Gerald Charles Unveils Mitoraj Sculpture Watch for TimeForArt

Gerald Charles has unveiled the Maestro GC39 Mitoraj, a unique 1-of-1 Grand Maestro Jumping Hour watch created for the 2026 edition of TimeForArt. This initiative marks the Maison's first philanthropic endeavor dedicated to the arts and is a direct collaboration with Atelier Mitoraj and Galleria d’Arte Contini. The watch draws inspiration from the works of Polish-Italian sculptor Igor Mitoraj, known for his fragmented classical figures that explored themes of beauty, absence, and the passage of time. The centerpiece of the Maestro GC39 Mitoraj is a miniature three-dimensional brass sculpture of Mitoraj's "Luci di Nara," meticulously recreated and integrated onto the watch's guilloché dial. This artistic integration is particularly resonant in 2026, coinciding with the opening of the Museo Mitoraj in Pietrasanta, Tuscany, the artist's former residence and workspace. The "Luci di Nara" sculpture occupies the lower portion of the dial, rendered in a warm 4N PVD finish against a precisely machined guilloché background. The design's success in accommodating the sculpture is facilitated by the Grand Maestro's jumping-hour movement. This caliber displays the hours through an asymmetrical aperture located at the top of the dial, while a single central hand tracks the minutes. Traditional Maestro design elements, such as polished 4N cabochon indexes and a railway-style minute track, are incorporated around the central artwork, maintaining the collection's established aesthetic. The sculptural approach extends to the watch's case, a 42 x 42mm Grade 5 titanium construction. Its interlocking profile reflects the architectural sensibilities established by the Maison's founder, Gérald Charles Genta. A 4N PVD-treated titanium bezel and a taupe calfskin strap complete the timepiece's composition. Powering the Maestro GC39 Mitoraj is Gerald Charles's in-house automatic GCA39 caliber, a movement designed to support the complex display and sculptural integration. The watch is slated for auction at Phillips New York in December, with proceeds likely supporting artistic initiatives, aligning with the Maison's philanthropic aims. The collaboration with Atelier Mitoraj and Galleria d’Arte Contini underscores Gerald Charles's commitment to bridging the worlds of horology and contemporary art, offering collectors a unique opportunity to own a piece that merges masterful craftsmanship with significant artistic heritage. The choice of Mitoraj's "Luci di Nara" specifically highlights the artist's iconic style and his profound engagement with classical forms and their modern interpretation. The use of titanium for the case and bezel ensures both durability and a contemporary feel, while the 4N PVD treatment adds a touch of classic luxury to the metallic elements. The guilloché dial serves as a sophisticated canvas, providing texture and depth that complements the three-dimensional sculpture without overpowering it. This meticulous attention to detail in both material selection and execution is characteristic of Gerald Charles's approach to high-end watchmaking.