Gerald Charles Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon

The Art of the Hand-Hammered Dial

Words by: Peter
June 13, 2024
The Gerald Charles Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon stands out as a beacon of both technical prowess and artistic finesse. This 50-piece limited edition collection pays homage to the very foundations of Western civilization, drawing inspiration from the grandeur of Roman architecture and the meticulous artistry that defined an era.

The Maestro collection itself is a testament to the genius of its creator, the legendary Gérald Charles Genta. Often referred to as the "Maestro" of watch design, Genta's vision continues to shape the horological landscape even today. The Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon, unveiled exclusively at Rüschenbeck in Frankfurt, Germany, is a direct descendant of the very first Maestro case with a tourbillon, envisioned by Genta himself in 2005.

Courtesy of Gerald Charles


This latest iteration is a bold departure from its predecessor, a more understated luxury model that quickly sold out. The Roman Tourbillon embraces a classic elegance, drawing inspiration from the aesthetics of ancient Rome while incorporating cutting-edge technology that pushes the boundaries of watchmaking.

The Roman Tourbillon's most striking feature is undoubtedly its meticulously hand-hammered 18K rose-gold dial. The creation of such a dial is an art form in itself, requiring a level of precision and skill that few possess. Gerald Charles's research and development team faced numerous challenges in perfecting this intricate process, striving to achieve a harmonious balance between craftsmanship, durability, and resistance.

The end result is a dial with a refined texture that not only enhances the watch's visual appeal but also ensures legibility. Each dial is unique, a testament to the human touch that went into its creation. This exclusivity is further amplified by the fact that only two of these dials can be produced each month, making the Roman Tourbillon a truly one-of-a-kind timepiece.

The watch's two-tone color scheme is another element that sets it apart. The blue titanium bezel, achieved through an advanced galvanic treatment borrowed from aeronautics, contrasts beautifully with the stainless-steel case. This coating not only enhances the watch's aesthetic appeal but also provides exceptional durability and resistance to extreme conditions, ensuring that the Roman Tourbillon can withstand the test of time.

Courtesy of Gerald Charles


Beneath its captivating exterior, the Roman Tourbillon is a marvel of engineering. At its heart lies a 60-second flying tourbillon with a unique skeletonized cage shaped like the Gerald Charles logo. This design harkens back to Genta's original vision for the Maestro flying tourbillon.

The intricate nature of this tourbillon cage presented numerous engineering challenges, which were overcome by crafting it from lightweight Grade 5 Titanium. Despite the difficulties in working with this material, the Gerald Charles team succeeded in meeting the highest aesthetic and performance standards, staying true to Genta's philosophy of combining artistic creativity with technical mastery.

The result is a breathtakingly complex flying tourbillon that oscillates at 4hz. The visual impact is further enhanced by the juxtaposition of the surgical-grade stainless steel case, the gold tourbillon bridge, and the titanium cage. A blue indicator on the "G" of the cage serves as a small seconds indicator, while a stop-seconds function allows for precise time setting.

Despite its intricate mechanics and luxurious design, the Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon is not just a showpiece. It's a timepiece designed for everyday wear, boasting a 10 ATM/100 mt water resistance and 5G shock resistance. Even with its high level of technical complexity, it offers a 50-hour power reserve, ensuring that it can keep up with the demands of modern life.

Courtesy of Gerald Charles


Every detail of this watch has been meticulously crafted, from the textured dial to the hand-stitched blue alligator strap with a brand-new folding clasp. It's a harmonious blend of elegance and sportiness, a testament to Gerald Charles's unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.

In the world of luxury watches, the Gerald Charles Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon is a true masterpiece. It's a testament to the enduring legacy of Gérald Charles Genta and the unwavering dedication of the Gerald Charles team to uphold his vision. It's a watch that not only tells time but also tells a story – a story of artistry, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

The Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon boasts a case that is both visually striking and functionally sound. Crafted from medical-grade 316L stainless steel, the case measures a comfortable 39mm in width and 41.7mm in length, making it a perfect fit for a wide range of wrist sizes. At just 9mm thick, the watch strikes a harmonious balance between elegance and sportiness, making it suitable for any occasion.

The case's unique asymmetric polygon shape, with its smooth edges and signature "smile" at 6 o'clock, is a nod to the original Maestro design by Gérald Charles Genta. The bezel, crafted from Grade 5 Titanium with an advanced galvanic treatment, adds a touch of ruggedness to the watch's refined aesthetic. The blue hue of the bezel, achieved through a specialized coating derived from aeronautical technologies, not only enhances the watch's visual appeal but also provides exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear.

Courtesy of Gerald Charles


The crown, adorned with a Clous de Paris finish and the Gerald Charles logo, screws down securely, ensuring the watch's 10 ATM/100 mt water resistance. This, combined with the 5G shock resistance, makes the Roman Tourbillon a reliable companion for even the most adventurous endeavors.

The heart of the Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon is the automatic flying tourbillon caliber, Ref. GCA 3024/12. This exclusive manufacture movement, developed in collaboration with Gerald Charles's long-standing partner Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, is a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to technical excellence.

The movement features bespoke bridge designs adorned with a vertical Côtes de Genève pattern, a subtle nod to Mr. Genta's Italian heritage. The anglages are meticulously diamond-polished, and the tourbillon bridge boasts a radial côtes de Genève finish. The yellow gold color engravings add a touch of luxury to this already impressive movement.

Despite its complexity, the movement remains incredibly slim, measuring just 4.87mm in thickness. The 60-second flying tourbillon cage, crafted from titanium and shaped like the Gerald Charles logo, oscillates at a frequency of 4Hz. This high frequency not only ensures accuracy but also contributes to the mesmerizing visual spectacle of the tourbillon in motion.

The dial of the Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon is a true work of art. The hand-hammered 18K rose gold surface provides a rich and textured backdrop for the applied Roman numeral hour markers and the baton-shaped hands filled with white Super-LumiNova®. The flying tourbillon cage at 6 o'clock, with its blue applied small seconds indicator, serves as a mesmerizing focal point, drawing the eye into the intricate mechanics of the movement.

Courtesy of Gerald Charles


The Gerald Charles Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon is more than just a watch; it's a statement piece that embodies the brand's unwavering commitment to artistic creativity and technical mastery. With its limited production of only 50 pieces, it's a rare and exclusive timepiece that is sure to be coveted by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

While the watch comes with a hefty price tag of CHF 125,000, it's a price that reflects the exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and exclusivity that the Roman Tourbillon represents. It's an investment in a timepiece that is not only a marvel of engineering but also a work of art that will be cherished for generations to come.
Copyright © 2023 hourstriker.com. All Rights Reserved.