Introducing: The Gerald Charles Masterlink
The new Gerald Charles Masterlink arrives just in time for Watches and Wonders 2024. It’s a modern take on Gerald Genta’s famous Maestro case paired with an integrated bracelet. There’s no mistaking this watch for anything but a Genta-inspired design, yet it’s a thoughtful and new evolution.
Last November, I had the opportunity to attend WatchPro in London. Among the exhibitors was Gerald Charles, the brand that officially continues Gérald Genta’s legacy. Admittedly, the Maestro case design with its characteristic “smile” arc at 6 o’clock wasn’t a real head-turner for me. However, I decided to try it on, and my impressions changed. The watch was different, but the quirky design wore well on my wrist. Based on the dimensions alone, today’s new Masterlink should be a better fit and will likely resonate well with current buyers.
The Gerald Charles Masterlink
The Gerald Charles Masterlink is immediately recognizable as an integrated-bracelet watch. However, don’t groan at the sound of yet another entry into this crowded sub-genre. With its asymmetric design, this watch is different, and the dimensions look sublime. First, Octavio Garcia, the brand’s Creative Director, moved away from a rectangular design and created a stainless steel case with 38mm by 38mm dimensions (44.9mm if you include the lugs). The watch has a sporty but elegant flat and brushed stainless bezel. It also has a screw-down crown that helps it achieve water resistance to 100 meters.
The prospect of fitting an integrated bracelet sounds challenging because the Masterlink has two very different case surfaces at either end. However, Garcia and the Gerald Charles team have created a seamless design. The bracelet incorporates the smiling arc on the 6 o’clock side in its first three links as they gradually straighten. Furthermore, the bracelet is available in three lengths, has removable links, contains a micro-adjustment feature, and uses a folding clasp.
A micro-rotor automatic
The new Masterlink uses the GCA 5401 micro-rotor automatic movement developed by Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier. It’s viewable via a sapphire display back and contains plates decorated with perlage and bridges with Côtes de Genève finishing. The movement runs at 21,600vph and has a power reserve of 50 hours. Most importantly, though, the GCA 5401 is only 2.67mm thick, which contributes to an overall case thickness of just 7.99mm! This is a time-only movement without running seconds or a date feature.
Two dial colors available
The Gerald Charles Masterlink debuts with the choice of two dial colors. Dark blue and silver options are available, and both bear a sunray finish with vertical striping. Super-LumiNova is used on the numerals, baton indices, and hands. Overall, I like these new watches as they represent a very different option in the integrated-bracelet category. As far as pricing, the Masterlink will cost €19,500 / US$23,000 / £18,400. That’s in the same league as other options in this class, so it comes down to whether the looks and the fit are attractive. For me, the new Gerald Charles is certainly worth a look.
For more information on the new Masterlink, visit the official Gerald Charles website.
