In this exclusive interview with Tatler, Evelyne Genta talks about working with Gérald Genta and his greatest contributions to horology
The name Gérald Genta is synonymous with the iconic forms of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus. But for Evelyne Genta, his partner in life and business, her favourite works of Gerald’s are the ones he did under his name.
“Gérald had put so much into the Swiss [watch] industry that he deserves to be known for more than the Nautilus. I feel that he should be known for his own watches too because that’s where his DNA is,” asserts Evelyne.
She established the Gérald Genta Heritage Association to properly tell the story of one of the preeminent figures in modern watchmaking. One would be hard-pressed to think of a greater watch designer, and Gérald is often regarded as the Piccaso of watches.
“I’m impressed by the response we get from collectors all over the world,” shares Evelyne. “These are 25-year-olds who know more about my husband than me. It’s unbelievable that he has such a young following today. I think it’s because people want authenticity.”
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This surge of interest coincided with the relaunch of the Gérald Genta brand last year by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, founded by watchmakers Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini who used to work with Gérald. Evelyne has given them complete access to her late husband’s archives which consist of hundreds of unreleased designs.
“I first met with Jean Arnault [the watch director at Louis Vuitton]. Yes, he’s very young but he’s also so passionate and so respectful of my husband’s genius and legacy. He took me to the factory in Geneva but he hadn’t told me before that the two people running the factory were watchmakers trained by us,” says Evelyne of the pleasant surprise when she arrived at its doorsteps.
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The way the manufacture operates reminded her of how the Gentas used to run their facilities. “People were working on the enamel in-house, the case in-house, and the mechanics in-house. I really do feel Gérald Genta has come home.”
She is certain the partnership marks a great new chapter for the Gérald Genta brand. “What I like about Jean is that he is totally committed to putting Gérald Genta at the top of watchmaking again. I’m one million per cent confident that they will do things tastefully, respectfully, with no rush, and make beautiful objects. It’s really like restarting an adventure,” she enthuses.