Gerald Charles is a name synonymous with horological innovation and artistry, a legacy carried forward from its founder, the legendary Gérald Charles Genta. Now, the brand is unveiling a new masterpiece, the Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon in White Gold, a watch that stands as a monument to Genta's vision and a celebration of the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking. This timepiece is a limited edition of only 50 pieces, each a testament to the brand's core values and its unparalleled expertise. The Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon is a direct descendant of the original Maestro tourbillon launched by Genta in 2005. It carries the same signature "smile" at 6 o'clock, a design element specifically crafted to cradle the tourbillon cage. This new iteration, however, is not merely a rehash of the past. It is an evolution, a refinement, a reinterpretation of Genta's original concept for the modern age.
The Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon is a horological marvel that pays tribute to the rich architectural heritage of Rome, a city that served as a profound source of inspiration for Gérald Charles Genta's iconic Maestro case design. This connection to Roman aesthetics is subtly yet powerfully expressed through the use of Roman numerals on the dial. These numerals, rendered in a classic font, evoke the grandeur and authority of the Roman Empire, adding a layer of historical depth to the watch's design. The choice of Roman numerals is not merely a stylistic flourish; it is a deliberate nod to the enduring influence of Roman architecture and art on Western civilization. This design choice is a subtle yet powerful reminder of the watch's connection to a broader cultural and historical context.
Courtesy of Gerald Charles
The heart of this extraordinary timepiece is its hand-hammered 18K white gold dial. This is where the watch truly comes alive, where the artistry of
Gerald Charles shines through. Each dial is a unique work of art, meticulously crafted by skilled artisans who employ a traditional hand-hammering technique. This painstaking process results in a textured surface that catches the light in a mesmerizing dance, creating a dynamic interplay of shadows and highlights. The hand-hammered dial is a Métier d'Art, a testament to the high level of craftsmanship that goes into each Gerald Charles watch. The white gold used for the dial is uncoated and alloyed with palladium, resulting in a refined and consistent finishing pattern that is both elegant and durable. The texture of the dial is not merely decorative; it is a functional element that enhances the legibility of the watch by reducing glare and providing a contrasting backdrop for the hands and hour markers.
The dial of the Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon is a study in contrasts, where the cool, luminous white gold is juxtaposed against the deep, rich blue of the Colormix blue treated indices. These indices, along with the baton-shaped hands, are filled with white Super-LumiNova, a luminescent material that emits a captivating blue glow in low-light conditions. This not only ensures that the time remains legible in the dark but also adds a touch of modernity to the watch's otherwise classical aesthetic. The combination of the white gold dial, the blue indices, and the Super-LumiNova creates a visually striking effect that is both elegant and functional. The dial is a canvas on which the intricate dance of the flying tourbillon takes center stage, its movements adding a dynamic element to the watch's overall aesthetic.
Courtesy of Gerald Charles
At the 6 o'clock position, one finds the watch's namesake complication, the flying tourbillon. This mesmerizing mechanism is not merely a display of technical prowess; it is a work of art in motion. The tourbillon cage, crafted in the shape of the Gerald Charles logo, rotates gracefully once every 60 seconds, its intricate movements visible through the aperture in the dial. This small window into the watch's inner workings adds a level of depth and complexity to the dial, inviting the wearer to marvel at the intricate mechanics of the timepiece. The flying tourbillon is a complication that is both visually captivating and technically challenging to produce. Its presence on the Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon is a testament to Gerald Charles' commitment to horological excellence. The small "G" on the tourbillon cage is painted an iconic GC blue and acts as the second hand.
The Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon's case is a masterful blend of form and function, crafted from medical-grade 316L stainless steel. This material, known for its exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion, ensures that the watch can withstand the rigors of daily wear while maintaining its pristine appearance. The case is meticulously hand-polished, resulting in a lustrous finish that catches the light beautifully. The case back, on the other hand, features a vertical brushed finish, creating a subtle contrast that adds depth to the watch's overall design. The case is an asymmetric polygon with smooth edges, carved with CNC numeric control machinery. The case measures 39mm in width, 41.7mm in length, and 9mm in thickness, dimensions that strike a perfect balance between presence and wearability.
Courtesy of Gerald Charles
One of the most distinctive features of the Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon is its bezel, crafted from grade 5 titanium and treated with an advanced galvanic process to achieve a striking blue hue. This Colormix blue treatment not only adds a pop of color to the watch but also enhances the bezel's resistance to scratches and wear. The blue bezel provides a beautiful contrast to the stainless steel case, creating a two-tone effect that is both modern and sophisticated. The bezel is not merely an aesthetic element; it also serves a functional purpose. Its slightly raised profile helps to protect the sapphire crystal from scratches and impacts.
The crown, located at the 3 o'clock position, is a screw-down design with a Clous de Paris finish and an embossed Gerald Charles logo. This intricate detailing adds a touch of refinement to the watch's overall aesthetic. The screw-down mechanism ensures water resistance up to 10 ATM or 100 meters, making the Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon suitable for a variety of activities, from swimming to snorkeling. The crown's design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with its textured surface providing a secure grip for easy adjustment of the time.
Courtesy of Gerald Charles
The Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon is powered by the Swiss Manufacture 9.0 caliber, a highly sophisticated automatic flying tourbillon movement. This movement is a testament to Gerald Charles' commitment to technical excellence, featuring a 60-second flying tourbillon that oscillates at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour). Despite its complexity, the movement remains remarkably slim, measuring just 4.87mm in thickness. This slim profile allows the watch to maintain a sleek and elegant silhouette, making it comfortable to wear on the wrist. The movement is comprised of 196 individual components, each meticulously crafted and assembled by skilled watchmakers. The movement's bridges are finely decorated with colimacon, Cotes de Genève, and perlage finishes, adding a touch of visual interest to the watch's inner workings.
The tourbillon cage itself is a marvel of engineering, crafted from grade 5 titanium and shaped like the Gerald Charles logo. The "G" of the cage is painted in the iconic GC blue and serves as the seconds hand, a unique and visually appealing detail. The tourbillon bridge, crafted from 18K yellow gold, provides a striking contrast to the titanium cage and adds a touch of luxury to the movement. The movement features an Incabloc anti-shock system and a stop-second system, ensuring accurate timekeeping and resilience against impacts. The watch is 5G shock resistant as well, and has been tested on a 5-axis robotic arm. The central oscillating weight is made of 22K rose gold 4N and is decorated with the Gerald Charles "Honeycomb" design. It is sandblasted with polished outlines, adding another layer of visual complexity to the movement.
The Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon boasts a power reserve of 50 hours, ensuring that the watch will continue to run for over two days even when not being worn. This generous power reserve is a testament to the efficiency of the movement's design and the quality of its components. The movement's uni-directional rotor ensures efficient winding, while the Incabloc anti-shock system protects the delicate components from damage.
Courtesy of Gerald Charles
The Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon is presented on a hand-stitched matte blue alligator strap, a luxurious and comfortable option that complements the watch's overall aesthetic. The strap features the GC logo on the back and is secured with a folding clasp that features both polished and sandblasted finishes. This attention to detail extends to every aspect of the watch, from the intricate movement to the carefully chosen strap. The strap is 193mm long, and 22-20mm in width.
The Gerald Charles Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon is a limited edition of only 50 pieces, making it a truly exclusive timepiece. Each watch is individually numbered, adding to its collectibility. The watch is priced at $115,700 and is currently available for pre-order, with delivery expected after two months. This price point reflects the watch's exceptional craftsmanship, its use of premium materials, and its limited production run.
Case: 316L medical-grade Stainless Steel, polished finish. Dimensions 39 mm x 41 mm. Thickness 9 mm. Screw-down crown with Clous de Paris finish and embossed logo. Grade 5 Titanium bezel with Colormix blue treatment. See-through case back, vertical brushed case back. Asymmetric polygon with smooth edges. Original design by Mr. Gérald Charles Genta. Water resistance 10 ATM/100 m.
Movement: Swiss Manufacture 9.0 caliber. Automatic flying tourbillon, 50-hour power reserve, stop-second system. 28.00mm diameter, 4.87mm total thickness. 196 pieces, 33 rubies. Frequency 28,800 A/h - 4Hz. 60-seconds Titanium flying tourbillon cage with three personalized head screws, patented design. Central oscillating weight in 22K rose gold 4N, vertical brushed Gerald Charles “honeycomb” motif with polished outlines. 18K yellow gold tourbillon bridge. 5G shock resistance, Incabloc® anti-shock system.
Dial: Hand-hammered 18K white-gold. Roman Numeral Indexes: Baton shaped, flat hands filled with white Super-LumiNova® with blue light at night. Flying tourbillon cage in the shape of the Maison’s GC logo with 60-seconds indication at 6h and blue applied small seconds indicator.
Strap: Hand-stitched alligator strap. GC logo’s on the back. Matte blue. Total length 193mm, Width 22-20mm. Folding clasp, polished and sandblasted contrast.
Price: $115,700.00
Reference Number: GC9.0-A-RT-WG
Notes: Limited edition of 50 pieces. The hand-hammered finishing of the dial makes each piece extremely unique and exclusive. Only two pieces per month can be produced. The buyer of a Roman Tourbillon will own a truly unique piece as no one watch is identical to another. Now available for pre-order with delivery after 2 months.