I still remember the first time I saw a Genus timepiece in the metal. It was at Les Ambassadeurs boutique in Geneva. The year must have been 2019. I still remember being in awe of the way its mechanical creature snaked its way around the skeletonized movement as I turned the crown over and over again.
Since this day, the brand has come a long way, winning the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) prize for Mechanical Exception in 2019 and reinterpreting its unique aesthetic with different designs and materials to offer even more fascinating creatures to behold.
When the offer came up to have five of these timepieces for a few hours, I just had to call up one of our amazing photographers – Joy Corthésy – who joined me to document a day of Genus magic with Gaspard de Kostine, who graciously modelled them for us. So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at these five models.
This model is the GNS1.2 and features a train of moving mechanical elements that begins with a free-moving lead element – called the Genus – and 11 following Genera. This mechanical procession of moving parts indicates the minutes via a fixed arrow at 12 o’clock, while the hours are read off a second arrow at nine o’clock. This version is housed in a blued Damascus titanium case that allows the rose gold movement on the face of the watch to shine through.
One of the surprising things about Genus timepieces is that even if they are miniature sculptures on the wrist, they are tough enough to accompany their owners throughout their various daily activities. So, if they want to go out for a run or a session at the gym, their Genus will be more than happy to accompany them for some matinal sport. They aren’t as fragile as you may think!
This version presents a totally different aesthetic with a green titanium Damascus case and coloured gemstones that catch the light as they move around the dial. It is paired with a matching green alligator strap that brings out the colour in the case.
This elegant version comes in a Damascus titanium case with a lead diamond and sapphires of varying shades of blue. Cut into a rhombus shape, these gemstones really catch the eye, but what is interesting is that they don’t bring any femininity to the watch, they are actually quite masculine, which is rather surprising for so many carats on the dial!
Last but not least, this white gold version features an engraved white gold dragon on the dial, which stands out beautifully against an all-gold movement that has been coated with black PVD. This is an astonishing piece that is also enhanced with luminescence that we can see pop out in the photo here.
