist. Like many of Genta's creations, the Maestro manages to combine a luxurious appearance and finish with serious sports capabilities, offering water resistance of 100 meters - an especially challenging task considering the dial is made of irregularly shaped glass. The rose gold crown, adorned with a Clous de Paris finish, also screws down to protect the movement.
The emerald green dial with sunray effects is eye-catching. This color was developed specifically for the watch and for the vulcanized rubber strap with a rose gold clasp. The white minute/second track located on the periphery of the dial echoes the asymmetric contours of the case. Applied rose gold hour markers, hour and minute hands are coated with Super-LumiNova, and just above the round hour marker at the “6 o'clock” position is a gold-framed date window.
If you turn over the Gerald Charles Maestro watch, the sapphire crystal reveals the movement. To ensure the low height of the case, the Maestro 2.0 Premier 2021 Edition is equipped with a high-end automatic movement by Vaucher, which is only 3.7 mm thick. It operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and is equipped with two barrels providing a comfortable 50-hour power reserve. The decoration is traditional - Côtes de Genève and perlage. The rotor is skeletonized.
The Gerald Charles Maestro 2.0 Premier 2021 is released in a limited edition of 25 pieces and is sold at a price of 30,000 euros. The watch is already available for order on geraldcharles.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – GERALD CHARLES MAESTRO 2.0 PREMIER 2021 GREEN LIMITED EDITION
Case: diameter 39 mm x length 41 mm x height 8.7 mm – 18-karat rose gold, polished – asymmetrical shape with rounded edges – screw-down rose gold crown with embossed logo – matte rose gold case back with sapphire crystal – water resistance 100 meters
Dial: emerald green – applied rose gold indexes, hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova coating – central seconds hand – date window at “6 o'clock” with black background
Movement: automatic caliber CGA 3002 (Vaucher) – 23.30 mm x 3.70 mm – 189 components – 28 jewels – 28,800 vibrations/hour/4 Hz – rose gold rotor – Gyromax balance – power reserve 50 hours
Strap: emerald green vulcanized rubber strap with Clous de Paris decoration on the surface – 18-karat rose gold clasp
Reference: GC2.0-RG-02
Availability: limited to 25 pieces – available for purchase on the brand's website
Price: 30,000 EUROS
