Luca Dotto – Gerald Charles Maestro GC 3.0 Chronograph

The Italian Olympic swimmer: Luca Dotto, who holds the Italian Record in the 100 m freestyle, is wearing a stainless steel 40mm Gerald Charles Maestro GC 3.0 Chronograph featuring a black dial chronograph dial with an extremely thin movement.

The timepiece weighs just 110g and measures minor 6.07mm in height, including its bi-directional rotating, oscillating weight, and also offers a twin-barrelled 50-hour of power reserve.

Overall Description

The steel GC3.0 Chronograph substantially advances Maison’s iconic Maestro model. It debuted in 18k rose gold and is now obtainable in steel for the first time. The new GC3.0 in steel weighs 110gr and has a new hand-finished manufacturing Chrono movement.

Characterizing the case’s dynamic, almost playful construction is akin to describing a work of Baroque architecture. Unexpectedly, the Maestro’s complicated casing design is believed to be influenced by the architecture of Rome’s Baroque architect Francesco Borromini.

The case height would be enormous if it weren’t rife with curves and a large, stepped bezel. However, it’s not: the case thickness is 11.50mm, and even with the chronograph complication, it’s on the small side. Moreover, the case is 40mm in diameter, and its stainless-steel features are brilliantly honed to draw the light. The chronograph pushers are also unevenly formed to mimic the curves of the casing flank and the rounded lugs.

Gerald Charles used the Caliber Ref. GCA3022/12 for the GC3.0-A Chronograph. It is extremely small, measuring just 6.07mm in height. Including its bi-directional spinning oscillating weight, and it has a 50-hour power reserve with dual barrels. In addition, it represents the finest of great Swiss heritage, adhering to Fleurier’s highest quality standards and enhanced with Côte de Genève adorned bridges. Gerald Charles’ watchmakers worked hard to improve the movement’s accuracy and power reserve, as well as its vibrations and shock resilience.

Another feature of this intricately constructed chronograph is its outstanding 100-meter water resistance. The initial variant from 2006 was watertight to only 30 meters. Years of R&D were necessary to create a thin-shaped casing with an irregular-shaped crystal that was also water-resistant.

In addition, the Maestro was tested in real-world underwater settings. Olympic swimmer, Luca Dotto of Italy, took the Maestro for an apnea dive into a 42.15m deep pool in the world’s deepest indoor pool. Dotto’s dive revealed that the Maestro could fully accompany you to an amateur level of swimming or freediving.

The watch’s strap in classic black is embellished with Clou de Paris on one side and the GC logo on the other. The strap is also made of a specialized vulcanized rubber chosen to ensure high water resistance, strength, durability, and wrist comfort.

Likewise, the indices are oval, as are the hour, minute, and Chrono hands. All hands, except the central second’s index, are coated with luminous material. The three sub-dials placed at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock feature a circular frame and distinct white markings. Besides, the stark contrast between a black dial and white markers is incredibly effective and in keeping with the piece’s sporting features.

Price retail: $21,500.00 USD

Reference: GC3.0-A-00 (sold out)

Photo: Luca Dotto / Gerald Charles