Gerald Genta and Nautilus
Gerald Genta, who created such opuses as AP Royal Oak, Ingenieur SL, Vacheron Constantin 222 and many other unique models.
Collaboration with Patek Philippe started with a meeting in a hotel restaurant at Basel World in 1972. Henry and Philippe Shtern were so much interested what made Genta to create the Royal Oak. Gerald had a consideration of creating smooth and round lines resembling sea waves as he considered the favourite sports skiing and Sailing of Philippe Shtern.
Later Gerald remembered about an unclaimed sketch when Piaget made a offer to him to design thin sport watch for their new extra-thin movement. Immediately Gerald presented the script of “Nautilus” to Piaget company. However Piaget was not ready to approve release such an innovative watch design. Or if Piaget would accept Gerald's design Patek Philippe wouldn't have any Nautilus watch anymore!
At 1974 BaselWorld exhibition Gerald Genta visited an agent of Patek Philippe Mr. Fiollette in the United Arabian Emirates. Mr, Fiollette asked Genta if he could offer him some elegant sport watches. As a coincidence the napkin with a sketch was found in Genta's pocket! And in 1976, Patek Philippe released a new watch “Nautilus!”
That was Nautilus watch of 70s. Patek Philippe had created an immense influence on Swiss horology, making it following the latest fashion trends as a sportive watch of elegancy. Year after year, Nautilus remains one the important sport watch designs main stream, like Royal Oak of Audemars Piguet till today and probably tomorrow.
That was Nautilus watch of 70s. Patek Philippe had created an immense influence on Swiss horology, making it following the latest fashion trends as a sportive watch of elegancy. Year after year, Nautilus remains one the important sport watch designs main stream, like Royal Oak of Audemars Piguet till today and probably tomorrow.
Charles Gérald Genta was borne in May 1, 1931, and passed away on Aug 17, 2011 at age of 80, I think Genta is one of the most important men in the history of recent Swiss Watch design!
HK Snob
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Sivas
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ReplyDeleteI am sorry that I do not undertand your langauge!
Can you send me again in English, Chinese or Japanese?
HK Snon
Hi Snob,
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I think the Patek Nautilus is one of the ugliest watch designs in the world, along with the AP Royal Oak, also a Genta design.
Maybe it's because I cannot afford one. But then, I can't afford a A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 either, however, that watch looks stunning.
Ironically, Gerald Genta also had a hand in designing the vintage Omega Constellation, which I dearly love. I guess you can't win all the time.
--- JTK
Hi JTK
ReplyDeleteNo question about Gerald Genta, one of the greatest watch designers at all.
I don't ever possessed any Nautilus, it does not look bad to me. May be, Royal Oak is the one I like most for the watch design. the watch case is like a single solid gold casting, milled off to form a case, with some polishing on the rim, trim off un-necessary edges, it looks slim, right proportion in diameter. first class design
Omega constellation, i would like to get one, not easy to buy a excellent conditioned, well, money matters, as you say, Expensive!
thanks for your time reading.
Are you from HK?
It is nice talking to you!
HK Snob
Hi Snob,
ReplyDeleteLived in HK for 10 yrs.(a long time ago). Now, I reside in Canada.
Not much to do around here (not like HK), so eventually became interested in watches.
The next piece I wanted to buy is a JLC Reverso Grande Date in stainless steel; not an easy one to find because it's no longer being made.
You have a very interesting blog. Keep it up!
--- JTK
Hi JTK
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I had one JLC Reverso Pink gold some 20 years ago. I think the price was very expensive that time. HKD$26,000. but I was stupid sold it to freind...
Well, JLC is a classic beauty,
We should have one in case our pocket is having money to spare.
:)
HK Snob