Welcome to another episode of Fratello Talks. This week we will be coming to you from Geneva for a special conversation with Federico Giviani, CEO of Gerald Charles. For those unfamiliar, Gerald Charles is an independent watch brand founded by the great Gerald Genta, who passed away in 2000. Today, under Ziviani’s management, the brand advances its founder’s unmistakable design DNA, carving out space in the world of excellent watchmaking. You can’t hear directly from the person responsible for piloting such historically important brands. Thankfully, this episode gives us exactly that opportunity. Alongside Federico, hosts Nacho and Fratello will be joining Air’s Mike Stockton. But before diving into the discussion itself, let’s start things with a wrist check.
Wrist check
I’ll start with Federico, who wears the Gerald Charles Maestro GC39 25th Anniversary Edition. Available in a limited number of 100 runs, this watch marks the brand’s quarter century. Made from sophisticated grade 5 titanium, the maestro case retains the unique, asymmetrical “smile” shape of Genta. Its dial pairs with the rich Lapis Lazuli Center and the outer ring of the Metal Guillo Cage, playing with depth and light. Additionally, the 12 jump time displays and the Central Minute Hand add a modern twist to the classic time announcement.
Mike took the full vintage richness with the Rolex GMT-Master Ref. Yellow gold from 16758. The warm case tone, sunburst brown dial and “nipple” index give the unmistakable charm of 80’s GMT. He matched it neatly with the green pebbles calf strap for its slightly less sparkly appearance than the bracelet.
Nacho takes things in a different direction with a vintage Omega Geneve TV dial ref. ST 166.0190. Its vintage square case and distinctive dial design bring a quirky and distinctive flavour to the table. He wears it on a patterned fixo-flex bracelet that came with the watch when he bought it.
Fratello Talks: Gerald Charles CEO Federico Ziviani (living in Geneva)
This episode explores Federico’s roots and how he entered the watch industry before taking on the role of Gerald Charles’ CEO. Naturally, this leads to us discussing his direct link to Gerald Genta and his responsibility to advance the legacy of the maestro’s ultimate design. Federico shares honest insights into the lessons he learned from his father and the founder of the brand.
It also explains how Gerald Charles operates in the modern watch industry, including carefully controlled production and a vision for the future. From celebrating heritage to developing new and creative directions, Federico paints pictures of brands that are deeply aware of the past, but focuses equally on what will come. This special live recording from Geneva offered a rare chance to approach one of the industry’s most exciting independent CEOs. Federico’s passion came for both celebrating the genius of Gerald Genta and for portraying a creative and authentic path to advancement.
What do you think about Gerald Charles and the brand’s philosophy? Please let us know in the comments below.
