Gérald Genta Octo Mosaïc GMT Perpetual Calendar

The Gérald Genta Octo Mosaïc GMT Perpetual Calendar watch combines contemporary Haute Horlogerie traditions with Islamic architecture.

Gérald Genta is accustomed to clothing its exclusively complicated movements with daring compositions playing freely on shapes, colours and materials.

The exquisitely orchestrated horological mechanisms find a variety of singular expressions through the various world cultures that the brand delights in interpreting. For the Octo Mosaïc, it has drawn inspiration from the Middle East, where artists glorify the decorative arts characterised by an abundance of geometrical motifs and arabesques.

 

The GMT perpetual calendar is concealed beneath a white gold rosette composed of engine-turned elements. The interwoven lines evoke the tightly arranged gridwork effect of the moucharabiehs often found in Islamic architecture.

All the indications – the hours on the bezel, the second time zone at 12 o’clock, the date and the leap-year cycle at 6 o’clock, the magnified date and month displays at 9 and 3 o’clock respectively – feature the characteristic curves and upstrokes of Arabic calligraphy.

A green-lacquered dial base reinforces the identity of the watch, a generously sized Octo model housed in a white gold case and fitted with an alligator leather strap.

As a complement to this glowing tribute to the refinement of Arabic civilisation, Gérald Genta also provides a thoughtful additional touch intended for followers of a religion that can be practised in any place.

When it is time for ritual prayers, anyone with an Octo Mosaïc can easily find the direction of Mecca, since the timepiece comes with a high-quality compass and accompanying read-off instructions. Taking this sensitive approach to personal beliefs to its ultimate conclusion, the titanium orientation instrument is so light that it poses no problem for someone dressed in traditional garments.

The set is housed in a luxurious presentation box, naturally equipped with a system that maintains the perpetual calendar in operation even when the watch is not on the wrist.

Exclusive by nature like all Gérald Genta creations, it will find a home with one hundred privileged future owners and is to be issued at a rate of around 30 watches each year.