Gerald Genta Minute Repeater Jumping Hours
The reimagined timepieces, including the new GG-001 caliber, are a testament to the enduring allure of Genta's designs, now enriched by the expertise of Navas and Barbasini. Share
Gérald Genta’s recent showcase at LVMH Watch Week revealed an exciting new chapter for the brand, underpinned by the visionary work of Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini of La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. These master watchmakers, who once collaborated with Genta himself, are at the forefront of this renaissance, ensuring the brand’s foundational pillars—octagonal shapes, chiming sounds, and high watchmaking complications—remain intact.
Gérald Genta was never confined by the traditional boundaries of Swiss watchmaking. His approach was that of an artist, daring to incorporate precious and avant-garde materials such as lapis lazuli, tiger eye, onyx, and mother-of-pearl into his designs. These materials were not aesthetic choices but part of Genta’s narrative, blending high complications in ways previously unimagined. The result was a portfolio of unique pieces and limited series that challenged and transformed the watchmaking industry.
The brand’s association with Disney, initiated in 1984 with the presentation of Disney character watches, marked a groundbreaking fusion of pop culture and luxury watchmaking. This collaboration introduced a playful dimension to an industry known for its seriousness, demonstrating Genta’s ability to captivate a broader audience while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Today, the Gérald Genta brand continues to embody its founder’s innovative spirit. The introduction of the new Gérald Genta caliber GG-001, a minute repeater with jumping hour and retrograde minute functions, is a testament to the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking. This caliber, developed and assembled by the artisans at La Fabrique du Temps, represents a bridge between the brand’s illustrious past and its ambitious future.
The collaboration with La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton is particularly noteworthy, combining Genta’s design legacy with Louis Vuitton’s expertise in luxury craftsmanship. The GG-001 caliber, housed in a case that exemplifies elegance and technical prowess, is a prime example of this synergy. The watch’s design, featuring a playful integration of Disney characters within its sophisticated mechanical framework, showcases a balance between whimsy and high horology that is uniquely Genta.
