Gérald Genta

Referred to, on more than one occasion, as “the Fabergé of watches,” it’s difficult to overstate just how much Gérald Genta has given to the world of contemporary watchmaking.

A Swiss-Italian designer and goldsmith of notoriously artistic temperament, Genta is synonymous with not just one, but possibly a dozen of the most iconic wristwatches that entered into production during the 20th century - the famed Royal Oak, Nautilus and Ingenieur being among them.

Beyond the now-familiar pale of iconic sporty-chic watches he envisioned for other brands, Genta created several influential designs under his name. In the 1980s, he obtained the license to produce a handful of Disney watches decorated with cartoon characters such as Mickey Mouse; and in 1994, he unveiled the Grande Sonnerie - widely considered the most expensive and complicated wristwatch upon its release.

Although Genta began his career, at the tender age of 23, by creating Universal Genève’s cult classic Polerouter, it would take more than a decade before the legendary Swiss-Italian designer found the opportune moment to begin his own business.

After launching his eponymous label in 1969, Genta went on to develop several intriguing and unique designs: including the original Arena Retrograde watch (fitted with a jumping hour display) and the Gefica Safari, noted for its usage of bronze.

In 2000, Bulgari acquired the Gérald Genta brand and continues to produce the original designs at its manufacture in Le Sentier today.

Grande Sonnerie, Arena Bi-Retrogade “Mickey Mouse,” Retro Fantasy “Donald Duck”