Gerald Genta Watch Designer and Watch Manufacturer Age Determination - Royal Oak, Nautilus, Bulgari Rettangolo, Baume&Mercier Riviera, King Midas, Omega Constellation, IWC Ingenieur
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Gérald Genta (the brand)
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Gérald Genta (1931–2011) was a Swiss watch designer
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Designed among others:
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Audemars Piguet Royal Oak (1972)
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Patek Philippe Nautilus (1976)
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IWC Ingenieur SL, Omega Constellation Manhattan and others.
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Own brand “Gérald Genta” founded: 1969
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Known for: Eccentric designs, retrograde displays, complications
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Brand acquired by Bvlgari: 2000s
Identify model & series
| Model series / type | Period |
|---|---|
| Early own designs (GG signature, manual winding) | 1970s |
| Gérald Genta Retro, “Jump Hour” / Retrograde | from around the 1980s |
| Bi-Retro (minutes & date retrograde) | 1990s–2000s |
| Arena, Octo, Gefica | 1990s–2005 |
| Models with Disney characters (Mickey etc.) | 1990s–2000s (collectibles) |
Identify the work
Gérald Genta often used modified ETA movements or high-quality basic movements with his own modules:
| Movement / Complication | Period / Meaning |
|---|---|
| ETA 2892 with GG retro module | 1990s–2000s |
| Minute & Date Retrograde | “Bi-Retro” = typical 90s/00s |
| Minute repeater, perpetual calendar | mostly after 1995 |
Design style helps narrow down
| Design feature | decade |
|---|---|
| Patek/AP-inspired steel case, integrated bracelet | 1970s |
| Classic round, enamel or retrograde dial | 1980s–90s |
| Bizarre ads (e.g. Mickey with jumping hour) | 1990s |
| Arena / Gefica: Large & technical | 2000s (before Bulgari merger) |
| Octo with Bvlgari engraving | After 2005 (Bvlgari era) |
Summary: Dating Gérald Genta watches
| feature | Typical period |
|---|---|
| Classic designs, no Bulgari imprint | 1970s–80s |
| Retrograde / Jump Hour | from the 1980s |
| Arena, Bi-Retro, Gefica | approx. 1995–2005 |
| “Bulgari” co-branding | after 2000 (takeover phase) |
Reference models
- Constellation – Omega (1959)
- King Midas – Rolex (1960s)
- Royal Oak – Audemars Piguet (1972)
- Engineer – International Watch Company (1975)
- Nautilus – Patek Philippe (1976)
- Pasha – Cartier (1985)
- Bulgari-Bulgari & Rettangolo – Bulgari
- Riviera – Baume & Mercier
Source: AI, Wikipedia
