Gérald Genta

A legend in horology, Gérald Genta has in recent years become familiar to more than just watch enthusiasts. With the rise in desirability of his most famous creations, he has become a household name. Amongst his notable designs are the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Cartier Pasha, Omega Constellation, Fantasy Disney collection - the list goes on. 

Whilst the market currently is predominantly focused on the watches he designed for other maisons, the watches he created for his namesake brand have been gaining the attention of collectors once again. Genta created many extraordinary watches for his namesake brand, including numerous highly complicated, custom-designed timepieces for the world’s richest and most powerful individuals, including heads of state and royalty. 

Of the 100,000 watches Genta designed over his lifetime, the most iconic Gerald Genta models are unquestionably the Grande Sonnerie and the Octagonal perpetual calendar such as the present example. 

The Octagonal collection made its debut in 1991 and bears the trademark case shape of the Gerald Genta brand, a form that would also be repeated for desk clocks. Of the varied models that were part of the Octagonal collection, the quintessential complication is the perpetual calendar. Offered in steel, yellow gold, or more rarely in white gold, the Octagonal watches were also offered with a bracelet that echoed the case design. 

The present example featuring a skeletonised perpetual calendar is the ultimate representation of Genta’s unique style. The skeletonised movement is further enhanced by a lapis lazuli moon phase display, one of the subtle hallmarks of the most desirable watches of the Octagonal collection. Matched with an uncommon white gold case and bracelet, the Octagonal Perpetual Calendar represents the pinnacle of Gérald Genta collecting.