ReviewGerald Charles x Ducati: A Tribute To The Iconic 916 In Timepiece Form
Gerald Charles celebrate 30 years of the Ducati 916 with a bold, limited-edition timepiece—the Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916
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In 1993, Ducati unveiled the 916—a motorcycle that would redefine the sportbike landscape. Its aggressive lines and uncompromising performance set a new standard, one that continues to influence design three decades later.
It’s fitting, then, that Gerald Charles have chosen to commemorate this icon of Italian engineering. The watchmakers, founded by legendary designer Gérald Genta, share Ducati’s commitment to pushing boundaries. Their collaboration has resulted in the Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916—a 250-piece limited-edition timepiece that captures the essence of its namesake without resorting to mere imitation.
How does one translate the soul of a motorcycle into a wristwatch? It’s a question that could easily lead to a gaudy, overbranded disaster. But in the hands of Gerald Charles, now experiencing a renaissance under Federico Ziviani, the result is surprisingly subtle and undeniably sophisticated.
Read more about Gerald Charles’ watches here
Carbon, Ceramic, And Complications
The Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 is unmistakably a Gerald Charles creation. The distinctive case shape, inspired by baroque architecture, is present and accounted for. But look closer, and you’ll see the Ducati influence seeping through.
The case, measuring 39mm wide and 41.90mm long, is crafted from marbled-black forged carbon—a nod to both contemporary racing technology and the asphalt of the racetrack. This is complemented by a matt black ceramic bezel, creating a stealthy aesthetic. The choice of materials is not just about looks; it also ensures the watch is lightweight and durable, much like its two-wheeled inspiration. The case construction is further enhanced by a grade-5 titanium crown and caseback, adding both durability and a touch of luxury. At 11.15mm thick and water-resistant to 100m, it’s a surprisingly versatile sports watch.
The dial is where things get really interesting. A multi-layered affair, it features a central disc reminiscent of the Ducati 916’s iconic three-spoke wheels. This isn’t just for show—it’s part of the watch’s jumping hour mechanism. Red Arabic numerals, slanted to evoke a motorcycle’s instrument cluster, indicate the hours. A single minute hand sweeps across the dial, pointing to a minute track on the chapter ring. The result is a face that’s as dynamic as it is distinctive, though it may take some getting used to for those accustomed to traditional time-telling. The hour numerals and minute hand are coated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring legibility in low-light conditions.
Under The Hood
Powering this horological machine is the automatic calibre GCA 3002JH, based on a Vaucher movement but featuring a proprietary jumping hour module developed by Gerald Charles. Visible through the sapphire caseback, the movement is finished to a high standard, with colimaçon, Côtes de Genève, and perlage decorations. The movement beats at a 28,800vph and offers a 50-hour power reserve, balancing performance with reliability.
The Final Touch
A ruby red vulcanised rubber strap, complete with a Clous de Paris pattern, provides that quintessential splash of Ducati red. It’s comfortable, sporty, and unmistakably on-brand. The choice of rubber over leather or metal is practical too, nodding to the watch’s sporty heritage. The strap is secured by a sandblasted grade-5 titanium buckle.
The Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 is a bold experiment in cross-industry collaboration. It succeeds in capturing the spirit of the Ducati 916 without resorting to obvious design cues or excessive branding. While it may not be to everyone’s taste, and its unique time display might require a learning curve, it undeniably achieves what it set out to do—translate the soul of an iconic motorcycle into a wristwatch. For the right collector, it’s not just a way to tell time, but a wearable piece of motorsport history.
The Gerald Charles Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 In A Nutshell
- Case: 39mm x 41.90mm, carbon forged with black matt ceramic bezel
- Crown: Screw-down, grade-5 titanium with Clous de Paris finish and embossed logo
- Glass and caseback: Sapphire crystal with multi-layer anti-reflection treatment on both sides
- Water resistance: 100m
- Dial: Three-level with black matt base, red Super-LumiNova hour markers, and golden satin jumping hour disk
- Functions: Anti-clockwise jumping hours, central minutes
- Movement: Automatic GCA 3002JH; 50-hour power reserve
- Strap: Ruby red vulcanised rubber with Clous de Paris finish, grade-5 titanium buckle
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do watch brands collaborate with other industries?
Watch brands often collaborate with companies from other industries (like automotive or aviation) to create special edition timepieces. These collaborations can bring fresh design perspectives, appeal to new audiences, and celebrate shared values like innovation or performance. They also often result in unique watches that tell a story beyond just timekeeping.
- How do watchmakers incorporate themes into their designs?
Watchmakers can incorporate themes into their designs in various ways. This might include using colours associated with a particular brand or event, incorporating design elements reminiscent of specific objects (like a car’s wheel or an airplane’s cockpit), or using materials that have a connection to the theme. The theme might also influence the watch’s functions or complications.
- What is the appeal of owning a limited-edition watch?
Limited-edition watches attract collectors and enthusiasts for several reasons. Their rarity makes them exclusive and potentially more valuable over time. They often commemorate special events or collaborations, giving them historical or cultural significance. For many, owning a limited-edition watch is a way to possess a unique piece of horological art and history.
