In the landscape of haute horlogerie, few creations can capture the essence of creativity and elegance like Gérald Genta’s new Gentissima Oursin Fire Opal. This fourth marvel in the Gentissima Oursin collection embodies the perfect fusion of avant-garde design and the Maison’s refined craftsmanship, carrying on the legacy of one of watchmaking’s greatest masters.
The design of the new Gérald Genta Gentissima Oursin Fire Opal
The Gérald Genta workshop pushes the boundaries of traditional watchmaking with the Gentissima Oursin Fire Opal, a timepiece that undoubtedly represents the pinnacle of watchmaking technology. The case, 36.5 mm in diameter and only 9.64 mm thick, is made of 3N yellow gold with a sandblasted finish that contrasts elegantly with the luster of the precious stones.
Speaking of precious stones, on top of this new creation of the maison we find no less than 137 fire opals individually set with extreme precision. The watch design is not only a statement of luxury, but a tribute to Genta’s passion for precious stones and organic colors.
The stones that adorn this extraordinary creation come from the depths of Mexican volcanoes. Fire opal, known for its vibrant color range from yellow to deep red, has for centuries been considered a symbol of creativity and self-confidence. This fascinating gemstone, whose chemical composition is still shrouded in mystery, has inspired generations of artists and designers and now illuminates the latest masterpiece in the Oursin collection. Fascinating to say the least, isn’t it?
Matthieu Hegi, the maison’s artistic director, describes the project as a challenge to creativity: “With this piece, we pushed the boundaries of Gentissima Oursin’s creative concept, creating a masterpiece set with rare gems, honoring Gérald’s passion for beauty and natural colors.”
The watch features an orange carnelian dial that echoes the warm hue of opals, emphasizing the play of light and reflections. The case design, with its rounded shape and unique facets, is inspired by the aesthetic vision of Gérald Genta, who saw natural forms as an inexhaustible source of inspiration.
You should know that the origin of the Oursin line is rooted in an intimate and spontaneous moment in Genta’s life. During a vacation in Corsica in 1994, he became fascinated by the shape of a sea urchin and immediately began sketching a horological reinterpretation of it. Since that first sketch, the Oursin collection has continued to evolve, keeping Genta’s creative spirit alive.
Evelyn Genta, Gérald’s wife, recalls with emotion her husband’s attachment to this model: “The Oursin was one of the pieces he was most proud of. He produced very few of them and only for close friends and selected customers. Seeing the new Oursin Fire Opal takes me back to those moments, to his love of stones and their unique way of capturing light.”
The caliber of the new Gérald Genta Gentissima Oursin Fire Opal
The choice of movement in the new Gérald Genta Gentissima Oursin Fire Opal is no different: the automatic caliber GG-005 Zenith Elite, with an 18-carat yellow gold oscillating weight, provides a power reserve of about 50 hours, ensuring absolute precision and reliability.
Completing the watch are 3N yellow gold hands and a black alligator leather strap, further enhancing the elegance of this unique piece. With water resistance to 30 meters, the Gentissima Oursin Fire Opal combines luxury and functionality flawlessly.
Conclusions and availability
This creation, available from May 2025, will be a limited edition intended for lovers of haute horlogerie and discerning collectors. Each piece embodies Gérald Genta’s philosophy: a perfect blend of aesthetic audacity and technical innovation, a watch that is not just a timepiece, but a work of art to be handed down.
With the Gentissima Oursin Fire Opal, Gérald Genta’s signature masion continues to write its history of excellence, paying tribute to a visionary master who revolutionized the world of watchmaking with his unmistakable artistic touch. A piece that not only catches the eye, but also ignites a passion for beauty and perfection.
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