Experience Timeless Elegance and Acoustic Perfection: The Gérald Genta Geneva Minute Repeater

The Rebirth of a Legend: Gérald Genta's Vision Continues

The esteemed Gérald Genta brand has been re-established as an independent entity under the guidance of La Fabrique du Temps (LFT), Louis Vuitton's specialized watchmaking atelier, since 2023. This revival focuses on producing intricate, high-complication timepieces in limited quantities, ensuring that the inventive spirit of the iconic designer, Gérald Genta (1931-2011), endures. For Geneva Watch Days 2026, Gérald Genta proudly unveils its second iteration of a minute repeater, a complication deeply cherished by Mr. Genta. Following the sophisticated Black Onyx edition introduced at GWD 2025, the new Geneva Minute Repeater now features a captivating natural golden obsidian dial.

A Contemporary Interpretation of Genta's Affinity for Minute Repeaters

Despite Mr. Genta's profound fascination with minute repeaters and his prolific creation of them throughout his career, the Geneva Minute Repeater is not a direct reproduction of an earlier Genta model. Instead, Matthieu Hegi, the artistic director at La Fabrique du Temps, explored a 'what if' scenario, translating the designer's love for distinctively shaped cases into the subtle cushion-shaped silhouette of the Geneva collection. This elegant yellow gold case, measuring 40mm in diameter with a slender profile of 9.6mm, is celebrated for its exceptional acoustic properties. The design incorporates signature Genta elements, such as double gadroons and horizontal gold bars at the case's ends, while a golden obsidian cabochon adorns the yellow gold crown, adding a refined touch.

Crafting Resonance: The Case Engineering for Optimal Sound

While the watch's sleek and elegant dimensions offer comfort on the wrist, the case has been meticulously engineered to optimize acoustic resonance. Unnecessary material was removed to achieve the thinnest possible case, reaching a mere 0.6mm at its narrowest point. Both the bezel and caseback are internally hollowed to facilitate unobstructed sound travel. The sapphire crystal, too, has been thinned to 0.8mm to further enhance sound propagation. The case is adorned with alternating polished and satin-brushed finishes, with the only visual cue to its chiming capability being the polished slider positioned on the left side of the case.

The Allure of the Golden Obsidian Dial: A Nod to Nature

Mr. Genta held a particular fondness for hardstone dials, a preference beautifully manifested in the golden obsidian dial of this new timepiece. This natural volcanic glass is prized for its dynamic reflections and the subtle golden undertones that emerge from its deeper brown surface, bestowing a sense of organic warmth and texture upon the watch's aesthetic. The minimalist dial design features rounded, applied yellow gold indices and hands, complemented by a white railway-style minute track. A testament to thoughtful design, the inner segment of the track is circular, while its outer perimeter gracefully mirrors the cushion-shaped contours of the case.

The Heart of Precision: The GG-002 Calibre

The manual-winding GG-002 calibre, developed entirely in-house by master watchmakers Enrico Barbasini and Michel Navas at La Fabrique du Temps, powers this intricate mechanism. Each gong is individually hand-cut and acoustically tuned to achieve optimal vibration and amplitude. These gongs are struck by black-polished hammers, producing a clear, melodious chime. The movement boasts exquisite finishing, including hand-bevelled angles, circular graining, and Côtes de Genève. In a playful homage to one of Mr. Genta's preferred shapes, the inertia wheel—which regulates the gongs' striking velocity—is octagonal. Operating at a frequency of 3Hz, this slender calibre provides an impressive 80-hour power reserve.

Availability and Exclusivity: A Timeless Acquisition

The Gérald Genta Geneva Minute Repeater Golden Obsidian is scheduled for release in September 2026. Pricing details are available upon request, underscoring the watch's exclusivity and bespoke nature. Further information can be found on the official Gérald Genta website.