Gérald Genta mother of pearl chronograph

The Italian mastermind did it again

There is a world full of dreamers, but only few can make them come true. Gerald Genta was one of those magicians. He would create more unique designs in a year than other brands have in their entire lineup. Collectors are often focused in the icons, but for me the real magic is hiding among the outliers.
As he was always experimenting with shapes and materials, there is lots of different and exciting variation to be found. Besides their cool looks, there is always an extreme level of detail of finishing to be observed. The cases are heavy, the dials are exceptional, and the fonts and engravings are always on point. In addition, Genta always took straps and buckles into consideration in his designs.

Exhibit A
A heavy 18kt yellow gold chronograph with so called ‘bomba’ lugs. At 34mm, the case size is optimal, especially given the substantial lugs. An outstanding Mother of Pearl dial makes the object come to live. The typography is clean and minimal. Sporting organically shaped hands, similar to other important Genta designs. Nicely aged tritium plots serve as hour markers. The date is placed at the six o’clock position, so that it doesn’t ruin the symmetry. Prominent pushers and a big ribbed crown compliment the lugs, creating an impressive case profile. The shark skin strap continues the lines initiated in the lugs, which makes the whole greater than the sum of its parts. The lightly rounded gold pin buckle ties it all together.
This is more than watchmaking, this is art.