Unprecedented Drawings by Gérald Genta Available for Auction

Successful bidders will receive an NFT duplicate of each real artwork.

The private vault of renowned watch designer Gérald Genta will be unlocked for the first time since his death a decade ago. Several treasures from his vault will be auctioned, accompanied with an unexpected addition. Sotheby’s has declared its intention to auction 100 original drawings by Genta in April 2022, accompanied by NFT reproductions of each physical piece.

Selected sketches and watercolours will showcase previously unseen archival information and multimedia biographical elements. An opportunity exists to bid on Genta’s renowned 1970 sketch for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and his original design for the Patek Philippe Nautilus.

The artworks will be showcased at a three-part auction entitled “Gérald Genta: Icon of Time,” occurring in Geneva, Hong Kong, and New York from February to April of this year.

Image: Sotheby’s

Subsequent to the series, enthusiastic watch enthusiasts may compete for the designer's personal Royal Oak from Audemars Piguet. The distinctive clock, crafted from yellow gold and stainless steel, will be shown in Sotheby’s Biannual Auction in Geneva. The sale occurs in May 2022, coinciding with the model's 50th anniversary of its launch. Additionally, four unique oil paintings by Genta are available for auction. Each painting is purported to honor the Nautilus and Royal Oak references.

The Genta NFTs will function as a certificate of ownership for each design for individuals who successfully obtain them. The worth of each physical artwork purchased is intrinsically linked to its digital equivalent, as it cannot be resold without the NFT that verifies its authenticity. Bidding for the NFT lots will commence at 100 CHF for the Geneva auction, HKD$1,000 for the Hong Kong auction, and US$100 for the New York auction.

Image: Sotheby’s

Gérald Genta, born in Geneva in 1931, obtained his Swiss Federal Diploma as a jeweller and goldsmith at the age of 20. His initial work was the Polerouter for Universal Genève, after which he designed several of the most iconic timepieces of the 20th century.

Evelyne Genta, Genta’s partner, stated: “Gérald was perpetually avant-garde — it was only logical to perpetuate his legacy of transcending limits in horology by resurrecting these groundbreaking sketches through the contemporary medium of NFTs.”

Image: Sotheby’s

Additional drawings in the “Gérald Genta: Icon of Time Sale,” featuring the Disney Collection of “Fantasy” watches, commissioned by the company's CEO and launched in 1986; the Pasha de Cartier models introduced in 1985; three Grand Sonnerie wristwatch designs from 1995, designed to replicate London’s Big Ben; and other prestigious commissions for royalty, including the Queen Mother of England.

The auction schedule is as follows: Geneva from February 10 to 24, Hong Kong from March 10 to 24, and New York from April 13 to 27. A fraction of the revenue from the sales will be allocated to the Gérald Genta Heritage Association. Consult Sotheby’s website for additional details.

Additional prominent auctions encompass the estate auctions of Karl Lagerfeld. Recently in Paris, belongings valued at €6.2 million belonging to the late Karl Lagerfeld were auctioned. Two world records were established for a crocodile Chanel handbag and a piece of artwork by Martin Szekely.