Created in the all-new Watch Lab, Gucci’s haute horlogerie collection for 2024 culminates with a stunning and inventive minute repeater.
When the renowned Italian luxury brand Gucci inaugurated its Watch Lab, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Cortaillod, Switzerland in the spring of 2023, the brand was making a statement that its journey into the world of haute horlogerie was about to go stratospheric.
This newly renovated site symbolised the fusion of Italian design aesthetics and Swiss watchmaking expertise, and was poised to propel Gucci timepieces into new realms of innovation and craftsmanship.
Spanning over 9,000 square meters and employing a workforce of more than 140 skilled artisans, the Gucci Watch Lab integrates various phases of the production process under one roof. From research and development through to quality control via prototyping, assembly and finishing, every aspect of Gucci watchmaking is now meticulously curated within this manufacture.
A key highlight of the Gucci Watch Lab is its commitment to sustainability. The site operates entirely on green energy.
Visitors to the Gucci Watch Lab are treated to a sensory journey like no other as they are guided through the brand’s rich heritage and innovative spirit. The site features a showroom, VIP area, and exhibition room, showcasing Gucci’s illustrious 50-year legacy in Swiss watchmaking. And it is here that guests can witness first-hand the evolution of Gucci timepieces, characterised by technical prowess, premium materials and unsurpassed artistry.
At the heart of the Watch Lab lies a commitment to excellence and an assurance that every component meets the brand’s exacting standards of quality and precision. Whether it’s the assembly of watches or the intricate gem setting, every step of the process reflects Gucci’s unwavering dedication to perfection, with a spokesperson remarking at the time: “The Gucci Watch Lab marks a significant moment in our journey. This facility embodies the intersection of tradition and innovation, where timeless elegance meets cutting-edge craftsmanship. It’s a testament to our commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining the essence of luxury.”
Since its founding in Florence in 1921, Gucci has remained at the forefront of luxury and, as the brand celebrates its centenary, the launch of the Gucci Watch Lab underscores its ongoing dedication to creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation. Now, a year after opening its doors, the first timepieces to be produced in the Gucci Watch Lab are being unveiled at Geneva Watch Week between April 9 and 15.
Gucci 25H Minute Repeater
In Gucci’s illustrious journey through the realms of high watchmaking, the Gucci 25H series has marked several significant milestones. From its inaugural model featuring the Maison’s exclusive calibre in 2021, to subsequent editions boasting Gucci’s first skeleton flying tourbillon and perpetual calendar, each release has epitomised the brand’s commitment to innovation. Now, Gucci unveils two new 40mm designs, spotlighting one of horology’s most revered complications: the minute repeater.
This marvel of precision engineering audibly chimes the time on demand, a feat that captivates collectors worldwide and further solidifies Gucci’s watchmaking prowess. With uniquely shaped bridges, the architectural carillon minute repeater movement is activated by an innovative rotating bezel. This bezel powers three small hammers, each striking distinct harmonious notes for hours, quarter hours and minutes.
Distinguished by subtle variations in chimes, each minute repeater bears its distinct signature, rendering every model entirely unique. Comprising 340 hand-assembled components, the exclusive Gucci 25H Minute Repeater stands as a pinnacle of watchmaking savoir-faire. Housed within an ultra-thin 9.9mm tri-layered case, it retains the sleek and sculpted aesthetic characteristic of the Gucci 25H design.
The dial boasts modern Roman numeral markers and features a flying tourbillon cage at 6 o’clock. The transparent dial is edged with a distinctive pattern, symbolising sound waves visually. Available in pink or white gold with a black matt-finished alligator strap, each Gucci 25H Minute Repeater can be customised with a unique engraving at 3 o’clock.
Gucci 25H Skeleton Tourbillon
The Gucci 25H Skeleton Tourbillon welcomes three new additions all in a refined 8.2mm transparent sapphire-glass case. Despite the technical challenges posed by the Gucci 25H’s sleek form, the sapphire case affords a 360-degree view of the watch’s skeletonised movement and flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock.
Available in pink, dark blue or black, each edition features coloured detailing that harmonises with the matt-finished alligator-leather strap. Adorned with screws embellished with the iconic GG logo, these editions exemplify Gucci’s unwavering dedication to craftsmanship.
Gucci Interlocking
Inspired by one of Gucci’s most iconic House codes, the new Gucci Interlocking collection seamlessly fuses a flying tourbillon with a jumping hour module. This innovative combination, housed beneath sapphire glass, offers a complex multi-layered dial design that showcases the watch’s functionality.
As the hour digit jumps forward at the 60th minute, a modern Roman numeral index marker emerges within a semi-transparent glass ring. The minute hand, enclosed by a shimmering layer of iridescent aventurine glass, moves in harmony with the oscillating weight behind it. A contemporary cage adorned with abstract Interlocking G details enriches the flying tourbillon’s visual appeal.
Available in white gold with blue, black, or pink gold detailing, the Gucci Interlocking watch exemplifies the brand’s meticulous attention to detail. Satin brushed and polished elements on the bezel accentuate the watch’s finishing.
G-Timeless Planetarium
Enriching the stunning G-Timeless Planetarium collection, Gucci introduces two exquisite new iterations set with dazzling multi-coloured gemstones. Crafted in pink or white gold with brown or black alligator straps, these new designs feature 12 precious gemstones in vibrant hues, encircling the watch’s unique complication.
Adorned with a floral design set with over 50 diamonds, the Dancing Hours Flying Tourbillon adds a touch of elegance to each timepiece. Activated by pushing the crown, a start-and-stop function prompts the clockwise rotation of the exquisite stones surrounding it. The gemstones, set invisibly on a handcrafted guilloché plate, reflect light to enhance the watch’s aesthetic brilliance. The caseback of each watch is embellished with graceful flower motifs to complement the decorated flying tourbillon.
