Founded in 2000 by the illustrious watch designer Gérald Charles Genta, Gerald Charles quickly became synonymous with distinctive designs that defied conventional norms. Genta, renowned for his work with some of the most prestigious watch brands, sought to establish a unique identity with Gerald Charles, imbuing each creation with his personal touch and creative genius. This venture was not merely about producing watches; it was a bold statement of individuality and an ode to the art of watchmaking itself. The Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin Lapis Lazuli is the latest testament to this enduring legacy.
In 2003, Gérald Charles Genta entrusted his brand to the Ziviani family, who had been close friends and partners, ensuring that his vision would continue under their stewardship. Genta remained deeply involved as the designer-in-chief until 2011, leaving behind an extensive archive of his original designs. These sketches and concepts continue to inspire the brand, serving as a reservoir of creativity and a testament to Genta's lasting influence. Under the leadership of Federico Ziviani, who assumed the role of CEO in 2019, and with Franco Ziviani joining as Chairman in late 2023, Gerald Charles has embarked on a new era of growth and innovation. The inauguration of their new atelier in Geneva in the spring of 2024 marks a significant milestone, providing a space where the brand’s heritage and future converge.
Courtesy of Gerald Charles
The Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin Lapis Lazuli is a horological masterpiece that seamlessly blends form and function. Its polished stainless steel case is a marvel of engineering, composed of 35 meticulously crafted components. Each part is individually machined using CNC technology and then assembled to form the distinctive asymmetric polygon case that is characteristic of the Maestro line. The case dimensions, measuring 39.00mm in width and 41.70mm in length, strike a balance between presence and wearability, while the slender profile, at a mere 8.70mm thick, adds to its refined aesthetic. The hand-polished finish of the case, contrasted with the vertical brushed case back, showcases the meticulous attention to detail that defines Gerald Charles timepieces.
The watch’s bezel is a striking feature, coated in a vibrant blue hue that not only enhances its visual appeal but also provides added durability. This Colormix treatment is a sophisticated process that results in a deep, rich color while increasing the bezel's resistance to scratches. The contrast between the polished blue bezel and the stainless steel case creates a dynamic interplay of surfaces and textures. This design choice not only elevates the watch's aesthetic but also reinforces its robustness, making it suitable for everyday wear. The screw-down crown, adorned with a Clous de Paris finish and an embossed logo, further underscores the watch’s blend of practicality and style.
Courtesy of Gerald Charles
At the heart of the Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin Lapis Lazuli lies its captivating dial, crafted from lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone cherished for its deep blue color and natural golden inclusions. This marks the first time Gerald Charles has employed a hardstone dial, and the choice of lapis lazuli is a direct nod to Gérald Charles Genta’s personal affinity for the stone. The process of creating these dials is extraordinarily intricate and labor-intensive, requiring an average of 24 hours per dial. Each dial begins as a 5mm thick disc, which is meticulously cut and polished down to a delicate 0.55mm. The majority of these discs are discarded due to natural imperfections, revealing the painstaking effort involved in selecting and preparing each piece.
Shaping the lapis lazuli dial to fit the Maestro’s unique asymmetric case is a particularly challenging task. The fragile stone cannot be cut; instead, it must be patiently ground into shape, transitioning from a perfect circle to the distinctive angled silhouette of the Maestro. This process is fraught with risk, as the slightest misstep can ruin the dial. The natural variations in the lapis lazuli ensure that each dial is unique, with its own pattern of golden pyrite flecks scattered across the deep blue surface. This individuality adds to the allure of the watch, making each piece a one-of-a-kind work of art.
Courtesy of Gerald Charles
The dial is further enhanced by applied baton-shaped indexes and dots at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions, filled with white Super-LumiNova. These luminous markers ensure legibility in low-light conditions, emitting a green glow at night. The white printed minute track and date disk with white numerals on a black background provide a clear and functional display. The date window, positioned at 6 o’clock, integrates seamlessly into the dial’s design. The introduction of a new logo, with ‘Geneve’ signed beneath the Gerald Charles wordmark, reinforces the brand’s connection to its Swiss watchmaking heritage and its location in the heart of Geneva.
Powering the Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin Lapis Lazuli is the Swiss Manufacture 2.0 caliber, an automatic movement that exemplifies precision engineering and fine craftsmanship. This ultra-thin movement, measuring just 3.7mm in thickness, is a testament to the brand's commitment to technical excellence. Comprising 189 components and 28 rubies, the caliber operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and offers a power reserve of 50 hours, thanks to its double-barrel system. The movement is designed to withstand shocks up to 5G and features an Incabloc anti-shock system, ensuring reliability and durability.
Courtesy of Gerald Charles
The movement's bridges are finely decorated with a combination of colimaçon, Côtes de Genève, and perlage finishes, showcasing the high level of craftsmanship that goes into each Gerald Charles timepiece. The central oscillating weight is adorned with the new 25th Anniversary logo, celebrating the brand’s silver jubilee. This rotor features two layers of finishing: a sandblasted base, combined with colimaçon and soleil brushing on the top, incorporating the Gerald Charles “honeycomb” motif. These intricate decorations are visible through the sapphire crystal case back, allowing the wearer to appreciate the beauty of the movement.
The Royal Blue vulcanized rubber strap, designed by Gérald Charles Genta himself, complements the watch’s color scheme and enhances its wearability. The strap features a Clou de Paris finish on the top side and the Gerald Charles logo tapisserie on the back, adding a touch of textural interest. Available in three lengths—175mm (S), 190mm (M), and 212mm (L)—the strap ensures a comfortable fit for a variety of wrist sizes. The strap’s 22-20mm width and 5-3mm thickness contribute to its ergonomic design, making it suitable for extended wear. The polished stainless steel pin buckle, featuring a new easy-remove system, adds a final touch of refinement.
The Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin Lapis Lazuli is water-resistant up to 100 meters (10 ATM), making it suitable for a variety of activities. The sapphire crystal, treated with an internal and external multi-layer anti-reflection coating, ensures excellent legibility and durability. The watch's total weight of 87.7 grams, combined with its slim profile, makes it comfortable to wear throughout the day. Each timepiece comes with a two-year warranty, extendable to five years through the ‘Smart Warranty’ system registration, providing added peace of mind to the owner.
Courtesy of Gerald Charles
Gerald Charles produces approximately 1,500 timepieces per year, working closely with skilled artisans and professionals to maintain the high standards set by its founder. Each watch is conceived and manufactured without compromise, adhering to Qualité Fleurier standards to deliver superior precision, performance, water resistance, and shock resistance. This commitment to quality ensures that every Gerald Charles watch is a testament to the brand’s dedication to excellence.
The Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin Lapis Lazuli is now available for pre-order, with delivery expected after two months. Priced at $21,900, this watch is a significant addition to the Gerald Charles collection. While it is not a numbered limited edition, its availability will be naturally restricted by the scarcity of the materials used and the meticulous handcraft required to create each dial. This exclusivity adds to the watch’s appeal, making it a coveted piece for collectors and enthusiasts.
Case: Stainless Steel, polished finish. Colormix blue treatment bezel in stainless steel. 35 components. Diameter: 39 mm x 41 mm. Screw-down crown with Clous de Paris finish. Embossed logo. Total thickness: 9 mm. Water resistance: 10 ATM/100 m.
Movement: Automatic 3 hands, ultra-thin, Swiss manufacture 2.0 caliber. Central oscillating mass decorated with the NEW 25th Anniversary logo. Functions: Central hour, minute and seconds hands, date window at 6H. Hour setting with a second stopping function. Finishings: Bridges finely decorated with colimaçon, Côtes de Genève and perlage finishes. Thickness: 3.7mm. 189 components. 28 rubies. Frequency: 4 Hz. Power Reserve: 50 hours.
Dial: Lapis Lazuli stone dial. White minute track. Baton shaped hands and indexes filled with white Super-LumiNova® with green light at night. New logo Gerald Charles Genève.
Strap: Royal Blue vulcanised rubber strap. Clous de Paris finish to top side, Gerald Charles logo tapisserie to rear. Polished stainless steel new easy remove pin buckle.
Price: $21,900.00
Reference Number: GC2.0-SSPS-LS-RSPN
Notes: The first Gerald Charles watch to bear a hardstone dial. Lapis Lazuli was Mr. Genta’s personal favourite stone. The watch is now available for pre-order. Delivery after 2 months.