Gérald Genta — watch collection

About Gérald Genta’s watch collection

Gérald Genta is a Swiss watchmaker credited with designing the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in 1972, one of the most influential sports watch designs of the 20th century. Beyond his work at Audemars Piguet, Genta established himself as an independent watchmaker and designer, founding Gerald Charles in 1993. His career spans multiple decades of high-end watchmaking, where he has remained actively involved in designing, developing, and commissioning bespoke timepieces.

The Gérald Genta watch collection reflects his position at the intersection of heritage and innovation. He is frequently spotted wearing variations of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 5402, the Jumbo model he originally designed. One notable piece is his custom two-tone Royal Oak Ref. 5402 Jumbo, commissioned in May 1978, featuring an 18k yellow gold octagonal bezel paired with stainless steel—a bespoke configuration created in his own atelier. He has also been seen wearing the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 5402ST in stainless steel with a gold bezel, demonstrating his appreciation for the classical proportions of his own design.

Genta's personal timepiece selection also includes pieces from his own manufacture. He wears the Gerald Charles Maestro Tourbillon Skeleton, a diamond-set white gold creation that represents his vision for contemporary watchmaking under his own brand. These watches reflect not only his technical expertise but also his philosophy that a watchmaker's collection should feature works aligned with their own creative principles and manufacturing standards.