Gerald Genta

Genta born in Geneva at the of age 20 finished his jewelry and goldsmith training in his native Switzerland, earning a Swiss federal diploma. Subsequently, Genta was recruited by Universal Genève SA, at the time one of the most recognized manufactures in both the U.S. and Europe for its chronograph models. He designed Universal's Polerouter Microtors in the ‘50s. Genta's work with Universal was only an anticipation to future collaborations with other brands in Switzerland and throughout Europe, including Omega's Constellation (1959); Patek Philippe's Golden Ellipse (1968), Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak (1970), IWC's Ingenieur (1976); Patek Philippe's Nautilus (1976); and Cartier's Pasha de Cartier (1997).

After starting his own brand in 1969, he creates the Gérald Genta Octo Granda Sonnerie Tourbillion, with four bell ring at each quarter and on the hour, "the same melody rung out by London's Big Ben". In 1994, he designed the Grande Sonnerie Retro, the world's most complicated wristwatch. For private requests, Genta personally designed the movements, dials and cases of his timepieces and employed limited external assistance during the process; it was not unusual for a single watch to take up to 5 years to complete.

During the 1980s, Genta obtained special licensing with The Walt Disney Company, creating a limited edition watch with Disney characters. The dials had illustrations of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Scrooge and Goofy, with golden cases. Gerald Genta's clients includes professional athletes, business executives, musicians, movie stars, politicians as well as royalty. The company was acquired by Bulgari in 1999, Genta resigned and created a new venture called Gerald Charles. Genta died in August 2011 at the age of 80.