Gérald Genta

Every industry needs an innovator—someone who challenges conventions and pushes design beyond conservative boundaries. In the traditionally cautious world of watchmaking, one man revolutionized timepiece aesthetics and redefined luxury sports watches: Gérald Genta.

Born in Geneva on May 1, 1931, Genta trained as a goldsmith and jeweler before joining Universal Genève, an esteemed watch manufacturer. At just 23, he designed the SAS Polerouter, a model that would become one of the brand’s greatest successes.

His exceptional talent soon attracted the attention of the industry’s most prestigious names. Omega enlisted him to refresh the Constellation collection, while Audemars Piguet sought a bold new vision for luxury watches—leading to the creation of the Royal Oak, the world’s first steel luxury sports watch with its now-iconic octagonal bezel. Genta’s collaboration with Patek Philippe resulted in the Nautilus, inspired by the lines of a transatlantic ship, further cementing his reputation as the master of blending luxury with sportiness. His influence extended to IWC with the Ingenieur, and his designs shaped timepieces for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chaumet, Hamilton, Bulgari, Seiko, and Timex.

In 1969, Genta founded his own eponymous brand, crafting extraordinary timepieces for royalty, including the King of Spain, the King of Saudi Arabia, and the Sultans of Oman and Brunei. Among his most celebrated creations was the Grand Sonnerie, a masterpiece that mimics the chimes of Big Ben, developed over five years and still regarded as one of horology’s finest achievements. His signature Retrograde and Bi-Retrograde designs, including playful renditions featuring Mickey Mouse, became some of his most recognizable and beloved models.

Genta’s legacy is one of fearless innovation—transforming the landscape of watch design and leaving an indelible mark on haute horlogerie.