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Gerald Charles Genta, a Swiss watchmaker and an artist par excellence known for creating some of the most iconic watches ever, established his namesake brand Gerald Charles in 2000. Standing as an independent, family-owned brand today, Gerald Charles thrives on the legacy of their founder, creating timepieces guided by the motto of ‘artistic creativity, technical mastery’. During Gerald Genta's tenure at the company, he made an indelible mark with the creation of the Maestro collection, a significant line synonymous with the brand's identity. Although he sold the company in 2003, Genta remained the chief designer until his passing in 2011. He has left behind a treasure trove of over 100,000 unseen creations in the company's vaults, awaiting their debut in the watch world.
About Gerald Genta
Gerald Charles Genta is the genius behind the world’s most iconic timepieces—Patek Philippe Nautilus and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. These creations not only ruled the haute horlogerie landscape in the 1970s but coined a new genre of watchmaking altogether—luxury sports watches.
At the young age of 23, he went on to design the Universal Genève Polerouter—a timepiece that commemorated the first commercial flights over the North Pole. It was operated by the Scandinavian Airlines System that resisted strong magnetic fields. After gaining momentum early in his career, Genta embarked on a journey with Patek Philippe and designed the Golden Ellipse in 1968. This timepiece garnered attention for its unique form and slim profile, which was a departure from traditional design codes. He also redesigned the iconic Omega Constellation and was subsequently offered an exclusive contract to produce several more for the collection. Other timepieces created by Genta that went on to become icons include the revered IWC Ingenieur, launched in 1976 and the majestic BVLGARI BVLGARI collection by the Italian maison. BVLGARI BVLGARI especially drew attention for its unique design and architecture, inspired by ancient Rome.
Gerald Charles Maestro Collection
The Maestro collection, introduced in 2006, stands as a testament to Gerald Genta’s timeless artistry. This collection encompasses a diverse range of elegant sports watches, each imbued with a distinct identity and traditional charm. While the 2.0 Ultra Thin, 3.0 Chronograph, and GC Sport models offer a more classic appeal, the 8.0 Squelette and 9.0 Tourbillon represent the pinnacle of haute horlogerie. Attention to detail defines every Maestro timepiece, from the unique pusher designs in the 3.0 Chronograph to the left-sided crown placement in GC Sport watches. Additionally, limited edition gem-set variants of the Squelette and Tourbillon models add an extra touch of craftsmanship and exclusivity to the collection.
The Ingenius Maestro Case
The brand's standout feature is the Maestro case, inspired by architect Francesco Borromini's 17th-century designs. This unique case shape combines a square and octagon with a distinctive "smile" at six o'clock, crafted from over 15 components and featuring a double bezel. It has become the brand's signature, serving as the cornerstone for the entire Maestro collection, showcasing Genta's signature design and engineering expertise.