Welcome to The Time Production, your go-to blog for all things related to independent watchmaking. In our inaugural post, I’m excited to delve into an innovative creation by Genus, which I had the privilege of exploring at the Geneva Watches Week 2024.
Let’s start with some background on Genus, a standout member of the AHCI (Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants). Founded in Geneva in 2019 by the visionary duo Sébastien Billières and Catherine Henry, Genus made its mark with the GNS 1.2 WG, a timepiece that clinched the “Exception Mécanique” prize at the GPHG (Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève).
Genus commits to blending classic elegance with bold innovation in its Plan-les-Ouates workshop. Each watch showcases a unique method of time display, eschewing traditional dials and hands, yet upholding the esteemed traditions of Swiss Haute Horlogerie.
The Genus GNS2, launched on March 12, 2024, marks a significant milestone in horological innovation, encapsulating five years of intense engineering and design R&D. This model showcases a technical marvel with its reimagined patented time reading system by Genus.
What are the features of the Genus GNS2 Launch Edition ?
Case
The case of the GNS2 has been meticulously crafted from Grade 5 titanium and features a new 43 mm design with hollowed flanks and a sandblasted finish to enhance its streamlined curvature. Measuring 18.8 mm in thickness, including the domed sapphire crystal, it is water-resistant up to 30 meters. The innovative box sapphire crystal developed specifically for the GNS2 maximizes the view of the dial, reduces edge distortion, and improves visibility, making it a masterpiece of both aesthetics and functionality.
Dial
The Genus GNS2 showcases a masterfully crafted two-piece dial, each mirroring the other with perfect symmetry. Artisans have meticulously hand-hammered these components, utilizing a special tool with a tip under 0.1 mm to create a unique, textured surface that embodies the soul of the watch. This dial features three mobile elements with arrow indicators that gracefully track the hours along its perimeter. The dial’s floating elements, signature to Genus, glide seamlessly in their orbits, adding a mesmerizing fluidity to timekeeping. Minute indications are made by a prominent blue arrow, moving in a signature figure-of-eight, complemented by satin-brushed, rhodium-plated minute dials with engraved numerals and rhodium-plated diamond appliqués that enhance its brilliance. Decorative, hand-polished screws secure and accent the dial, adding to its aesthetic allure.
Movement
The Genus GNS2 is powered by the exquisite in-house 260Rh-2 movement, evolving from the architecture of the 160W-1.2 but with a refreshed aesthetic. This manual winding movement comprises two parts: the base movement, which encompasses essential functions including a single barrel, ensuring a 2.5 Hz frequency and an impressive 50-hour power reserve, despite the complexity and moving masses of the caliber.
Masterfully designed and hand-decorated by Sébastien Billières and his sister Sarah, each component is alternately polished and adorned with ‘drawn lines,’ catching and reflecting light beautifully.
Strap
The Genus GNS2 enhances your style with a range of luxurious wrist strap options. Choose from hand-stitched, padded rubber, premium alligator, or saddle-finish calf leather straps, each available with a customizable folding clasp upon request. Plus, personalize your watch with a strap in your favorite color to match your unique taste.
How much does the Genus GNS2 cost?
The Genus GNS2 Launch Edition, limited to just 18 pieces, is priced at CHF 58,250 / €61,360 / US$66,100 (excluding VAT).
Genus GNS2 Watch: A watch that reinvents itself and opening a new chapter
With its patented complication and the harmonious integration of the case, movement, and dial, the GNS2 embodies elegance in simplicity. Its lightweight design ensures it sits comfortably on the wrist—a commendable achievement by Genus.
Genus GNS2 Watch Specifications
- Brand: Genus
- Model: GNS2
- Reference: GNS2 T5 (T5 = Grade 5 titanium)
- Case Material: Grade 5 titanium
- Dial: Silver with grainage finish, figure-eight design with three blued chevrons for minutes, peripheral track with three blued chevrons for hours
- Functions: Hours ; Minutes
- Movement: Genus 260Rh-2: Inhouse caliber, manual winding, 18,000vph frequency (2.5 Hz), 26 jewels, 278 components
- Power Reserve: 50 hours
- Water Resistance: 3 ATM
- Crystal: Box-type sapphire
- Case Back: Grade 5 titanium and sapphire crystal
- Case Dimension: 43mm (diameter) × 18.8mm (thickness)
- Strap: Choice of alligator, saddle-finish calfskin, or padded and stitched rubber, choice of color, Grade 5 titanium pin buckle, folding clasp upon request
- Availability : Limited edition of 18 pieces
- Retail Price: CHF 58,250 / €61,360 / US$66,100 (all prices excluding taxes)
What are your thoughts on this watch? Do you appreciate such innovative designs, or do you lean towards more traditional styles? Share your views in the comments.
For more information about Genus, click here.
Nice one 👍