For 25 years, Gerald Charles has been at the forefront of independent Swiss watchmaking, crafting timepieces that seamlessly blend technical mastery with artistic innovation. In celebration of this milestone, Maison has unveiled the Maestro GC39 25th Anniversary Edition, a watch that encapsulates the visionary design philosophy of its legendary founder, Gérald Charles Genta. At the prestigious Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025, Gerald Charles also announced the opening of its exclusive archives to the public for the first time, showcasing the remarkable depth of Mr. Genta’s creativity and legacy. 

Founded in 2000, Gerald Charles was the final legacy of Gérald Charles Genta, a name synonymous with some of the most iconic watch designs of the 20th century. His unparalleled creativity, coupled with nearly five decades of watchmaking expertise, shaped the brand into arevered institution of horological artistry.After Mr. Genta’s passing in 2011, the Maison was entrusted to the Ziviani family, long-timebusiness partners and friends who continue to uphold the ethos of "No Compromise" in designand execution. Today, Gerald Charles is celebrated globally for its boundary-pushing designs and engineering excellence, with the Maestro collection standing as a testament to this enduring philosophy.


 

The Inspiration Behind the Maestro GC39 25th Anniversary Edition 

The Maestro GC39 is deeply rooted in both architectural and horological heritage. Inspired by Baroque architecture, the asymmetric case design takes cues from the fluid forms of Francesco Borromini’s 17th-century masterpieces. The original Maestro GC39, introduced in 2005, was an avant-garde interpretation of the classic "montre à guichet" or "window watch," featuring a sliding-hour complication crafted by master watchmaker Antoine Preziuso. For its 25thanniversary, Gerald Charles has meticulously reimagined the GC39, elevating it with contemporary innovations while preserving its artistic essence.

The new Maestro GC39 25th Anniversary Edition honors its predecessor while incorporating cutting-edge enhancements:

Jumping Hours Complication: The highlight of this edition is its sophisticated jumping hour's function, displaying the hour via a rotating disc visible through an aperture at 12 o'clock. This complication remains a rarity in modern watchmaking, requiring exceptional precision to maintain accuracy while managing energy consumption efficiently.

Meta-Guillochage Dial: A proprietary technique exclusive to Gerald Charles, meta-guillochage creates a mesmerizing three-dimensional Baroque-style motif that plays with light and texture. The dial is further adorned with lapis lazuli, a material cherished by Mr. Genta himself, adding a celestial allure to the watch.

Signature Case Design: The 42mm Grade 5 titanium case retains the Maestro’s signature cascading bezel and convex "smile" at 6 o'clock, ensuring ergonomic comfort while maintaining its bold aesthetic. 
Water Resistance & Durability: A screw-down crown ensures 100m water resistance, making this refined timepiece as resilient as it is elegant.

Limited Edition Rarity: Only 100 pieces will be produced, with 40 available at launch, making this a highly coveted collector's piece. 

Engineering Marvel: The Swiss Manufacture 4.0 Calibre Jumping Hours 

At the heart of the Maestro GC39 25th Anniversary Edition beats the in-house Swiss Manufacture 4.0 Calibre Jumping Hours, a movement that reflects the Maison’s relentless pursuit of excellence.

Precision Mechanics: The jumping hours mechanism presents a significant technical challenge, as it requires the same amount of energy in a single jump as a traditional watch movement expends in an hour.

Innovative Materials: Crafted from rhodium-plated components, the movement is finished with Côtes de Genève and perlage decorations, underscoring the attention to detail that defines Gerald Charles.

• Côtes de Genève, also known as Geneva Stripes, is a distinctive decorative pattern featuring parallel waves or stripes across the movement's bridges and plates. This finish is meticulously applied using a specialized lathe, creating a series of fine, uniform lines. The purpose of Côtes de Genève is not only to add visual appeal but also to reduce the appearance of minor scratches over time, maintaining the movement's pristine look.
• Perlage, or circular graining, is another traditional Swiss finishing technique used on movement plates and smaller components. It consists of overlapping, tiny circular patterns applied manually with a rotating abrasive tool. This intricate texture adds depth and refinement, creating a play of light across the movement’s surfaces.

Golden Oscillating Weight: The movement features an exquisitely designed honeycomb-pattern oscillating weight, a tribute to the brand’s 25-year legacy, visible through the sapphire case back. 

A Collector’s Dream: The Gerald Charles Museum 

Complementing the launch of the Maestro GC39 25th Anniversary Edition, Gerald Charles is unveiling the Gerald Charles Museum in Geneva as part of Watches and Wonders' "In the City" program. 

This unprecedented exhibition will provide an intimate look at original, hand-painted designs by Mr. Genta, rare archival pieces, and some of the most exclusive models ever created by the Maison. The museum is located in the Gerald Charles Atelier Genève, a space designed to celebrate the brand’s unparalleled heritage and inspire future generations of watch enthusiasts.