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

Independent luxury watch brand Gerald Charles may not be a household name in the world of horology, but its roots are deeply intertwined with the legacy of Gerald Genta – the legendary watch designer and creative genius behind Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak, Patek Philippe’s Nautilus to IWC’s Ingenieur and many iconic wristwatches that many are familiar with today. Originally founded in 2000, the brand was a passion project of Genta and an outlet where he really let his creative spirit run wild. In its initial years, the brand focused on crafting bespoke pieces.

Historically, the Asian market played a significant role in the brand's bespoke offerings, exemplified by the $1.2 million USD Sarawak edition created for Malaysia’s royal family. Today, the brand is transitioning from a bespoke focus to a more widely accessible strategy, leveraging its rich heritage to resonate with a broader audience in the region. The brand's recent expansion began with Japan, which quickly emerged as a key market, contributing 8% of global turnover in its first year of operation. Japanese collectors, known for their sophisticated tastes and deep appreciation of horology, have embraced Gerald Charles watches, prompting the establishment of five points of sale across the country. Following this success, the brand has extended its footprint to Hong Kong, with a notable presence at The Peninsula, a key destination for local collectors. Plans are underway to further broaden the brand's reach across Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam – all as part of a five-year growth strategy aimed at connecting with discerning collectors throughout the region.

The Ziviani family's stewardship of Gerald Charles is deeply rooted in a personal relationship with Gerald Genta himself. Franco Ziviani first met Genta in 1982 at a Swiss watchmaking event, forming a bond that would endure through decades of collaboration and friendship. This connection culminated in Genta entrusting the Gerald Charles brand to the Ziviani family in 2003, a decision driven by their shared vision and mutual respect. Genta’s continued involvement as Creative Director after the brand's sale ensured that his innovative design ethos remained at the core of the company's identity, even as it transitioned to new leadership under the Ziviani family.

Under Federico Ziviani's guidance, the second generation of Gerald Charles has focused on evolving the brand while honoring Genta’s legacy. By refining the product lineup to center around the iconic Maestro case shape, the brand has introduced timepieces that marry elegance with functionality. These watches are designed to be versatile — suitable for any occasion while remaining lightweight, waterproof, shockproof, and heatproof. This emphasis on versatility reflects a modern approach to luxury, catering to collectors who seek both style and practicality in their timepieces.

Throughout this evolution, Gerald Charles has maintained a commitment to preserving Genta’s unique design language, characterized by minimalist, Baroque and Art Deco influences. The 25th anniversary of the brand saw the remastering of iconic designs, such as the jumping hour, using contemporary materials and technology. This blend of historical reverence and modern innovation underscores the brand’s philosophy of looking to its past to inform its future. Each timepiece serves as a testament to Genta’s enduring impact on watchmaking, celebrating his unparalleled artistry while embracing advancements in craftsmanship.

With its continued expansion in Asia and a clear focus on honoring its heritage, Gerald Charles is poised to further solidify its position as a leading name in luxury horology. By balancing the legacy of Gerald Genta with modern design and functionality, the brand continues to captivate collectors worldwide, offering timepieces that are as timeless as the vision that inspired them.

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Gerald Charles is unveiling several key initiatives that reflect its commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing modern innovation. Among these is the launch of its new Geneva atelier, a multifaceted space combining a boutique, lounge, museum and a watchmaking workshop specializing in high complications. This landmark opening not only marks a significant milestone for the brand but also provides collectors and enthusiasts with an immersive experience to explore its storied past and ongoing evolution in horology.

The museum will feature a curated timeline of Gerald Charles’ history, tracing the brand's milestones since its founding by Gerald Genta. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to view some of the brand’s most iconic and unique timepieces, including bespoke models and early creations that highlight the creativity and technical mastery synonymous with Genta's legacy. This effort underscores the brand's dedication to educating its audience about its rich heritage while fostering an appreciation for the artistry and innovation that define its identity.

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.

Another significant launch is the 25th-anniversary edition, which pays homage to Gerald Genta's original designs. This watch features a lapis stone dial and the iconic jumping hour complication, meticulously updated with modern enhancements. At the center of the dial lies a Meta-guilloché pattern, a cutting-edge engraving technique that reflects light dynamically to reveal intricate patterns. This reimagining showcases the brand's ability to merge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary technology.

Additionally, Gerald Charles will present two remastered chronograph models at the event, both retaining the Clous de Paris pattern from the original 2006 edition. These new iterations, one crafted in steel and the other in lightweight titanium, offer enhanced durability with a velvety finish, balancing modern practicality with the brand's timeless aesthetic. The original Chronograph GC33 in palladium will be displayed at the brand’s museum, bridging the past and present through a celebration of design evolution.

Looking ahead, Gerald Charles’ strategy involves careful pacing, focusing on the continued success of the Maestro case while fostering dialogue with collectors about potential future designs. The brand’s ethos of surprise and innovation remains central to its approach, as evidenced by its activations and new models. Through the Geneva atelier and these groundbreaking launches, Gerald Charles reaffirms its position as a visionary force in contemporary watchmaking, rooted in a deep respect for its legacy while setting its sights firmly on the future.

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