Introducing Gerald Charles Celebrates 25 years of Creativity with the Maestro GC39

In its 25th anniversary year, Gerald Charles celebrates the creativity of founder Gérald Charles Genta with the Maestro GC39 25th Anniversary Edition. As CEO Federico Ziviani reveals to Waqt, the brand will open its exclusive archives to the public for the first time, showcasing its rare jumping hours mechanism.

As part of the "In the City" activities during Watches and Wonders Geneva, the Gerald Charles archives will offer a glimpse into Mr. Genta’s extraordinary creativity. The exhibition will feature his sketches and iconic designs, including the Turbo, Round 44, Renaissance, Sportside, and Seaside. Each piece reflects Mr. Genta's unique ability to blend form and function, offering a window into the brand's future.

The Maestro GC39 25th Anniversary Edition pays homage to the original 2005 model, inspired by the classic "montre à guichet" or "window watch" style. Designed by master watchmaker Antoine Preziuso, it features a sliding-hour complication with a rotating disc displayed through a dial aperture.

The GC39’s distinctive case shape takes inspiration from a Baroque monument in Rome, designed by 17th-century architect Francesco Borromini. The asymmetric case, cascading bezel, and convex “smile” at 6 o’clock give the watch its iconic look.

Measuring 42mm squared, the Maestro GC39 25th Anniversary Edition is 3mm wider than the Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin, making it the largest in the collection. Despite its complex case design and jumping hours complication, it remains just 11mm thick. Crafted in polished Grade 5 titanium, it retains the lightweight, ergonomic qualities the Maestro is known for. With a screw-down crown and 100m water resistance, it balances style and functionality.

The dial stands out with a radiant design and playful time display. At 12 o’clock, a 12-hour disc with a jumping hours complication advances in one-hour increments every 60 minutes. Time is read via this disc and a blued, skeletonized central hour hand that reflects light through its structure.

The dial incorporates three different components and materials, creating a partially hidden Baroque-style star motif that comes to life under light. This effect is achieved through a proprietary micro-chemical engraving technique called meta-guillochage, developed by Gerald Charles. The process involves fine engraving, protective coating, and a second engraving before revealing the intricate star pattern.

At the heart of the dial lies a delicate slice of lapis lazuli shaped to match the Maestro’s case silhouette. The choice of this vibrant blue stone pays tribute to Mr. Genta, who frequently used lapis lazuli in his designs.

Powering the watch is the Gerald Charles Swiss Manufacture 4.0 Calibre with a patented in-house jumping hours mechanism. It boasts a 50-hour power reserve and includes 80 additional components over a standard time-only movement.

Advancing the jumping hours disc for one hour consumes as much energy as a mechanical movement uses in 3,600 seconds. Weighing 25 times more than a conventional hour hand, it demands 70,000 times the force of a standard three-hand watch. This immense power requirement makes jumping hours watches rare, a challenge that continues to captivate the Maison in honor of its visionary founder.

Reflecting Gerald Charles's “No Compromise” ethos, the movement features exquisite hand-finishing with Côtes de Genève stripes, perlage, and rhodium-plated wheels. The golden oscillating weight, visible through the sapphire case back, showcases a honeycomb motif designed by consultant Octavio Garcia and includes the brand's 25th-anniversary logo, set to appear on all 2025 novelties.

The Maestro GC39 25th Anniversary Edition is limited to 100 pieces, with only 40 available at launch. It comes on a blue Clou de Paris vulcanized rubber strap with a polished Grade 5 titanium deployant buckle.

For more information, you can visit Gérald Charles’s official website.