Gérald Genta is one of the most influential figures in horological history. Having left an inedible mark in watchmaking, he is best known for creating iconic models such as the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and IWC Ingenieur. His designs are flagship models of each manufacture and some even argue that his creations have themselves become a brand in itself. In 1994, Genta embarked on a journey to create his most complicated wristwatches to date.
When it made its debut in 1994, reputedly conceived specifically for the Sultan of Brunei, Genta’s Grande Sonnerie was the second wristwatch model after Dufour to feature a Grande Sonnerie showing the incredible dexterity of the dream team behind the movement: Pierre Michel Golay, Demetrio Cabbidu, Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini.
Very few Grande Sonnerie models were made in the 1990s mainly with a multi step round or pyramid shape case.
The present example in Yttrium (a metal part of the rare earth classification) is a horological masterpiece and absolutely mind boggling in every conceivable way. The use of rare and unusual metals was uncommon in the 1990s showing Genta’s forward thinking, but the watch is not only a Grande Sonnerie but a minute repeater with Westminster chimes (on four gongs) and a tourbillon. The guilloche mother of pearl dial adds an extra touch of finesse to this masterpiece.
The caliber 31000 is one of the most impressive conceptions of modern horology. To combine the different complications within the confines of a 38 millimeter case is no easy feat. Over 1000 components of the movement are decorated with painstaking care and inspired by nature.
The automatic movement is particularly noteworthy, making this model part of the exceedingly small series of automatic "grande and petite sonnerie" watches ever made and most probably unique in a Yttrium case.