Gérald Genta Mickey Mouse

Gérald Genta… the legendary watch designer responsible for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus. Responsible also for this cute, classic Mickey Mouse watch made in an official collaboration with Disney in the ‘90s. (He created other characters as well, but what’s more classic Disney than good ol’ Mickey?) When Genta first showcased these pieces at a watch fair in 1984, the organizers asked him to remove them from his display booth, disgusted, perhaps, at their lack of seriousness. But isn’t that just what the watch world needs occasionally? Something playful and sweet? Genta’s relationship with the stoic Swiss watch industry was changed indefinitely then, and he sold his company in ‘96, making these watches some of the last he’d ever presented in his storied career. This Mickey watch is not trying to be the Royal Oak or the Nautilus – it’s not trying to be anything other than itself. Beautifully made, with a heart (and case) of 18k gold, this destined-to-be classic watch sparks pure magic. 

DATE OF BIRTH: C.1990’s

MATERIAL: 18k yellow gold

SIZE: 30mm

MOVEMENT: Quartz

CONDITION: New Old Stock

BOX/PAPERS: Leather signed pouch/Yes

THE NITTY GRITTY:

A solid eighteen carat yellow gold octagonal watch made by Gérald Genta for the Disney Corporation. This fabulous and very cute watch was made in the 1990s as part of a large series of watches between Genta and Disney. It included a host of beloved Disney characters, which were hand painted to a variety of different models and sizes. This is the smaller size case from this octagonal shaped case line. 

In 1984, when Genta showcased his first collection of these ‘character watches’ at the Montres et Bijoux de Genève show, the reaction of the show organizers was one of disgust… So much that they told Genta to take them out of the display windows at his booth. Genta left the show, and his relationship with the Swiss watch industry was forever damaged. He went on to sell his company in 1996 and that was essentially the end of his story with watches.

The dial is a piece of hand cut mother of pearl which has Mickey hands painted onto the dial. The Roman numerals that surround the dial are picked out as Mickey’s hands pass around the dial throughout the day. This is a wonderfully cute watch and very unusual in its case design. Genta, the watch design icon, adds a personal touch to the watch, which makes this piece very distinctively his.  Unusual case shapes and bezel details are his trademark, along with these distinctive lug designs, which he used on Cartiers as well.

The watch is presented in what is known as “New old stock” condition, with the original sticker still protecting the case back. The original Genta-signed black leather watch band is present, as is the signed GG solid eighteen carat gold buckle. The condition of the watch is perfect throughout, having never been worn. It also comes with its original leather pouch, also signed Genta, and the original warranty card.

This is a great looking watch in perfect condition that is really quite hard to find today. A real time capsule! Given how divisive these watches were when they were launched, it makes for quite a compelling story today. They are fantastically made. Iconically Genta with a humorous and very adorable twist. Given the immense weight with which Genta is now held, this last roll of the watch designing dice for him are bound to become long term collectible watches. The condition and originality of this piece is sure to make it a future classic made to be loved with ever wear. It certainly puts a smile on our faces.