Gerald Charles: history, models and value

Founded

2000

Founder(s)

Gérald Genta

Owner / group

Independent (Ziviani family)

Gerald Charles: origins and founding

After selling his first brand, Gérald Genta, to Bulgari in 2000, the designer of the Royal Oak and Nautilus started again the same year with a new label. He called it Gerald Charles, after his first names Gérald Charles. It is not the same company as the Gérald Genta brand, which today belongs to LVMH.

Founders and family

In 2003 Genta entrusted the brand to the Ziviani family, who had previously distributed his watches, and stayed on as chief designer until his death in 2011. Franco Ziviani had known Genta since the early 1980s and later led Audemars Piguet in Italy. Giampaolo Ziviani ran Gerald Charles for many years before handing over to his nephew Federico Ziviani, who joined in 2019 and became CEO. Franco Ziviani is chairman.

Gerald Charles history and milestones

• 2000: Gérald Genta founds Gerald Charles.
• 2003: the Ziviani family takes over management; Genta remains chief designer.
• 2003–2011: small production of bespoke and limited pieces for collectors.
• 2020: former Audemars Piguet designer Octavio Garcia starts leading the creative team.
• 2021: Maestro Anniversary edition of 252 pieces and new Maestro models.
• 2023: Maestro 9.0 Tourbillon and the GC Sport family.
• 2025: Maestro GC39 25th Anniversary, a remake of Genta's GC39 sliding hours design.
• 2026: first asymmetric perpetual calendar.

Famous Gerald Charles models

• Maestro: the signature model, with a case between square and octagon, a rippled bezel and a concave "smile" at 6 o'clock inspired by the Baroque architect Francesco Borromini. Made in steel, rose gold and titanium.
• Mini Maestro: a smaller version.
• Masterlink: a watch with integrated bracelet.
• Maestro 8.0 Squelette and Maestro 9.0 Tourbillon: openworked and tourbillon models.

Movements and technique

Gerald Charles lists its own calibre names (GCA1000 to GCA11000), including ultra-thin automatics with micro-rotor, a chronograph, a jumping-hour calibre, a flying tourbillon and a perpetual calendar. The brand says it works with specialist partners but does not name base movements.

Gerald Charles today

The brand is independent and family-owned, with an atelier in Geneva, about 40 employees and roughly 2,000 watches a year according to the brand. It sits in the luxury segment and is a member of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie.

Gerald Charles prices on the pre-owned market

Gerald Charles is a niche brand, so pre-owned examples are not common and buyers are mostly specialists. Pieces from Genta's own lifetime (2000–2011), limited editions and complicated models attract the most interest. Box, papers and the original strap all help.

How to recognise a genuine Gerald Charles

Check that the asymmetric case is cleanly finished, that the reference and serial number on the caseback match the papers and that the calibre fits the model. See our guide on how to spot a fake watch for general checks.

What is your Gerald Charles worth?

Get a free watch value estimate from a few photos. For insurance or an estate, we can also prepare a written watch appraisal.

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