gérald genta Showcases Unique Mickey Mouse Timepiece at LVMH Watch Week
Dually celebrating 40 years of collaboration with Disney.
gérald genta, the legendary watch-making brand named after its founder Gérald Genta, known for his iconic designs like the Patek Nautilus and AP Royal Oak, showcases a unique timepiece at LVMH Watch Week 2024.
The unique watch, featuring Mickey Mouse, was first created to celebrate the 10th edition of Only Watch in honor of the 100th anniversary of Disney and the 50th anniversary of the first watch under the Gérald Genta name. Now, presented at LVMH Watch Week, the timepiece marks the first time the gérald genta brand has participated and dually celebrates 40 years of collaboration with Disney.
Michel Navas, one of the master watchmakers leading the gérald genta brand alongside Enrico Barbasini, highlights the three core elements that define Genta’s watches: the octagonal shape, the chiming sound and high watchmaking complications. These elements are seamlessly integrated into the brand’s latest offerings, designed to represent a blend of whimsy and sophisticated horology, true to the uncompromising vision Genta set since its inception in 1969.
Genta was renowned for his artistic approach to watchmaking, challenging traditional Swiss designs with daring material combinations like lapis lazuli, tiger eye, onyx and mother-of-pearl, paired with complex watchmaking innovations. His work included unique pieces and a limited series of retrogrades, grandes sonneries and perpetual calendars, emphasizing both technical and stylistic avant-gardism.
The brand’s distinct aesthetic, drawing inspiration from nature, furniture design, and art, with Picasso cited as a major influence, reflects Genta’s artistry. This creative spirit is evident in the brand’s iconic Disney character watches, first introduced at the Montres et Bijoux fair in 1984, which was one of the first cases of pop culture merging with high-end watchmaking — a practice observed by a variety of leading brands today, which is generally either loved or hated by enthusiasts.
Celebrating 40 years of its Disney collaboration, gérald genta continues to blend playful designs with sophisticated mechanics, particularly the minute repeater, housed in an octagonal case that epitomizes balance and visual impact.
The heart of gérald genta’s new creations is the in-house caliber GG-001, a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence. This manual wound caliber, developed by La Fabrique du Temps, combines a minute repeater, jumping hour and retrograde minute. Navas and Barbasini’s expertise ensures perfect synchronicity between visual time display and auditory signals.
Those attending LVMH Watch Week 2024 will have until February 1 to see gérald genta’s latest creation in person, with additional information on the timepiece available via the brand’s official site.
