Sponsored: Playful and Elegant, Meet Gerald Charles' Novel, Gem-Set Maestro Timepieces
As first seen at Watches & Wonders 2024 this past spring, Gerald Charles unveiled its latest gem-set novelties as part of the brand’s Maestro 8.0 Squelette, Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin, and Maestro 2.0 GC Sport series. Now these new additions are hitting the market, with each highlighting the refined Maison’s commitment to blending artistic creativity in design with technical excellence in production and mechanical function— a vision rooted in the legacy of its founder, Gérald Charles Genta.
Each of the new models expands upon Gerald Charles' dedication to innovation and artistry, with touches of color and gemstones adding a new layer of elegance and playfulness to familiar Maestro styles. The Maestro 8.0 Squelette, renowned for its intricate skeletonized design, now comes in four new vibrant gem-set editions. Meanwhile, the Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin debuts in two refined versions, each showcasing the brand's mastery in ultra-thin watchmaking and gem-setting, while the Maestro 2.0 GC Sport debuts its latest in a lovely royal blue.
The Maestro 8.0 Squelette
The new models joining the Maestro 8.0 Squelette each feature a 39 by 41mm steel case, with a slim profile of 8.35mm. The unique shape of the Maestro places the watches firmly in the canon of Gerald Charles, while a refined polished finish to the material, alongside a Clous de Paris pattern on the crown, point the manufacture’s attention to elegant detail.
The case of each of the watches is adorned with 66 hand-set, baguette fancy cut sapphire stones, available in either violet, orange, yellow, or blue and set within an 18k white gold bezel. This intricate gem-setting, performed by the skilled artisans at Salanitro, seamlessly integrates with the watch’s curved architecture.
The skeletonized dial of the Maestro 8.0 Squelette is highly engaging, with grey anthracite NAC bridges and brushed surfaces put to use. The baton-shaped hands complement the intricate open-work design, allowing a clear view of the watch’s inner workings. Though for its appeal, the display’s minimalist approach smartly ensures that the gem-set bezel remains the focal point, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the watches.
Inside the new timepieces is the ultra-thin, automatic Ref. GCA 5482 calibre. The mechanism features 160 components and 29 rubies, operates at a frequency of 3 Hz and provides a power reserve of 50 hours. A 22K rose gold micro-rotor visible on both sides of the watch anchors the style and emphasizes the brand’s ability for technical mechanical ingenuity.
The Gerald Charles Maestro 8.0 Squelette is available in limited editions, with only 10 editions being produced per colorway. The exclusive nature of these timepieces ensures their status as collector’s items, with prices available upon request.
The Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin & Maestro 2.0 GC Sport
In addition to the skeletonized Maestro timepieces, Gerald Charles has also launched three new gem-set watches as part of its Maestro 2.0 family, including two updates to the Ultra-Thin series and one to the GC Sport line.
The Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin and the Maestro 2.0 GC Sport feature cases that balance elegance and sportiness. The Ultra-Thin models are housed in polished stainless steel, while the GC Sport boasts a Grade 5 Titanium case. Both measure 39 by 41mm, with a thickness of 9mm. The bezels are gem-set, with the Ultra-Thin models featuring 52 round-cut diamonds or tsavorites, and the GC Sport adorned with blue sapphires.
The dials of these models showcase a sunburst finish in either Timeless Black, Emerald Green, or Royal Blue, each demonstrating a dynamic play of light and color. Each dial is equipped with baton-shaped hands and applied indexes filled with Super-Luminova C1 for optimal legibility. The GC Sport also includes Arabic numerals at 3, 12, and 9, enhancing its sporty aesthetic.
Both the Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin and the GC Sport are powered by the GCA 3002 calibre. This automatic, ultra-thin movement is decorated with the Gerald Charles "honeycomb" motif, colimaçon, and soleil finishings. It has a central oscillating mass, 189 components, 28 rubies, and operates at a frequency of 4 Hz. Like the Squelette, it offers a 50-hour power reserve and incorporates the Incabloc anti-shock system.
The Gerald Charles Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin in Timeless Black and Emerald Green are priced at $21,100 USD, while the Maestro GC Sport in Royal Blue is available for $22,000 USD, VAT excluded.
To learn more, visit Gerald Charles, here.
