The Gentissima Oursin

Gérald Genta's iconic design from the 90s, now brought to life in three bold renditions.
THE STORY

On a trip to Corsica, Gérald Genta found himself a most unlikely muse: the “Oursin” – a wild, spiny sea urchin. His fascination went on to birth one of the most daring designs of the '90s – a watch as bold as the creature itself.

Side profile of the Gerald Genta Gentissima Oursin wristwatch, featuring a distinctive beaded case design, domed crystal, and black leather strap, set against a dark background.
THE INSPIRATION

Bold origins

Inspired by the serrated, organic form of a sea urchin, Gérald Genta sketched the original Oursin following that same holiday in 1994. The Gentissima Oursin now comes as a contemporary manifestation of his 1990s vision – a design that stood the test of time.
Sea urchin
Gentissima Oursin
THE CRAFTMANSHIP

No detail too small

Available in three distinct versions: a gray iteration adorned with white-gold polished beads, a striking black DLC-coated titanium model with yellow-gold spiked beads, and a pink model dressed in rose gold and diamonds, each convex titanium case is studded with 223 individually-screwed beads, meticulously arranged in a radially expanding pattern.
THE DESIGN

A familiar form

At the heart of Genta’s designs lies the octagon. The Oursin keeps that legacy alive, with a faceted octagonal reflection at the center of its dial — a direct tribute to Genta’s design language that forever altered the course of watchmaking.
Octagonal reflection at the center of its dial.
2025 Limited Edition

FOR THE FREE SPIRIT.

Cornelian dial & glass-blasted yellow gold case with 137 fire opal gems fixed with solid yellow gold pins.
Gerald Genta Gentissima Oursin watch with a Fire Opal dial, featuring a bold case design and intricate detailing.
Front-facing view of the Gerald Genta Gentissima Oursin watch, highlighting its unique case design and intricate dial details.

FOR THE
REFINED REBEL.

Gray titanium embellished with 223 white gold beads. For the free-spirited.
Close-up of the Gerald Genta Gentissima Oursin watch, showcasing its bold case architecture and textured dial elements.

FOR THE
RULE-BREAKER.

Black DLC-coated titanium with 233 yellow gold spikes. Not for the faint of heart.
Angled perspective of the Gerald Genta Gentissima Oursin watch, emphasizing its distinctive case structure and refined dial design.

FOR THE

SHOWSTOPPER.

Pink mother of pearl guilloché dial, and a titanium case adorned with rose gold and 223 diamonds.
THE MOVEMENT

Powered by the automatic Caliber GG-005, based on the high-performance Zenith Elite movement from its haute horlogerie manufacture in Le Locle, the Oursin’s movement is customized with a rotor that proudly displays Genta’s signature octagon and the unique bead design exclusive to the Oursin.

Back view of a Gérald Genta Gentissima Oursin watch, highlighting its intricate inner workings, transparent case back, gold-finished rotor with 'gerald genta' engraving, and luxurious craftsmanship.
THE LEGACY

Gérald Genta

Gerald Genta sitting at a desk, working on a detailed drawing of an elephant with a clock on its back, surrounded by various precision tools and drawing instruments, with a colorful mural in the background.

An undisputed legend in the watch industry, Gérald Genta is best known for designing some of the most iconic timepieces of our time, like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus. But that's certainly not all. Genta's journey began at Universal Genève, where, at just 23, he designed the Polerouter — one of the brand’s most successful models. He later worked with Omega before cementing his name in history with the 1972 creation of the Royal Oak, the first-ever luxury steel sports watch.

THE BRAND

In 1969, he went on to establish his own brand, Gérald Genta, which continued to produce exceptional timepieces until his passing in 2011. Yet, his legacy endures. LVMH announced the revival of the Gérald Genta brand in 2023, now housed under its high watchmaking division, La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. And today, as the most important watch designer ever, his impact continues to live on.

ICONIC DESIGNS
1977
The Automatic Perpetual Calendar
1981
The Ultra-Thin Minute Repeater
1984
The Gefica Safari
1984
Whimsical Luxury
1992
Success
1994
The Grande Sonnerie
features & interviews
Three luxury Gérald Genta Gentissima Oursin wristwatches with unique designs, featuring round faces, bejeweled bezels, and straps in grey, black, and pink. The brand name 'gérald genta' is visible on the face of each watch, highlighting high-end craftsmanship and style.

Introducing The Gérald Genta Gentissima Oursin

One of Genta's cherished designs from the 90s, the Oursin now comes to life in three unique renditions, elegantly reimagined for a contemporary audience.
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Gerald Genta and his wife posing together, showcasing their close bond and partnership.

Remembering Gérald Genta: The Husband, Colleague and Designer Extraordinaire

What does it take to be a partner in life as well as business to the most influential watch designer of the 20th century? Evelyne Genta reflects on the delightful years spent with her husband – creative genius Gérald Genta.
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Wristcheck is an authorized retailer of Gérald Genta