In the realm of luxury watches, collaborations often spark intrigue and excitement, blending the worlds of horology and other passions. The recent unveiling of the
Gerald Charles Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 has ignited such fervor, uniting the precision of Swiss watchmaking with the raw power and legacy of Italian motorcycle manufacturer, Ducati. This timepiece isn’t merely a watch, it’s a celebration of design, innovation, and the shared pursuit of excellence between two iconic brands.
To fully appreciate this extraordinary collaboration, it's important to understand the foundation upon which it stands – the Gerald Charles Maestro collection. The Maestro line pays homage to the brand's founder, the legendary Gérald Charles Genta, a man whose designs have shaped the landscape of modern watchmaking. Genta was renowned for his bold and innovative creations, often challenging the conventions of traditional horology. The Maestro collection embodies this spirit, showcasing distinctive cases and complications that set them apart from the crowd.
Courtesy of Gerald Charles
On the other side of this partnership, we have Ducati, a name that resonates with motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide. Ducati is synonymous with speed, performance, and Italian design flair. Founded in 1926, the company has a rich history of crafting motorcycles that push the boundaries of engineering and aesthetics. The Ducati 916, which this watch commemorates, is a true icon in the motorcycle world, celebrated for its groundbreaking design and racing pedigree.
Even a cursory glance at the Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 reveals a watch that is both visually striking and technically impressive. The watch face is a symphony of intricate details, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship that has gone into its creation. The skeletonized dial offers a captivating view of the inner workings of the watch, while the bold red accents pay homage to Ducati's signature color. The watch's case, crafted from a combination of carbon forged and black matte ceramic, exudes a sense of modernity and sophistication. The vulcanized rubber strap, available in a vibrant Ruby Red, adds a sporty touch and ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist.
Courtesy of Gerald Charles
The Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 is more than just a commemorative timepiece; it’s a testament to the shared values of Gerald Charles and Ducati. Both brands are driven by a passion for pushing boundaries and creating objects of desire that transcend their functional purpose. This watch represents the culmination of their combined expertise, seamlessly blending the worlds of horology and motorcycling.
At the heart of this exceptional timepiece beats a newly developed in-house jumping hours caliber, a complication that hasn't been seen in a Gerald Charles watch for over 13 years. This complex mechanism, inspired by Genta's own affinity for unconventional complications, is a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation. The jumping hours display, where the hour numeral instantly jumps to the next at the top of each hour, adds a playful and dynamic element to the watch.
Every aspect of the Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 has been meticulously designed and executed. The central wheel, a subtle nod to the Ducati 916's wheel rim, adds a touch of automotive flair to the watch face. The golden jumping hours disc, reminiscent of the motorcycle's three-spoke bronze alloy wheel, further reinforces the connection between the two brands. Even the SuperLuminova-infused red contours on the top sapphire and 12-hour markers showcase the attention to detail that has gone into this timepiece.
Courtesy of Gerald Charles
With only 250 pieces being produced, the Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 is destined to become a highly sought-after collector's item. It represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of horological history that celebrates the enduring legacy of both Gerald Charles and Ducati.
The case of the Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 is a marvel of modern materials science, mirroring the cutting-edge technology found in Ducati motorcycles. It’s constructed from Carbon Forged, a material renowned for its lightness and strength. This choice isn't just about aesthetics; it serves a practical purpose, ensuring the watch is comfortable to wear even during the most exhilarating rides. The black matte ceramic bezel adds a touch of understated luxury and provides exceptional scratch resistance. It’s this blend of high-tech materials and refined finishes that gives the watch its unique character.
Powering this exceptional timepiece is the in-house developed new jumping hours calibre, the Gerald Charles movement, Ref. GCA 3002JH. This isn't just any movement; it's a testament to the brand's dedication to horological innovation. The jumping hours complication, with its instantaneous change of the hour numeral, is a visual delight that adds a playful element to the watch. The skeletonized bridges, adorned with meticulous finishes like colimaçon, Côtes de Genève, and perlage, showcase the brand's commitment to traditional watchmaking techniques.
Courtesy of Gerald Charles
The dial of the Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 is a multi-layered masterpiece, showcasing a harmonious blend of form and function. The skeletonized design allows for an unobstructed view of the intricate movement, while the bold red accents, including the 12-hour markers and the "guichet" frame surrounding the jumping hours display, inject a dose of Ducati's signature energy. The baton-shaped hands, filled with white Super-LumiNova, ensure optimal legibility even in low-light conditions.
The Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 wouldn't be complete without a nod to the iconic motorcycle that inspired it. The central wheel, echoing the design of the Ducati 916's wheel rim, is a subtle yet powerful reminder of the watch's automotive heritage. The golden jumping hours disc, mirroring the motorcycle's three-spoke bronze alloy wheel, further strengthens this connection. It's these thoughtful details that elevate the watch from a mere timekeeping device to a wearable piece of art.
With a limited production of only 250 pieces, the Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 is a true rarity. Each watch is accompanied by a dedicated lithographic sketch designed by Octavio Garcia, the head of Gerald Charles' creative team, adding a touch of personalization to this already exclusive timepiece. For those fortunate enough to own both the watch and the Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 30° Anniversario 916 motorcycle, the watch's case back can be engraved with the bike's serial number, creating an even deeper connection between these two objects of desire.
Courtesy of Gerald Charles
Measuring 39mm x 41.90mm, the Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 strikes the perfect balance between boldness and wearability. It's a watch that commands attention without overwhelming the wrist. The vulcanized rubber strap, with its Clous de Paris finish and Gerald Charles logo, adds a touch of sportiness and ensures a comfortable and secure fit.
Priced at €37,200 (VAT free), the Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 is an investment in horological excellence. It’s a watch that will not only appreciate in value over time but will also provide its owner with years of enjoyment and satisfaction. The 5-year warranty, following registration in the 'Smart Warranty' system, further underscores the brand's confidence in the quality and durability of this exceptional timepiece.