During Watches and Wonders 2025, I had the opportunity to meet Gerald Charles and see the latest release. Another news is the 25th anniversary of the brand’s founding in 2000 by Gérald Genta. Therefore, some of the models seen in Geneva were made to celebrate a quarter century and include special logos that mark the occasion. The Maestro GC39 25th Anniversary Edition was intriguing us.
When the 25th anniversary edition of the Maestro GC39 was released at a massive show in Geneva, we briefly featured the watch. We then saw it and asked to spend a long time with the piece. Overall, as you can see, our impression is favorable. Yes, this is an exclusive luxury piece with a price tag to match the boot, but it’s something that should appeal to anyone looking for something a little different to the regular round dress watch with interesting complications.
Maestro GC39 25th Anniversary Edition
Before sharing your thoughts on this memorial Gerald Charles model, let’s spend some words on the basic specifications. This watch has a grade 5 titanium case with a diameter of 42mm, equal length, and 11mm profile. A rare twist from the maker of dressy watches, the GC39 has a water resistance rating of 100m. With this spec and a folding clasp rubber strap, it’s clear that the brand wants people to treat these watches as daily drivers. Another important point is that this watch is part of a limited production of 100 units. Now let’s go into more detailed details.
A lovely lapis dial from Guilo Cage
This Maestro GC39 features a relatively intricate dial full of detail. The central part is made of one of my favorite stones, Lapis Lazuli. Here, it is a bright blue and acts as a focal point. Another main dial surface looks like a met stone from afar. However, Gerald Charles employs a chemical technique called meta guilochege. Think of it as an etching process.
The Maestro GC39 25th Anniversary Edition dial is technically a sector dial that clearly separates the areas of the Lapis and Guilo Cage. The secondary inner section corresponds to the outer edge of the jump time display. The borders of each segment are made of shiny blue Colormix. The hue resembles the blue finish of the flame. The printed black minute track follows the distinctive baroque shape of the case. Within this track, a Cabochon-shaped time index is also created from Blue Colormix. Finally, the taper, facet, pointed, and skeletonized arrow hands show the proceedings. Interestingly, there are no signs of a pinion hole.
Overall, visually appealing dial design
Jump time clocks don’t always suit my taste. In some forms, they are too mediocre and make me cold. From afar, the Maestro GC39 25th Anniversary Edition doesn’t give the complexity of the Cartier Tank Guichets. That’s positive. If there is one Niggle in the dial design, it is the 25th anniversary logo. The logo itself is well designed and the way the brand logo is incorporated is smooth. However, I don’t think it’s noticeable on the dial. I’d like to look at the watch without that. Again, all companies should be allowed to celebrate, right?
Beautiful and refined titanium case
A three-quarter view of the Maestro GC39 reveals the Genta case with a rounded step bezel and a strong vertical lug. Here, titanium is polished to a perfect shine similar to stainless steel. Naturally, the advantage is the lightness and balance of the wrist. The watch’s screw-in crown features a Paris ring and a logo engraved on the exterior.
From the side, the watch shows a barrel-shaped lug that bends towards the wrist. This makes a real difference and helps avoid the slab-like feeling that bothers so many rectangular clocks. Speaking of general shapes, this is obviously a different, often polarized version of rectangular clocks, but I always enjoy its uniqueness. Additionally, this should be mentioned in every Gerald Charles article. These watches look very different on the wrist, so it’s worth trying one of these watches.
I’m wearing a Maestro GC39
The Maestro GC39 25th Anniversary Edition is a relatively impressive watch on the wrist. Its square dimensions mean that it fits most wrists, but it must wrap around the heart in width. Interestingly, the most controversial part of the watch, the lower part of the case and the curved part of the dial, is seamless when worn.
The Blue Fluororubber strap is extremely comfortable and flexible. What comes with the titanium folding clasp with a large logo buckle is a classy addition. What I want to see is the crocodile strap, especially for a watch at this price. It’s also great that Gerald Charles develops a bracelet with fine links to suit this set of watches.
Gerald Charles 4.0 Jump Time Moves
Each Maestro GC39 25th Anniversary Edition comes equipped with the brand’s 4.0 automatic caliber. This is an internal design move created by Vaucher. It has a power reserve of 50 hours and a frequency of 28,800Vph.
Other high-end touches include rhodium plating, coated degeneves and pulage finishes. The Golden Rotor also shows the 25th anniversary symbol and is located within the brand’s honeycomb pattern.
Final Thoughts
To celebrate the 25th anniversary, Gerald Charles created a thought-inspired piece. The Maestro GC39 uses a case designed by the brand Genta, a special movement, and perhaps even a special dial. For 44,600 euros, the watch competes in an expensive yet highly contested segment of the market. It certainly offers a unique look, and its limited nature should be interested in potential buyers. To find additional information and certified local dealers, visit the official Gerald Charles website.
