The brand named after the genius designer, acquired by Bvlgari in 2000, is back in the spotlight with a new model that skillfully incorporates the brand's exceptional craftsmanship and conveys the spirit of Gérald Genta.
Bvlgari presents the Gérald Genta Arena bi-Retro Sport. Gérald Genta is considered by many to be the most outstanding watch designer of the 20th century. This latest Gérald Genta model pays homage to him, reviving one of the brand's signature designs. Housed in the familiar Arena case—thick and rounded, a perfect representation of Gérald Genta's revolutionary spirit—this timepiece features a sleek, wide, curved, brushed titanium bezel.
The 2020 version now unveiled explores this long-standing story even more fully. The Gérald Genta Arena Bi-Retro 50th Anniversary Edition, released in 2019 as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, featured a platinum bezel and case with a blue dial and strap. Based on the iconic 1969 design and featuring a reimagined Gérald Genta logo, this watch pays tribute to the designer's remarkable talent and the integral role the Gérald Genta brand has played in Bvlgari's watchmaking success. This announcement marked the return of Gérald Genta. This year, Bvlgari is announcing the launch of new models for 2020, along with the announcement of upcoming models in the pipeline.
The new 2020 Gérald Genta Arena Bi-Retro Sport features a jumping hour display in an aperture at 12 o'clock, with the minutes tracing an arc across the upper half of the black and anthracite dial, returning to zero every 60 minutes. Similarly, the date is displayed on a smaller arc at 6 o'clock. Powered by the BVL 300 caliber, this bidirectional automatic movement boasts a 42-hour power reserve, and the complication is visible through the scratch-resistant sapphire caseback. The watch is presented on a matte black alligator strap with a titanium ardillon buckle.
The Legacy of Gérald Genta
In recent years, Bvlgari watches have been at the forefront of the Rinascimento (Renaissance) of Swiss watchmaking, where technical expertise seamlessly blends with the aesthetic excellence of Roman jewelers.
World-record-breaking designs like the Octo Finissimo are the result of this unique approach and would not have been possible without the exceptional skills that Gérald Genta brought to the world of Bvlgari watchmaking.
In 1969, designer and watchmaking genius Gérald Genta launched his eponymous brand and quickly became recognized for creating some of the most eye-catching and iconic timepieces of our time. His diverse designs not only included sporty-chic models and grand complications, but also introduced new ways of telling time with retrograde and bi-retrograde movements.
In 1996, he was the first to combine jumping hours with retrograde minutes in a wristwatch. This was a major achievement, and the rare and demanding complication represents a feat of meticulous craftsmanship.
The brand's signature original Arena watch was the first retrograde watch to hit the market, and its distinctive, thick case has since become a milestone in the designer's exceptional savoir-faire. Its architectural shape is inspired by the structure of ancient arenas, which served as venues for fights and various spectacles. These arenas, known as ludi, featured gladiators battling exotic animals. These displays of power and family prestige were immensely popular at the time.
Arena watches from that era are also famous for their classic Mickey Mouse watch cases, demonstrating this genius watchmaker's playful side. A bold expression of whimsy, the Mickey Mouse watch combined unexpected inspiration with precise execution, incorporating a sense of wonder into the art of watchmaking.
In 2000, the Gérald Genta brand became part of Bvlgari, and its team, archives, and expertise were subsequently integrated into the Bvlgari Watch Manufacture in Le Sentier. This integration, combined decades of expertise, helped to lay the foundation for Bvlgari's unparalleled presence in the world of Haute Horlogerie. Now, Bvlgari is putting the spotlight back on Gérald Genta's heritage with the launch of new models bearing the Gérald Genta logo, breathing new life into the brand's distinctive design codes and mechanical movements.
"Gerald Genta Arena Bi-Retro Sport"
Model number and price: SAP103448 ・ Price to be determined
Case: 43 mm diameter titanium case, 12 mm thick, titanium crown, brushed finish
Titanium bezel
Dial: Black and anthracite dial, yellow indexes and hands
Bracelet: Titanium ardillon buckle, matte black alligator strap
Movement: Caliber BVL 300 Bi-Retro, mechanical manufacture movement,
Automatic winding (bidirectional) with jumping hours, retrograde minute display (210 degrees) and Date (180 degrees),
Vibration frequency: 28,800 rpm, 42-hour power reserve, 300 parts, 33 jewels, Diameter: 26.20 mm, Thickness: 6.10 mm
Water resistance: 100 m
Release date: December 2020
Click here for company press release details
Bvlgari presents the Gérald Genta Arena bi-Retro Sport. Gérald Genta is considered by many to be the most outstanding watch designer of the 20th century. This latest Gérald Genta model pays homage to him, reviving one of the brand's signature designs. Housed in the familiar Arena case—thick and rounded, a perfect representation of Gérald Genta's revolutionary spirit—this timepiece features a sleek, wide, curved, brushed titanium bezel.
The 2020 version now unveiled explores this long-standing story even more fully. The Gérald Genta Arena Bi-Retro 50th Anniversary Edition, released in 2019 as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, featured a platinum bezel and case with a blue dial and strap. Based on the iconic 1969 design and featuring a reimagined Gérald Genta logo, this watch pays tribute to the designer's remarkable talent and the integral role the Gérald Genta brand has played in Bvlgari's watchmaking success. This announcement marked the return of Gérald Genta. This year, Bvlgari is announcing the launch of new models for 2020, along with the announcement of upcoming models in the pipeline.
The new 2020 Gérald Genta Arena Bi-Retro Sport features a jumping hour display in an aperture at 12 o'clock, with the minutes tracing an arc across the upper half of the black and anthracite dial, returning to zero every 60 minutes. Similarly, the date is displayed on a smaller arc at 6 o'clock. Powered by the BVL 300 caliber, this bidirectional automatic movement boasts a 42-hour power reserve, and the complication is visible through the scratch-resistant sapphire caseback. The watch is presented on a matte black alligator strap with a titanium ardillon buckle.
The Legacy of Gérald Genta
In recent years, Bvlgari watches have been at the forefront of the Rinascimento (Renaissance) of Swiss watchmaking, where technical expertise seamlessly blends with the aesthetic excellence of Roman jewelers.
World-record-breaking designs like the Octo Finissimo are the result of this unique approach and would not have been possible without the exceptional skills that Gérald Genta brought to the world of Bvlgari watchmaking.
In 1969, designer and watchmaking genius Gérald Genta launched his eponymous brand and quickly became recognized for creating some of the most eye-catching and iconic timepieces of our time. His diverse designs not only included sporty-chic models and grand complications, but also introduced new ways of telling time with retrograde and bi-retrograde movements.
In 1996, he was the first to combine jumping hours with retrograde minutes in a wristwatch. This was a major achievement, and the rare and demanding complication represents a feat of meticulous craftsmanship.
The brand's signature original Arena watch was the first retrograde watch to hit the market, and its distinctive, thick case has since become a milestone in the designer's exceptional savoir-faire. Its architectural shape is inspired by the structure of ancient arenas, which served as venues for fights and various spectacles. These arenas, known as ludi, featured gladiators battling exotic animals. These displays of power and family prestige were immensely popular at the time.
Arena watches from that era are also famous for their classic Mickey Mouse watch cases, demonstrating this genius watchmaker's playful side. A bold expression of whimsy, the Mickey Mouse watch combined unexpected inspiration with precise execution, incorporating a sense of wonder into the art of watchmaking.
In 2000, the Gérald Genta brand became part of Bvlgari, and its team, archives, and expertise were subsequently integrated into the Bvlgari Watch Manufacture in Le Sentier. This integration, combined decades of expertise, helped to lay the foundation for Bvlgari's unparalleled presence in the world of Haute Horlogerie. Now, Bvlgari is putting the spotlight back on Gérald Genta's heritage with the launch of new models bearing the Gérald Genta logo, breathing new life into the brand's distinctive design codes and mechanical movements.
"Gerald Genta Arena Bi-Retro Sport"
Model number and price: SAP103448 ・ Price to be determined
Case: 43 mm diameter titanium case, 12 mm thick, titanium crown, brushed finish
Titanium bezel
Dial: Black and anthracite dial, yellow indexes and hands
Bracelet: Titanium ardillon buckle, matte black alligator strap
Movement: Caliber BVL 300 Bi-Retro, mechanical manufacture movement,
Automatic winding (bidirectional) with jumping hours, retrograde minute display (210 degrees) and Date (180 degrees),
Vibration frequency: 28,800 rpm, 42-hour power reserve, 300 parts, 33 jewels, Diameter: 26.20 mm, Thickness: 6.10 mm
Water resistance: 100 m
Release date: December 2020
Click here for company press release details
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