REDEFINE ACOUSTIC EXCELLENCE WITH THE GÉRALD GENTA MINUTE REPEATER

At Geneva Watch Days 2025, Gérald Genta has revealed an exceptional new creation that eloquently captures the essence of its founder's visionary approach to watchmaking. The new Minute Repeater represents a sophisticated marriage of technical excellence and artistic expression, embodying the Maison's commitment to creating extraordinary watches that transcend mere functionality.

The minute repeater complication held special significance for Gérald Genta, who was amongst the pioneering watchmakers creating these complex mechanisms during the 1980s. His relentless pursuit of acoustic perfection led him to develop not only traditional minute repeaters but also groundbreaking variations including automatic versions, water-resistant models, and combinations with perpetual calendars.

This latest creation from La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton channels that pioneering spirit whilst introducing an entirely new aesthetic language. The watch features a softly cushioned case design that represents a natural evolution of Gérald Genta, beloved octagonal form, demonstrating how classic design principles can be thoughtfully reinterpreted for contemporary sensibilities.

At the heart of this exquisite creation beats the calibre GG-002, a manual-winding minute repeater movement developed entirely in-house. Master Watchmakers Enrico Barbasini and Michel Navas have devoted exceptional attention to the acoustic properties of this mechanism, with each component meticulously tuned to achieve optimal sound quality.

The movement's black-polished hammers and gongs undergo individual manual tuning, with the watchmakers carefully cutting and adjusting each element to ensure perfect vibration and amplitude. The traditional gong configuration, featuring one complete revolution, produces an exceptionally clear and crystalline chime with remarkable volume—ideal characteristics for a wristwatch minute repeater.

Perhaps the most remarkable achievement of the new Gérald Genta Minute Repeater lies in its case construction, which has been conceived as an acoustic instrument in its own right. Measuring at 40 mm in diameter while being extraordinarily slim at only 9.60mm in height, the yellow gold case has been engineered with ultrathin walls—as little as 0.6mm at certain points—to facilitate optimal sound propagation.

Even the sapphire crystal has been reduced from the typical 1 mm thickness to just 0.8 mm, contributing to the watch's acoustic properties whilst maintaining structural integrity. As Michel Navas explains, this meticulous approach to case design was essential for optimising sound quality within the constraints of a refined, wearable creation.

The visual design of the Minute Repeater demonstrates Gérald Genta's signature approach to creating harmonious contrasts. The case features alternating brushed and polished surfaces that create a subtle interplay of light, whilst double gadroons in polished gold pay homage to historical Gérald Genta creations. The slim, polished trigger follows the watch's contours perfectly, remaining both visually discrete and ergonomically accessible.

A particular highlight is the profound black onyx dial, chosen specifically for its intense lustre and historical significance within Gérald Genta's oeuvre. Paired with 3N yellow gold—a tone that Artistic Director Matthieu Hegi associates with "sunshine and the Mediterranean spirit"—the combination evokes the warmth and sophistication that characterised Gérald Genta's design philosophy.

The dial's minute track represents what Hegi describes as "the very core of the watch's design." Its innovative construction features an inner segment shaped as a perfect circle, with indexes following this round profile, whilst the outer segment echoes the cushion-shaped case. This subtle geometric play creates an intriguing visual effect that questions perception and celebrates the transformative power of thoughtful design.

Completing the ensemble is a black sheep leather strap attached via a single, historically-inspired lug design that seamlessly integrates with the case. The crown, topped with an onyx cabochon and featuring refined cannelure finishing, adds a final touch of sophistication to this remarkable creation.

With the new Minute Repeater, Gérald Genta demonstrates its ability to honour its founder's legacy whilst pushing the boundaries of contemporary high watchmaking. The watch represents more than just being a technical achievement; it embodies a philosophy where mechanical mastery serves artistic expression, and where every detail contributes to a greater harmonious whole.

As the Maison continues to evolve under the stewardship of La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, this latest creation affirms its position at the forefront of creative watchmaking. The Minute Repeater stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of Gérald Genta's vision, proof that true innovation lies not in abandoning tradition, but in reimagining it with fresh eyes and unwavering dedication to excellence.