M. Gerald Genta for Ritz Fine Jewellery, London

M. Gerald Genta is one of the world’s greatest contemporary horologists. Over his long and illustrious career, he has accumulated universal fame for such iconic creations as the Patek Philippe Nautilus, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the IWC Ingenieur. His watches are amongst the most coveted and collectible in the world.

In 2007, Ritz Fine Jewellery, London approached Genta with a view to creating a small series of timepieces that combined simple, elegant lines, the best materials and the highest possible level of finish – at the heart of each a movement that would delight even the most knowledgeable and discerning of aficionados. The result is a remarkable feat of watch making skill. Drawing inspiration from no watch that had ever gone before but rather assimilating architectural, cultural and social elements from The Ritz Hotel in London, Genta has created three ranges, each comprising a date model, a chronograph model and a tourbillon model.

Available in a choice of precious metals, the entire collection amounts to just 15 watches, each of which is limited to a numbered edition of one. The dial of each watch has purposely been left blank, free from any form of branding – allowing the collector to personalise the piece (with if desired a motif designed by Genta himself). If the dial is to be personalised, the details of what is required will be carefully considered before a lead time is confirmed. Testimony to Genta’s pride in this extraordinary work, he has for the first time allowed his signature to be engraved on each watch. This self-winding 1905 Chronograph is one of only 15 pieces in the collection. Named after the year in which construction began on hotelier Cesar Ritz's Chateau-style hotel in London's Piccadilly, this cushion-shaped design features an upper case in the form of a 'soft square'. Sapphire crystal with sapphire set winding crown in 18ct white gold (the customer has a choice of fine crocodile coloured straps on a white gold deployment clasp), it is available only through 20ltd.com and is limited to a numbered edition of one.

Specifications:

The watch indicates: -
• Hours – hour hand
• Minutes – minute hand
• Chronograph – chronograph hand

The chronograph is equipped with 3 counters:
• Seconds counter
• Minutes counter (30 minutes)
• Hours counter (12 hours)

The watch has 2 push-buttons:
• Top push-button – to start & stop the chronograph
• Bottom push-button – to reset the counters

Technical Specifications:

• Vibrations/hour – 28,800 (4 Hz)
• Jewels – 27 rubies
• Movement operating range when fully wound – over 46 hours
• Automatic winding in both directions
• Oscillating weight segment – 21 carat gold
• Swing wheel stops when time is being adjusted

ETA movement, with chronograph dials. The movement is automatic with a power reserve of 46 hours when fully wound. The regulation tolerance is 15 seconds.