Left: AP Royal Oak
Original sketch 1972
Below: Gerald
Genta at work.
My motivation is not only born from love for my
late husband,it also comes from my unwavering
determination to stoke the fire of his memory
and share our passion for his legendary
creativity, which generated many masterpieces
in luxury watchmaking history”
Gérald Genta Heritage
Association Launches
60 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | SPRING 2019
Evelyne Genta, widow of famed
watch designer Gérald Genta, has
spearheaded the launch of the
Gérald Genta Heritage Association, a
philanthropic organization aimed at
supporting the next generation of
watch designers.
In addition to supporting young
watch designers with financial
assistance and mentorship, the
association will also underwrite
events, exhibitions, conferences,
publications and digital communications that enhance the
talents of young designers. Supported by horologists and
industry experts, the association will raise awareness
around the designer’s generosity, creativity and visionary
spirit. The new association will team with the
Michaelangelo Foundation for a retrospective of Genta’s
work in time for next year’s SIHH in Geneva.
Gérald Genta, who died in 2011 at the age of 80, designed
many of the icons of modern watch design, including the
Universal Genève Polerouter, the Audemars Piguet Royal
Oak, the IWC Ingenieur, Cartier’s Pasha, the Omega
Constellation, the Bulgari Bulgari and the Patek Philippe
Nautilus. Many of these designs remain bestsellers for
their respective brands.
Evelyne Genta worked alongside her late husband for
almost twenty years as commercial managing director of
their joint business. She managed the company,
supervising operations, finance, marketing and sales
functions, as well as two factories with 250 employees
in Switzerland.
“This is primarily for designers because Gerald always
felt that the watch industry was in need of new fresh
design,” Genta told iW. “By the end of this year we will
specify the details of the association’s awards. We plan to
offer different types of awards, depending on the category,
the individual’s spirit, ambition, and so on. The board will
also working on an exhibition, both online and off-line.
“My motivation is not only born from love for my late
husband; it also comes from my unwavering determination
to stoke the fire of his memory and share our passion for
his legendary creativity, which generated many
masterpieces in luxury watchmaking history,” she adds.
Genta explains that she has more than 3,400 of her late
husband’s watch designs ‘in a drawer,’ never seen by
the public.
“After we sold the company he did designs every day.
Gerald loved to do one-off prototypes and he painted all his
designs. They can be manufactured immediately.” Genta
says she may share these design with others, including
watch companies, in the future, but has detailed no
specific plans.