Renowned watchmaker dies

First published: 17-08-2011

In breaking news from Hodinkee it has been revealed that the renowned watchmaker Gerald Genta has died.

The site has confirmed it received information on the legend's passing from a number of sources and is awaiting further updates.

One poster wrote: "This is a sad day for all watch lovers, young or old - he will always be remembered for his legacy with timepieces and his timeless designs."

Genta has designed for a number of Swiss labels that include the International Watch Company, Universal Geneve, Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe, among others.

The timepiece genius was 80 years old and was born in Geneva in May 1931.

Among his pieces is the Gerald Genta Octo Granda Sonnerie Tourbillion, which features four gongs and rings out the Westminster Quarters tune every hour.

Since 2010, Genta's creations have been exclusive to the Bvlgari label, though internet blogs speculated he had designed a piece for Arlanch this year.