Gerald Charles is launching the Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin Lapis Lazuli, the first watch in the brand’s history to feature a hard stone dial. The watch is not a limited edition but will be produced in small numbers due to the material and craftsmanship involved. The watch is part of the brand’s 25th anniversary and the stone chosen for the dial was the personal favourite of the brand’s founder, Gérald Genta. The brand was founded by Genta following the sale of his previous brand, Gerald Genta, to Bulgari (now owned by LVMH). While the brand’s marketing positions Gerald Charles as a “family-owned” company closely tied to its founder’s legacy, Genta sold the business in 2003 to an investment group. Nevertheless, he continued to serve as the chief designer until his passing in 2011, leaving behind a wealth of designs that continue to inspire the brand’s creations.
The case of the Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin Lapis Lazuli is made of polished stainless steel and has dimensions of 41 x 39 mm and 8.7 mm in height. The shape of the case is inspired by the baroque architect Francesco Borromini and features a pronounced double bezel and wave-like shapes at the base. The bezel closest to the dial is coated with blue Colormix, a treatment that enhances scratch resistance. Despite the watch’s dressy appearance, the screw-down crown with its Clous de Paris pattern ensures a water resistance of 100 meters.
The dial is made of lapis lazuli, a stone that was one of Genta’s favourites. The stone was cut into 0.55 mm thin wafers, respecting the unusual contours of the dial, which follows the shape of the case. The process of creating the dial is laborious and takes about 24 hours per dial, with a high risk of failure at every stage. The natural beauty of the lapis lazuli is complemented by a white railway-style minutes track, applied baton hour markers and hands treated with Super-LumiNova. A framed date window is located at 6 o’clock. The dial also features a new brand logo with ‘Geneve’ printed in white.
The Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin Lapis Lazuli is powered by the automatic Vaucher movement GCA 3002. The movement has a height of just 3.7 mm and operates at a frequency of 28,800 vph. It features an oscillating weight in rose gold with hexagonal-shaped apertures, a nod to the maison’s founder. The movement has a power reserve of 50 hours and offers hours, minutes, seconds and date functions. The movement is finished to a high standard, with Côtes de Genève, perlage and colimaçon finishes on display.
The Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin Lapis Lazuli comes with a blue rubber strap that features a Clous de Paris finish on the top side. The back of the strap bears the Gerald Charles logo. The strap is equipped with a polished stainless steel pin buckle, ensuring secure hold and comfort.
The Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin Lapis Lazuli is priced at 23,100 euros. The watch is not a limited edition but will be produced in small numbers due to the material and craftsmanship involved in creating the lapis lazuli dial. The watch is available through authorized dealers.
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