Gucci celebrates its 100th anniversary with the launch of its High Watchmaking collection

Italian fashion designer Guccio Gucci founded his eponymous brand in 1921 and released his first watch in 1972. Since then, Gucci has produced timepieces alongside a variety of popular accessories, many of which have been noted for their fashionable designs rather than their horological ambitions. However, in commemoration of Gucci's 100th anniversary in 2021, the watch division announced a high-watchmaking collection, signaling a strengthening of production. We'll introduce some memorable models from the Gucci 25H, G-Timeless, and Grip.

Gucci 25H Tourbillon 18K Yellow Gold

　First, let me emphasize that these contemporary high watchmaking collections, like all Gucci watches, were designed by Gucci's Creative Director, Alessandro Michele. They incorporate elements emblematic of the brand's current aesthetic, including flora and fauna, lucky numbers, and (of course) the instantly recognizable Interlocking G logo. All models are Swiss-made and crafted at Gucci's Swiss production facilities. Dials are crafted in Gucci's Fabrica Quadranti atelier in Ticino, a state-of-the-art technology and highly skilled craftsmanship. Assembly and diamond setting are carried out at Kering's movement manufacturing facility in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Fabrica Quadranti also provides expertise in specialized decoration techniques, while all other manufacturing and quality control know-how is centralized at Gucci Watches headquarters in Neuchâtel.

Gucci 25H Tourbillon Platinum

Based on the concept of "a dazzling fusion of Gucci's innate Italian style and peerless Swiss expertise," the tourbillon models in the Gucci 25H collection are powered by the GG727.25.T, the first thin automatic caliber developed and produced exclusively for Gucci watches at Kering's movement manufacturing facility in La Chaux-de-Fonds (the Kering Group, formerly the Gucci Group and currently owns Girard-Perregaux and Ulysse Nardin). Measuring just 4.85mm thick, this movement marks the first tourbillon model in a Gucci watch. The caliber's number refers to 25, Michele's lucky number, which he often uses in his Gucci collections. The number 7 represents perfection, the number 2 represents balance and harmony, and the number 5 represents curiosity and freedom. Featuring a sophisticated case design with an integrated bracelet and a textured dial, the Gucci 25H is available in stainless steel, an automatic model with a diamond-set stainless steel bezel, or a tourbillon model in yellow gold or platinum.

G-Timeless Dancing Bee Tourbillon

The five new high-end watchmaking models in the G-Timeless collection include a tourbillon watch with a sparkling dial featuring a dancing bee motif, an automatic model with a diamond-set case and bracelet, a bee motif and gem-set hard stone dial paired with a precious leather strap, an automatic model with a full diamond dial, and a moon phase model.

Grip Gold

　Gucci also launched five new Grip models featuring an unconventional jumping-hour design. The mechanical Grip watches feature two apertures on the dial that display the hours and minutes. Two 18K yellow gold models and one white gold model feature hard stone dials and alligator straps. A fourth model features a brushed 18K yellow gold dial engraved with the Gucci logo, set with 44 baguette-cut diamonds, and a satin-brushed bracelet. The fifth model features a sapphire crystal case in four colors and a matching rubber strap.

　Since 2020, Gucci has also released high jewelry watch models equipped with Swiss quartz movements and featuring goldwork and precious stones. These watches express a unique worldview where art and craftsmanship are artistically fused together.