Gucci Gets Serious
The fashion watches are gone this year as Alessandro Michele takes Gucci timepieces into the venerated halls of haute horlogerie.
Much like a proud parent, it’s somewhat heartwarming to see how far Gucci has come in the world of horology. They’re not content with just creating fashion watches anymore, especially in a year when the Maison is celebrating it’s centennial year. This year will actually see Gucci’s first foray into haute horlogerie as they unveil 33 new models stemming from four separate lines, namely Gucci 25H, G-Timeless, Grip and the high jewellery line. Designed by creative director Alessandro Michele, each line takes inspiration from Gucci’s rich heritage and exceptional craftsmanship.
First there’s Gucci 25H, that references what is said to be Michele’s favourite number, one he considers a talisman of sorts. The watch debuts the self-winding GG727.25 calibre, Gucci’s first movement developed and produced by the state-of-the art Kering movement manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Sleek, sporty and gender-neutral, the 25H carries an ultra-slim case and is presented in steel and pavé-set models with two tourbillon iterations in platinum and yellow gold.
The G-Timeless on the other hand is made up of five different designs. The G-Timeless Dancing Bees marries Michele’s whimsical aesthetics with serious watchmaking, with tourbillon versions available for those looking for something more complicated. G-Timeless Automatic is characterised by the Gucci bee motif, jewelled hardstone dials and precious skin straps, while the G-Timeless with moon phases along with the G-Timeless Pavé are diamond-set automatic watches complemented by alligator straps.
On the high jewellery meets high horology side of things, three models are showcased: Dionysus, featuring an ostentatiously ornate bracelet of a watch in gold and diamonds; Gucci Play, a sleeker and more understated Dionysus that allows for interchangeable jewelled bezel; and the aptly named Lion Head with its namesake cover protecting the dial and case. Much like Michele’s celebrated runway looks, this eclectic mix of Gucci timepieces ensures that there truly is something here for everyone. The Gucci high-watchmaking designs can be discovered by appointment at Gucci’s dedicated fine watch & jewellery boutique at Place Vendôme, Paris