Maison Gerald Charles is delighted to announce the predecessor of the Masterlink, the customised Sarawak, launched in 2007 by Mr. Gérald Charles Genta. The asymmetric integrated bracelet timepiece, which remained a mystery to the public until now was manufactured as one exclusive piece for the Royal family of Sarawak, a Malaysian state.
This is just one of the thousands of sketches, which remain unpublished from the Gerald Charles archive, a powerful source of inspiration for the creative vision of the Maison. With a value of over 1 million euro and a total of over 15 carats of precious stones, this unique timepiece with a full pavé set bracelet and case in round diamonds and baguette rubies carries the DNA of high-end gem setting which now is signature to the Maison.
Between 2000 and 2011 when Mr. Genta was designer in chief of Gerald Charles – the Maison produced high-complicated and bespoke pieces, upon request only, under the direction of Giampaolo Ziviani, uncle to the current CEO.
Mr. Genta’s legacy lives on through Gerald Charles
“The Sarawak is the first and the last known asymmetric integrated bracelet timepiece created by Mr. Genta, while the Masterlink is the first asymmetric integrated bracelet watch on the market today”, highlights CEO, Federico Ziviani. Mr. Genta’s legacy lives on through Gerald Charles and the Ziviani family. In line with their vision, the heritage passed through generations, from Giampaolo to Federico, from the high watchmaking of the early Gerald Charles to the contemporary and high-end Maison of today.
However, nothing happened by chance. Gerald Charles is a family matter. Mr. Genta and the Ziviani family, especially Franco Ziviani who is the current chairman, have always been friends.
“I first met Gérald Charles Genta at the Montres & Bijoux watch fair in Milan in 1982 and we immediately became good friends. I collaborated with him for the Italian release of the Gerald Genta Gefica Safari in 1984. He then asked for my help when he founded Gerald Charles in 2000 but unfortunately at that time, I wasn’t able to assist as I was Audemars Piguet Italy CEO. So, I asked my brother, Giampaolo, to join and become General Manager. Since then, Mr. Genta has always trusted us and our priority has always been to respect his legacy.”, Mr. Franco said.
Following his passing, the Genta’s family have not been involved with the company. Since the start, the Ziviani family have been chosen by Mr. Genta himself to be involved in Gerald Charles, which makes them one of the very few partners that he had in a watch company. This is the reason why Gerald Charles owns a whole archive of his last original drawings and several vintage pieces, that he personally engineered and created when alive. A few of these special timepieces are now displayed in our Museum at the Geneva Atelier to celebrate the art of watchmaking which is synonym to Gerald Charles.
Today’s mission is to look at the treasured archive as a starting point to develop the future of the brand. To achieve this goal the Ziviani have historical memory on their side, having seen the company in its infancy. Their incredible passion and respect for the heritage of the brand, ensures that the legacy of Mr. Genta lives on.
From the Sarawak, the quest for the ultimate asymmetric integrated bracelet timepiece has led the Maison to the Masterlink.
About Gerald Charles Maison Gerald Charles is an independent, family-owned, watch company based in Geneva, Switzerland. Founded in 2000 by Mr. Gérald Charles Genta, he gave his two first names to his latest brand to create a unique bond between himself and his creations. In 2003, Mr. Genta decided to sell the company to the Ziviani family, trusted partners and longtime friends, staying on as designer-in-chief until 2011. Giampaolo Ziviani led the business as General Manager, alongside Mr. Genta. Since the foundation of the company, Gerald Charles watches have been produced in limited quantities for a niche of collectors. Mr. Genta left in the company’s care an important archive of his last 11 years of original drawings. Today, many designs are still unpublished, being a long-last source of inspiration and a treasure trove for the Maison’s development. In 2019, a new board of directors took part in the company, with Federico Ziviani as CEO and so, a new chapter began. After a successful career, in late 2023, Mr. Franco Ziviani joined the family business as Chairman at Gerald Charles. In Spring 2024, Gerald Charles inaugurates its Atelier, a new home and cultural hub in Geneva, located in rue du Mont-Blanc 3, where both the Museum and the Core collection will be available. Today, the Maison is opening up for a new generation of connoisseurs, carrying Mr. Genta’s legacy of ‘Artistic Creativity, Technical Mastery’ forward into the future. The Maison produces 1500 timepieces per year, working closely with highly skilled professionals and artisans to continue the traditions started by the great designer. All Gerald Charles watches present unique technical and aesthetic features: high-end Swiss-made watches conceived and manufactured without compromise, complying with Qualité Fleurier standards, to deliver superior precision and performance, as well as exceptional water and shock resistance. Each timepiece ensures high levels of ergonomics and versatility across all lifestyles and generations, the signature of the company’s founder and eternal inspiration, Mr. Genta.
