Gerald Charles Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin Lapis Lazuli: A Stone’s Throw From The Genta Legacy
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.
Case
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.
Dial
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.
Movement
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.
Strap
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.
Price & Availability
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.
From the clocking ticking above the platform at the railway station to the watch on your wrist, we encounter watches in our everyday life everywhere we go. At school, we’ve already learnt the necessary vocabulary, such as ‘hands’ or ‘hours’, to describe a watch dial. But upon delving deeper into the world of watches, we…
Over the centuries, many timepieces have been created for queens and kings. Now, it appears that Swiss horology house Norqain is taking things a step further, by creating a watch that pays homage to the King of the Savannah: the lion. The Wild One 42mm Hakuna Mipaka Limited Edition takes inspiration from the famed lion…
Roger Dubuis is introducing another Blacklight Edition model, the Excalibur Blacklight Spin-Stone Monobalancier. Although the novelty remains true to its line with Roger Dubuis' signature skeletonised dial, the new Hyper Horology watch is already a true pioneer of the collection thanks to its implementation of a novel synthetic process. The case The case of the…
Swiss manufacture is introducing the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon Moon, the first timepiece of the maison to combine a moonphase display and a tourbillon. The new timepiece also features a pink-gold case and a peripheraldate display. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon Moon is housed in a 41.5 mm Le Grand Rose Gold case.…
On the watch fair SIHH 2019 the brand Vacheron Constantin launched the new innovative model Traditionnelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar (Ref. 3200T/000P-B578), which especially focuses on the needs of its owner. It is particularly special due to its active and standby modi: When the model is worn it beats at a high frequency, when the owner takes the…
Swiss watch manufacture Breitling is launching an extremely limited-edition Chronomat series as well as a new squad. Both dedicate themselves to the unions and federations that make up Six Nations Rugby: England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, France, and Italy. Breitling holds the title of exclusive luxury watch partner to Six Nations Rugby, and the Chronomat Six…
It's the one we've all been waiting for: today, several new watches are emerging from the Rolex manufacture. Rolex's 2024 lineup is giving a contemporary spin to its iconic models, mixing materials, colours, and textures to inject freshness into its timeless designs. The novelties blend elements to strike a balance between practicality and style, tradition…
The ‘First Omega in Space’ returns to the collection. This watch, one of the most sought-after timepieces from Omega, is a true icon. It now appears in a modern version with an updated movement and Co-Axial Master Chronometer certification. The famous timepiece, originally marked with reference number CK 2998, first appeared in 1959. It belongs…
The Astronomo Luminor 1950 Tourbillon Moon Phases Equation of Time GMT (Ref. PAM00920) is the first of Officine Panerai’s creations to have moon phase indication and a new system using polarized crystals to indicate the date. The new made-to-order timepiece which can be personalized, expands the series dedicated to the genius of Galileo Galilei. Panerai L’Astronomo Luminor 1950 Tourbillon Moon…
Breitling has introduced a brand new collection, the Breitling Capsule Collection Superocean Heritage '57. Its watches are reminiscent of the laid-back Californian surfer lifestyle of the 50s and 60s, while their inspiration stems from the original 1957 Breitling SuperOcean. As well as three variations, Breitling has also released the colourful Superocean Heritage ’57 Limited Edition.…
At the watch fair SIHH in the beginning of this year, the Italian brand Panerai presented one of its most innovative new models. The Submersible BMG-TECH (Ref. PAM00799) is mainly characterized by its combination of the materials BMG-TECH and Carbotech. The case of the professional diving watch has a diameter of 47 mm. The new model’s case is entirely…
Audemars Piguet has introduced a new piece in the Royal Oak Concept collection, designed in collaboration with artist KAWS. This watch features a miniature KAWS Companion character and an innovative peripheral time display, showcasing the brand’s commitment to creativity and haute horlogerie. Case The case of the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion” is made of…
Since 2010, the ‘Portugieser Yacht Club’ has brought a sporting note to the Portugieser family. IWC Schaffhausen now presents four new models in this line. The Portugieser Yacht Club Moon & Tide is the first model to feature IWC’s newly developed tide indication. The Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph will be available in three versions. All…