In the rarefied world of Swiss watchmaking, few names evoke the same reverence as Gérald Genta—the legendary designer behind icons like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus. But it was in 2000, in the heart of Geneva, that Genta founded his final and most personal venture: Gerald Charles. A brand born not just of mastery, but of audacity.
A Journey of Art, Innovation, and Uncompromising Elegance
Gerald Charles was conceived as a tribute to the artistic soul of watchmaking. Genta, known for his architectural genius, sought to create timepieces that fused classical elegance with avant-garde geometry. The brand’s signature “Maestro” case—an asymmetrical fusion of square and round contours—became an instant hallmark, a visual metaphor for Genta’s refusal to conform.
From its inception, Gerald Charles positioned itself not merely as a watchmaker, but as a maison of horological art. The early collections were limited, each piece a canvas of innovation. After Genta’s passing, the brand was entrusted to a new generation of custodians, led by Federico Ziviani, who has since elevated Gerald Charles into a modern powerhouse of independent luxury.
A Timeline of Distinction
- 2000: Gérald Genta founds Gerald Charles in Geneva, Switzerland.
- 2003–2011: The brand releases its first Maestro models, defined by the “smile” at six o’clock and architectural asymmetry.
- 2018: Federico Ziviani joins as CEO, initiating a renaissance of design and technical innovation.
- 2020–2023: Gerald Charles expands globally, introducing the GC Sport collection—mechanical watches tested by professional athletes.
- 2024: Launch of the Masterlink model, featuring a fully integrated bracelet and a new square case.
- 2025: At Geneva Watch Days, Gerald Charles unveils gem-set Masterlink editions and the Jumping Hour 25th-Anniversary complication.
Masterlink: The Future Legacy
A refined evolution of the last known asymmetric integrated bracelet by Monsieur Gérald Charles Genta. Seamlessly merging haute horlogerie with modern elegance, the Masterlink represents the bold next chapter in the Gerald Charles legacy.
The Present Moment: Geneva Watch Days 2025
This September, Gerald Charles took center stage at Geneva Watch Days—the most luxurious and intimate watch fair in the world. Unlike the grandeur of SIHH or Watches & Wonders, Geneva Watch Days offers a boutique experience, where collectors, press, and connoisseurs mingle in private salons and lakeside pavilions.
“The Masterlink is not just a watch—it is a sculpture for the wrist. Its gem-set editions embody the seamless fusion of heritage and innovation, offering a rare balance between artistic expression and technical mastery.”
— Olga Mozaiska, Editor at StyleLujo.com and Founder of Jourhuit
Having personally examined the Masterlink collection, I was struck by the tactile sophistication of its integrated bracelet. The way each link flows into the next—without interruption or excess—speaks to a level of refinement that few brands achieve. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about how the watch feels on the wrist, how it moves with the body, and how it quietly asserts its presence without shouting.
Gerald Charles has mastered the art of restraint. In an industry often dominated by maximalism, the brand’s approach feels refreshingly deliberate. The dial work, especially on the gem-set editions, reveals a depth of craftsmanship that rewards close inspection. There’s a quiet confidence in the finishing, the proportions, and the way the light dances across the surfaces—proof that true luxury lies in the details.
What sets Gerald Charles apart, in my view, is its unwavering commitment to honoring Genta’s legacy while forging its own path. The brand doesn’t rely on nostalgia—it builds upon it. Each new release feels like a continuation of a story rather than a reissue of past glories. For collectors who value originality and integrity, Gerald Charles offers something rare: a modern watchmaker with a soul.
“Geneva Watch Days continues to affirm its place as the premier showcase for haute horlogerie—where legacy, innovation, and craftsmanship converge. When investing in a high-end timepiece, discerning collectors should consider three essential pillars: aesthetic originality, mechanical excellence, and brand provenance. These elements not only define the watch’s intrinsic value but also its enduring cultural significance.”
— Joseph DeAcetis, Editor at StyleLujo.com and Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology
Masterlink: The Future Legacy
Inspired by the rare Sarawak timepiece—an asymmetric bracelet watch created by Gérald Charles Genta in 2007 for the Royal Family of Sarawak—Masterlink revives a hidden chapter of horological history. With over 15 carats of diamonds and rubies, the original piece defined the Maison’s signature gem-setting artistry and remains a cornerstone of its creative archive.
In a world where horology often straddles the line between tradition and innovation, Gerald Charles stands as a beacon of both. From its founding by the legendary Gérald Genta to its present-day renaissance under Federico Ziviani, the brand continues to honor its architectural roots while daring to redefine modern luxury. The Masterlink collection, unveiled at Geneva Watch Days and witnessed firsthand by StyleLujo.com editor Olga Mozaiska, is more than a timepiece—it is a testament to the enduring power of design, craftsmanship, and vision. As Gerald Charles celebrates its 25th anniversary alongside Ahmed Seddiqi’s 75th, the maison proves that true luxury is not just timeless—it’s transformative.
