Gerald Genta Custom Watch with Exquisite 5 Carat Pink Diamond and 18K Gold Bezel
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:
- Stone:
- Stone Cut:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Early 1990's
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Sherman Oaks, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU117316449672
Gérald Genta
It’s safe to say that Gérald Genta radically changed contemporary watchmaking. As a designer and engineer, he transformed both the overall appearance of timepieces and how they function. He’s also one of the few watchmakers whose creations for brands other than his own earned him worldwide acclaim.
Born in Geneva, the capital of the Swiss watch industry, Gérald Charles Genta was hired by watch manufacturer Universal Genève at the age of 20 after finishing his training as a jewelry goldsmith. That his career would be in horology was pretty much set in stone when at 23 years old he was assigned to create a timepiece for Scandinavian Airline Systems (SAS) to celebrate its inaugural flight from Copenhagen to Los Angeles via the North Pole. The first models of the watch, named the Polerouter, were given to the cabin crew upon landing at Los Angeles International Airport.
In the late 1950s and early ’60s, Genta worked for Omega on its line of Constellation watches, which further cemented his position as a star designer. In 1958, his relationship with Patek Philippe began with the Golden Ellipse, whose oval case was a stylish departure from the house’s more serious, round Calatrava.
Genta created his most iconic designs in the 1970s — a difficult time for the Swiss watch industry, when Japanese battery-powered quartz timepieces challenged the primacy of traditional mechanical models.
The octagonal case for the Royal Oak, introduced by Audemars Piguet in 1972 and perhaps Genta’s best-known creation, was based on vintage diving helmets that attached to the rest of the suit with screws. Genta had a thing for screws, and the Royal Oak had eight of them arranged in a symmetrical pattern on the bezel. The design marked the first time stainless steel was used for a luxury sports watch, kicking off the now ubiquitous trend for sports-chic stainless-steel timepieces with steel integrated bracelets — metal watch bands designed to fit seamlessly, in terms of both aesthetics and function, with the case.
In addition to devising the Royal Oak and the Nautilus during this period, Genta famously redesigned IWC’s Ingenieur in 1976, adding five screws to the bezel in an asymmetrical pattern.
In 1977, he created the Bvlgari Bvlgari, based on a Roman coin, and later, an updated version of the Pasha de Cartier, originally designed in 1931 by Louis Cartier as a one-off for the pasha of Marrakech. Genta reconceived the piece as a luxury sports watch with a round case that distinguished it from other Cartier watches, like the Tank and the Baignoire.
He and his wife, Evelyne Genta, formed their own firm in 1969, producing haute timepieces for private clients, who included royalty, like Great Britain’s Queen Mother and the sultans of Brunei and Oman, in addition to business magnates, sports figures and entertainers.
“It was an unusual brand, doing mostly prototypes,” recounted Evelyne. “His passion was creating a new watch every day. He expressed himself as he wanted.”
Even after Bvlgari acquired Genta’s firm, in 2000, he continued making watches under the name Gérald Charles. However, despite his enviably long run and the indelible mark he made on every facet of watchmaking, Genta will always be best remembered for popularizing the steel sports watch.
Find vintage Gérald Genta watches on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Sherman Oaks, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Omega 18k White Gold Women's Manual Wind Watch with Diamond Bezel #484By OmegaLocated in Sherman Oaks, CAOmega 18k White Gold Women's Manual Wind Watch with Diamond Bezel #484 Movement #484 Movement Serial #215635XX Case #47399 Year of Manufacture: 1964 18k Wh...Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Concord Delirium Quartz with Diamond Dial and Bezel 18 Karat Yellow Gold WatchBy Concord WatchLocated in Sherman Oaks, CAModel: Delirium Serial #946789 Movement #ETA Quartz E 03001 18k Yellow Gold Case w/ Diamond Bezel 20 mm Wide (21 mm w/ Crown) 23 mm Long Lug-to-Lug Width = 16 mm Lug-to-Lug Length = ...Category
20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold
- 5.75 carat Ruby & 1.35 carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Earring and Pendant SetLocated in Sherman Oaks, CAJewelry Set Includes Stunning Insivibly set Ruby Plaque earrings with Diamond accents and a matching "Diamond Shaped" Pendant Total Ruby Carat Weight = 5.75 carats Total Diamond Car...Category
Early 2000s American Modern More Jewelry
MaterialsDiamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
- Fendi 18k Yellow Gold Chronograph Watch with Leather BandBy FendiLocated in Sherman Oaks, CAFendi 18K Yellow Gold Chronograph Watch w/ Leather Band Model: Chronograph Serial #: 000-270-062 18K Yellow Gold Round Case Case Size= 35mmm...Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- LIP Ruby Bezel Hand-Winding 18 Karat Yellow Gold Women's Watch with Gold BandLocated in Sherman Oaks, CA18k Yellow Gold Flower-Shaped Case 23 mm in Diameter (24.5 mm w/ Crown) Bezel Features 18 Custom-Shaped Rubies in Ballerina Baguette Formation Round Dial w/ Gold Tic Marks and Hands ...Category
20th Century Wrist Watches
MaterialsRuby, 18k Gold
- Vacheron Constantin Men's 18k Gold Mechanical Watch with Original Mesh BandBy Vacheron ConstantinLocated in Sherman Oaks, CAVacheron Constantin Men's 18k Gold Mechanical Watch w/ Original Mesh Band Reference #464429 18k Yellow Gold Round Case 33 mm in Diameter Lug-...Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold
- Ladies Piaget Custom Diamond Dial and Bezel 18k Gold Manual Winding WristwatchBy PiagetLocated in Braintree, GBLadies Piaget custom diamond dial and bezel 18k gold manual winding wristwatch, circa 1990's Comes in original box and service document. Model Nr : 41545 Gender: Ladies Case Diamet...Category
1990s Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold
- Rolex Datejust SS & 18k YG Watch Factory Black Roman Dial Custom Diamond BezelBy RolexLocated in New York, NYThis watch comes with a LIFETIME diamond replacement warranty. We are so confident in our diamonds setters that if any of the individual diamonds are ever to fall out of our watches...Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
- Rolex 31mm Datejust With Custom Diamond bezel SS White MOP Bezel and Lugs WatchBy RolexLocated in New York, NYRolex 31mm Datejust With custom Diamond bezel SS White MOP Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Bezel and Lugs Deployment buckle 68274Category
1990s European Wrist Watches
- Rolex Submariner Two Tone Watch with Custom Diamond Bezel 16613By RolexLocated in New York, NYRolex Submariner Two Tone Watch With Custom Diamond Bezel 16613. This watch is in like new condition. It's been polished, serviced and ...Category
1990s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
- Rolex Datejust Factory Black Diamond Dial with Custom Diamond Bezel WatchBy RolexLocated in New York, NYRolex 36mm Datejust Factory Black Diamond Dial with Custom Diamond Bezel Stainless Steel Jubilee Hidden Clasp 116234. This watch is in perfect condition. It has been polished, prof...Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Stainless Steel
- Rolex Submariner Date Two Tone Custom Diamond Watch with Diamond BezelBy RolexLocated in New York, NYRolex Submariner Date Two Tone Custom Diamond Watch with Diamond Bezel and Side Diamond Bracelet 116613 Never worn watch, discontinued model.Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Stainless Steel