What highlights stood out for you in Gucci Horlogerie’s 50th anniversary commemoration last year?
The timepieces presented last year were a tribute to the Swiss expertise and Italian creativity that Gucci has demonstrated during five decades. The 2022 High Watchmaking event in Geneva had a fairy-tale atmosphere with a whimsical, wonderland setting, along with a vibe inspired by an imaginary magical fairground. This was a really special backdrop and a fitting showcase for a dazzling collection that included complications, calibers, models set with glittering gems and diamonds as well as exquisite, extremely bespoke timepieces. Highlights of the collection included the GUCCI 25H Skeleton Tourbillon and the G-Timeless Planetarium with its Dancing Hours Flying Tourbillon. The House also continued to develop its core ranges, namely the G-Timeless, Gucci Dive and GUCCI 25H.
What was the purpose behind the 2023 High Watchmaking collection?
Gucci always seeks to delight its customers, and the purpose of the collection is to amaze with Gucci’s signature of inventiveness and originality. The High Watchmaking offering includes five collections that exemplify Gucci’s horological expertise in its highest expressions of technicity, beauty, and flair. Customers will find a selection of exceptional timepieces that map and trace time and space in a way that’s uniquely Gucci. All the creations place Gucci’s heritage center-stage, yet the iconic codes of the House are revisited in ways that are both avant-garde yet eminently wearable. The collection shows off a remarkable use of gems, colors and exquisite intricacies, finishes and customizations. Gucci’s inspiration channels the golden age of space travel and a passion for discovery.
Which were your clients’ favorites among the models unveiled in Geneva this spring?
The diversity of the offering was very well received. The collections show the breadth of Gucci’s artistry: the ultra-thin GUCCI 25H with its openwork skeletonized design and the G-Timeless Planetarium with its dazzling rotating gems were real conversation pieces. Gucci also offered high levels of customization – with the G-Timeless Moonlight notably available exclusively as a made-to-order model. The client’s place, time and date of birth are uniquely depicted on the watch and the timepiece is personalized with six gemstones that reflect their astral chart or link to their zodiac signs as well as the position of the planets on the day they were born. There’s nothing quite like it and it really appeals to clients’ desires for precious, personalized models.
What other highlights are being introduced this year?
Gucci continues to build on its core collections such as the GUCCI 25H, G-Timeless and Gucci Dive. Known for its sleek, urban look, fresh primary colors and tonal straps were added to the GUCCI 25H line, for a modern twist. The House also extended this range with automatic variants fitted with Gucci Caliber GG727.25, or precious gold versions with diamonds. The high-performance Gucci Dive is a platform for Gucci’s sustainability values: a new variant of the Gucci Dive was released and incorporates sustainable materials made from a bio-based material originating from GMO-free feedstock. The G-Timeless range is a perpetual favorite and eternally adaptable: this year it has been reworked with Gucci’s emblematic bee motif featuring a cluster of bees on the dial, and with Gucci symbols such as the feline head. Customers can adopt the creativity of the collections to express their own personality and style.
What objectives are you aiming for with the Gucci Watch Lab?
The new 9,000 sqm Gucci Watch Lab is a totally unique facility at Gucci’s Manufacture in Cortaillod, Switzerland. One of the objectives is to display the full extent of Gucci’s watchmaking expertise: it is home to 140 employees and integrates almost all the phases of Gucci’s production processes into a single location. Gucci has upskilled to prototype the most exclusive timepieces in-house and invested in people, know-how and expertise, which visitors will now be able to witness. The investment in the Watch Lab will ensure that Gucci timepieces continue to be globally recognized for their innovative and contemporary design, quality and impeccable craftsmanship. The House also delivered on a key sustainability objective with the Gucci Watch Lab, as the site is 100% powered by green energy.
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