Gerald Charles 2024: A Year Of Technical Innovations
From dazzling gem-set creations to groundbreaking new collections, discover the highlights of a remarkable year for the Swiss maison.
For Gerald Charles, 2024 was full of new watch releases, with lots of new watches marked by a strong commitment to the technical side as well as to the choice of materials. From the use of gem-sets and technical innovations to a new collection, this year has been very prolific for the Swiss maison. Here are the main novelties presented by Gerald Charles lately.
New Gem-Set Watches
The maison's year opened with the launch of new gem-set timepieces during Watches & Wonders.
Following on from the success of the Maestro 8.0 Squelette gem-set limited edition, which was launched in 2022, Gerald Charles introduces two new gem-set collections, the first is composed of four new references of the Maestro 8.0 Squelette and the second of two versions of the Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin and one of the Maestro GC Sport.
The new Maestro 8.0 Squelette gem-set is a limited edition with a very high technical level in so many ways, starting with the 'integration of 66 baguette-cut gemstones manually set on a curved 18-karat white gold case. The gems, namely sapphires, are presented in four new shades: violet, orange, yellow and turquoise. As for the gem-set process, complex engineering solutions have been applied to integrate a series of precious gems into the Maestro's curved case architecture. The skeleton dial allows a glimpse of the open-worked self-winding movement, ref. GCA 5482, with an off-center rose gold micro-rotor, embodies the pinnacle of the Maison's technical innovation, the result of two years of research and development.
Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin
As mentioned earlier, the new Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin rounds out the maison's gem-set releases for 2024.
In this one, too, the brand's artisans were faced with the difficulty of setting the 52 round-cut gems on the Maestro's irregular steel bezel. a feat that requires absolute precision and profound craftsmanship. This challenge requires a special cut for each precious stone and reduces the amount of metal available for the setting. For this reason, Gerald Charles developed his own in-house technical plans for gem-setting which are at the cutting edge of watchmaking engineering.
With a GCA 3002 movement, it is hand-decorated with honeycomb, colimaçon and soleil motifs and features a 50-hour power reserve. Three versions with diamonds, tsavorites or sapphires are available, and it is complemented by the collection's classic rubber strap.
The Masterlink Collection
The Maison then presented the Masterlink collection; this is the second line of watches since the brand was relaunched, apart from the Maestro collection.
The most distinctive feature of these models is the integrated asymmetrical bracelet, developed in perfect harmony with the iconic Maestro case. This design is the result of four years of research and development. Each link is individually shaped to follow the unique curves of the case, while the invisible clasp and innovative sizing system ensure a precise and comfortable fit.
The dial features a cotes de Genève pattern that is also echoed in the brushing of the bracelet's central link so as to enhance the verticality of the design.
The Masterlink is available in two colors, with a blue dial and with a silver dial, as you see in the photo.
Through the visible case back, it is possible to admire the new microrotor movement made for this new entry, the GCA 5401.
The movement was developed by Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier and is only 2.67 mm thick, which contributes to an overall case thickness of only 7.99 mm.
Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916
Among the watches presented in 2024 we also find an interesting innovation in the choice of materials. In the Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30th Anniversary 916 robust materials have been used to celebrate the link between watchmaking and motors.
The Maestro 4.0 features a marbled black forged carbon case with a black ceròamic bezel and Grade 5 titanium details, materials chosen for their lightness and strength, as well as hallmarks of racing motorcycles.
The jumping hour complication, developed in-house with the caliber GCA 3002JH, on the other hand, represents a return to the Gérald Charles Genta tradition, innovated with the addition of a skeletonized central disc reminiscent of the wheel on the Ducati 916.
The 2025 for Gerald Charles
With 2024 drawing to a close, Gerald Charles is preparing to celebrate a significant milestone in 2025: the 25th anniversary of its founding. This year's releases have set the stage for good expectations, suggesting that the coming months will bring important news.
This article was produced in collaboration with Gerald Charles and contains sponsored content.
