Reimagining Heritage: Gerald Charles Blends Past and Present in New Launches

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Gerald Charles, a lesser-known yet notable luxury watch brand, shares a rich history with Gerald Genta, the renowned watch designer whose genius brought us iconic designs like Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak, Patek Philippe’s Nautilus, and IWC’s Ingenieur. Established in 2000, this brand was more than just a business venture for Genta; it served as an outlet to fully unleash his creative prowess. Initially, the focus was on creating custom-made timepieces.

Over time, the Asian market has been crucial for this brand’s unique products, such as the $1.2 million Sarawak edition made specifically for Malaysia’s royal family. Now, the brand is shifting its focus from custom creations to a more inclusive approach, using its rich history to appeal to a larger audience in the area. The brand’s growth started with Japan, which rapidly became a significant market, generating 8% of global revenue during its inaugural year. Japanese connoisseurs, recognized for their refined tastes and deep passion for watchmaking, have welcomed Gerald Charles watches, leading to the establishment of five outlets in the country. Subsequently, the brand expanded to Hong Kong, with a strong presence at The Peninsula, a popular destination for local collectors. Future plans involve expanding throughout Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam – all part of a five-year strategy aimed at engaging discerning collectors across the region.

The Zivianis have a long-standing connection with Gerald Genta, dating back to their initial encounter in 1982 at a Swiss watchmaking event. Over the years, this bond evolved into collaboration and friendship that spanned decades. In 2003, Genta chose to pass on the Gerald Charles brand to the Ziviani family, a decision influenced by their shared ideals and admiration for each other. Even after selling the brand, Genta maintained his role as Creative Director, preserving the innovative design principles he was known for within the company’s identity under the new leadership of the Ziviani family.

Following Federico Ziviani’s leadership, the second Gerald Charles generation has been dedicated to progressing the brand while preserving Genta’s heritage. By refining the product range around the iconic Maestro case design, they have launched watches that blend sophistication with practicality. These timepieces are versatile, suitable for any event, yet remain lightweight, water-resistant, shock-resistant, and heat-resistant. This focus on adaptability embodies a contemporary interpretation of luxury, appealing to collectors who desire both fashion and functionality in their watches.

As a dedicated gamer immersed in the world of Genta, I’ve always been passionate about upholding its distinctive design ethos, which beautifully merges minimalist, Baroque, and Art Deco elements. The 25th anniversary marked a significant milestone, where iconic designs like the jumping hour were reimagined using cutting-edge materials and technology. This harmonious mix of tradition and innovation truly embodies Genta’s philosophy – drawing inspiration from our rich past to shape our exciting future. Each timepiece is a testament to the lasting influence of Genta on watchmaking, showcasing his extraordinary artistry alongside modern advancements in craftsmanship.

Gerald Charles is well-positioned to strengthen its status as a premier name in luxury watchmaking, as it steadily grows in Asia and remains dedicated to preserving its roots. By skillfully blending the traditional designs of Gerald Genta with contemporary aesthetics and practical features, the brand consistently attracts collectors globally, offering watches that embody enduring elegance reflecting their inspiring origins.

To mark its 25-year anniversary, Gerald Charles is revealing several important projects that demonstrate their dedication to maintaining tradition while adopting contemporary advancements. One of these initiatives includes the debut of their new Geneva atelier, a versatile location that houses a store, lounge, museum, and workshop focusing on intricate watchmaking mechanisms. This grand opening signifies a major achievement for the brand and offers collectors and aficionados a rich, interactive journey through its historical past and continuous growth in horology.

The museum will showcase a carefully selected timeline of Gerald Charles’ history, highlighting significant events since it was established by Gerald Genta. Here, visitors can get a glimpse of some of the brand’s most distinctive and one-of-a-kind timepieces, such as custom designs and early pieces that demonstrate the creative brilliance and technical expertise associated with Genta’s work. This initiative serves to enlighten viewers about the brand’s deep roots and encourage admiration for the artistic flair and groundbreaking ideas that embody its essence.


At Watches & Wonders Geneva 2025, Gerald Charles is set to reveal four new timepieces that exemplify its blend of design elegance and technical expertise. One of the standout pieces is the Maestro GC Sport Tennis, inspired by the aesthetics of a tennis ball. This model introduces the brand’s first velcro strap with a rubber lining, crafted using a historic technique reimagined for modern functionality. The watch’s micro-hammered dial, treated with pigmented powder and baked for a fumé effect, creates a striking visual contrast with its Darkblast® Grade 5 Titanium case. Notably, this model has already been tested by professional athletes such as Hubert Hurkaczcourt and Andrea Vavassori.

A notable release is the 25th-anniversary edition, which honors the original designs by Gerald Genta. This timepiece boasts a lapis lazuli dial and the classic jumping hour mechanism, both refined with modern improvements. At the heart of the dial lies a Meta-guilloché pattern, an advanced engraving technique that creates intricate patterns through dynamic light reflection, showcasing the brand’s talent for blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.

As a gamer, I’m excited to share that Gerald Charles is unveiling two refreshed Chronograph models at the event, keeping the iconic Clous de Paris pattern from the 2006 original. The new versions, one made in steel and another in lightweight titanium, boast an elegant durability with a velvety touch, blending contemporary functionality with the brand’s classic charm. Meanwhile, the original GC33 Chronograph in palladium will be on display at the brand’s museum, symbolizing the bond between our past and present through a testament to design evolution.

As I peer into the gaming world of luxury timepieces, my strategy, much like the Maestro case, is all about steady progression. I’m dedicated to ensuring the continued triumph of this masterpiece, while engaging with collectors about exciting prospects for upcoming designs. The spirit of surprise and innovation that defines our brand remains at the heart of everything we do, as seen in our dynamic activations and innovative models.

The Geneva Atelier and these groundbreaking launches serve as a testament to Gerald Charles’ unwavering vision as a pioneer in modern watchmaking. We stand firmly on the shoulders of our past, respecting our legacy, but always with one eye fixed firmly on the horizon, aiming to shape the future of this captivating craft.

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2025-04-01 16:26