Gucci has stunned the horological world with its latest watches, which are a far cry from mere fashion accessories. These exceptional complicated timepieces showcase the brand’s mastery of the finest watchmaking traditions
Since the unveiling of its first exclusive calibre in 2021, quickly followed by a skeletonised flying tourbillon in 2022 and a perpetual calendar last year, Gucci has been on a remarkable journey into the realm of haute horlogerie.
Under the Gucci High Watchmaking label, the Italian brand continues to explore the fascinating world of fine watchmaking in 2024. Rather than focusing on “fashion” watches stamped with the iconic double G monogram, Gucci has opted to present a series of true haute horlogerie masterpieces. These Swiss Made timepieces seamlessly blend the brand’s bold and luxurious style with centuries-old craftsmanship, resulting in distinctive and instantly recognisable watches featuring some of the most coveted and intricate horological complications.
The 2024 collection of mechanical marvels showcases the tourbillon escapement, a groundbreaking invention developed by the legendary Abraham-Louis Breguet more than two centuries ago. The focus of the G-Timeless Planetarium model, the tourbillon is encircled by 12 precious stones creating a mesmerising rainbow of colour and light. A dedicated start/stop function sets the stones in motion, rotating on their own axes every 9 seconds and simultaneously taking 90 seconds to perform a complete clockwise circuit of the dial. The tourbillon also takes centre stage at the heart of the sapphire case of the 25 H Skeleton Tourbillon. Paired with a Jumping Hours complication, it offers a novel way to read the time, with Roman numerals “jumping” every 60 minutes in the window at 12 o’clock on the multi-layered, architecturally structured dial of the Interlocking model. This striking creation is presented in a new cushion-shaped case.
The tourbillon is the star of Gucci’s 2024 lineup, gracing all four new models. It also makes an appearance alongside a Minute Repeater, a complication that transforms the passage of time into melody, as three tiny hammers strike different notes in harmony to signal the hours, quarters and minutes. Widely regarded as the most poetic complication ever devised, the Minute Repeater is reimagined on the dial of the 25 H Minute Repeater.
In 2024, Gucci High Watchmaking presents a quartet of extraordinary timepieces that pay stylish tribute to the art of watchmaking, each showcasing a unique interpretation of the tourbillon. This is horology elevated to the level of fine art.