Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The New Gérald Genta Geneva Minute Repeater Golden Obsidian
A golden obsidian dial imparts texture and warmth to Gérald Genta's delightful minute repeater.
The Gérald Genta brand was officially revived as an independent stand-alone marque by Louis Vuitton’s elite watchmaking atelier, La Fabrique du Temps (LFT), in 2023. With a focus on high-end complications in limited quantities, the spirit of legendary designer Gérald Genta (1931-2011) lives on. For Geneva Watch Days 2026, Gérald Genta releases a second iteration of one of Mr Genta’s favourite complications: the Minute Repeater. Following the sleek black-tie beauty of the Black Onyx edition released at GWD 2025, the new Geneva Minute Repeater features a natural golden obsidian dial.
Although Mr Genta was fascinated by minute repeaters and produced many during his lifetime, the Geneva Minute Repeater is not a replica of an existing Genta timepiece. Instead, La Fabrique du Temps’ artistic director, Matthieu Hegi, has asked the question “what if” and interprets the designer’s predilection for shaped cases with the subtle cushion-shaped case of the Geneva collection. Measuring 40mm across with a slim height of 9.6mm, the elegant case, with its smooth gadroons, is crafted in yellow gold, a metal appreciated for its acoustic properties. The double gadroons and horizontal gold bars at either end of the case are design elements found on some of Genta’s original pieces. A nice touch, the yellow gold crown has a golden obsidian cabochon.
While the lean, elegant dimensions are a bonus on the wrist, the case has been intentionally whittled down to maximise the resonance. Shaving off excess material to produce as thin a case as possible – just 0.6mm at its thinnest point – the bezel and caseback are internally hollowed to allow sound to travel freely. In the name of sound propagation, the sapphire crystal has been reduced to 0.8mm. Decorated with alternating polished and satin-brushed surfaces, the only feature that gives away its chiming function is the polished slider on the left side of the case.
Mr Genta was also fond of hardstone dials, and his preference is reflected here in the golden obsidian dial, a natural volcanic glass. Prized for its shifting reflections and subtle golden highlights that emerge beneath the darker brown surface, golden obsidian brings warmth and an organic texture to the composition. The minimalist dial is fitted with rounded, applied yellow gold indices and hands, and a white railway-style minute track. Revealing the care invested in the design, the inner segment of the track is circular while the perimeter emulates the cushion-shaped contours of the case.
The manual-winding GG-002 calibre has been developed entirely in-house at La Fabrique du Temps by master watchmakers Enrico Barbasini and Michel Navas. Each gong is individually cut and tuned by ear and hand to ensure optimal vibration and amplitude. The gongs are struck by the black-polished hammers, emitting a clear, crystalline chime. Beautifully finished, the movement reveals hand-bevelled angles, circular graining, Côtes de Genève and, in a playful nod to one of Mr Genta’s favourite shapes, the inertia wheel – regulating the striking velocity of the gongs – is octagonal. Beating at a frequency of 3Hz, the slim calibre packs a robust 80-hour power reserve.
The watch will be available in September 2026. The price is upon request. More information at geraldgenta.com.
