Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Claudio Marchisio spotted wearing Gerald Charles

Milan's streets proved a fitting backdrop when Claudio Marchisio — the elegant, technically precise midfield architect who spent the bulk of his career at Juventus — was photographed wearing one of the rarest watches released in 2021: the Gerald Charles Maestro GC 2.0-RG-02 'Premier 2021' edition. Limited to just 25 pieces worldwide, the sighting is a genuine horological event, not merely a celebrity flex.

The Gerald Charles Maestro GC 2.0 represents a meaningful architectural and mechanical departure from its predecessor. The cushion-to-octagonal case transition — a nod to vintage Royal Oak-adjacent geometry — is executed here in 18-carat rose gold, measuring approximately 39.5mm with an ultra-slim profile made possible by the in-house manufacture automatic caliber GC2.0. That movement, developed in collaboration with a specialist ébauche partner in the Vallée de Joux, runs at 28,800 vph and offers a 72-hour power reserve, all packed into a case that wears remarkably flat on the wrist. The 'Premier 2021' designation refers to its debut reference combining the rose gold case with an exclusive emerald sunburst dial — a combination never offered before or since in the Maestro lineup.

From a collector's standpoint, Gerald Charles occupies an interesting position: the brand has Gérald Genta DNA in its heritage — founder Charles Gehri worked within that creative orbit — and the Maestro's octagonal geometry is an unmistakable visual inheritance. Yet Gerald Charles has carved its own identity, attracting a clientele that wants Genta-inspired design without the AP or Patek price ceiling. The Premier 2021 edition, at $31,900 retail, sits at the serious end of independent watchmaking but remains accessible relative to comparable Swiss manufacture pieces in precious metal.

Marchisio's affinity for considered style has been well-documented since his playing days; he was among Serie A's most fashion-conscious figures. Photographed in a Missoni graphic tee and tan trousers, the emerald strap's pyramid texture echoes the sportswear-luxury crossover ethos the brand is clearly cultivating.

With only 25 examples produced, secondary market appearances are exceptionally rare. Buyers seeking one should expect meaningful premiums above the $31,900 list price, and provenance documentation will be critical. This is a watch that rewards patience and networks rather than a simple grey-market browse.