Gérald Genta (Swiss, 1931–2011), designer, Fred Joaillier (French, est. 1936), manufacturer, Watch, circa 1970, gold, diamonds

Audio Description

This watch was designed by Gérald Genta of Switzerland around 1970 for French jewelry house Fred Joaillier, which was established in 1936. Genta lived from 1931–2011.

This watch has a band made up of geometric teardrop-like shapes, alternating textured, convex gold links with others that are covered with small, faceted diamonds laid side by side. This makes the edges of the band uneven. The watch itself is a six-sided shape bound around the edges with rows of small, faceted diamonds. The face is textured gold with black hands, no numbers, and the block letters FRED, Paris at the top.

Label Copy

This watch was designed by Gérald Genta of Switzerland around 1970 for French jewelry house Fred Joaillier, which was established in 1936. Genta lived from 1931–2011.

Founded in Paris in the late 1930s, Fred Joaillier was known for its elegant design and exclusivity. But as with many long-established jewelry houses, the spirit of the times prompted them to update their offerings. Both this watch and the nearby necklace, indicate just such a pivot by the firm. Opening a boutique in Los Angeles on the fashionable Rodeo Drive in the late 1970s, they were known for jewelry worn by the international jet set.

The band of this piece combines textured gold links alternating with pavé diamonds, resulting in a chic design that was both modern and luxurious. The off-balance six-sided watch face with no numbers suggests that this is more a piece of jewelry than a timepiece.

Back to A Sleeker Look     Back to the Audio Exhibition