Following Gerald Genta's return, two regular collections were launched. While each is an independent collection with distinct designs, they share a common thread: respect for the designer of yesteryear.
Edited & Text by Chieko Tsuruoka (Chronos-Japan)
[Article published in the July 2026 issue of Kronos Japan]
Respect for Genta demonstrated through current craftsmanship.
One year after the revival of Gerald Genta's brand, in 2025, new collections were released: "Geneva" and "Gentissima Ursan."
The first in the "Geneva" series, unveiled in September 2025. While there is an original design, it was newly designed by Mathieu Hégi, the artistic director of La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. The form, neither round nor square, can also be seen in railway tracks, with a circular inner circumference and a cushion-like outer circumference. Manual winding (Cal. GG-002). 32 jewels. 21,600 vibrations/hour. Power reserve of approximately 80 hours. 18K yellow gold case (40mm diameter, 9.6mm thickness). 320,000 Swiss francs (excluding tax).
The Geneva model draws inspiration from a watch designed by Gerald Genta in the 1970s. The new case design is neither round nor square, and the dial is made of black onyx. But more noteworthy than the design is the case size: 40mm in diameter and 9.6mm thick. This model is equipped with a minute repeater that rings out at a volume of 60dB for up to 17 seconds. The thickness of the sides of the middle case has been reduced to just 0.6mm, creating enough space for the sound to resonate even in such a small case.
The "Gentissima Ursan" is a collection released in January 2025. The original was a watch that Gerald Genta gave to family and friends, so it is not very well known to the general public. In November, a new model with a 41mm diameter case and a meteorite dial was added to the lineup. The titanium case is screwed with 18K white gold beads. A special tool was developed for screwing in these beads. The meteorite is colored blue or green, while the Super-LumiNova is dyed pink, a color that Gerald Genta liked.
As its name "Ursan" suggests, the Gentissima Ursan features a design with beads screwed into the case. Two models with a meteorite dial and a 41mm case were released last November. This latest model also follows the design of the "Ursan" designed by Gerald Genta himself.
According to Sylvain Pinault, who oversees distribution at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, the company will be developing its products based on three pillars: Geneva, Gentissima Ursant, and another collection that "cannot be revealed yet."
What all of the brand's models have in common is a tribute to Gerald Genta. For example, the first Geneva model was a minute repeater because he loved "sounding" things. The use of onyx and meteorite was also because he favored these minerals. La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton expresses its respect for Gerald Genta, who left behind numerous masterpieces, through modern craftsmanship.
