Gerald Genta’s Grande Sonnerie Arena Metasonic – The Sound Of Perfection
Welcome to the latest, breathtaking evolution of Gerald Genta’s spectacular Arena Grande Sonnerie, the Arena Metasonic. A timepiece so visually and technically astounding that it literally borders on perfection. Simply to gaze upon the dial’s intricate artisanship is a pleasure in itself. Immediately it is clear the exceptional time and skill required to create a watch of such magnificence and yet it defies belief. Here before you is the most complicated Grande Sonnerie in the world!
Understanding The Terminology
Now I am aware that many people who are reading this may be relatively new to the world of watches and especially high-end complications, and so they will be asking themselves “what is a Grand Sonnerie?” Now, without getting too technical (hopefully), a Grande Sonnerie or “grand strike” complication strikes the hours and quarters automatically, as well as being systematically equipped with the minute repeater which strikes the hours, quarters and minutes on request. The watch then successively chimes the hours on a low-pitched gong, the quarters on two, three or four gongs, and the minutes on a high-pitched gong.
Each Grande Sonnerie watch reacts in its own way, according to the volume occupied by the movement within the case and the corresponding empty spaces; the materials selected and their treatment; the strength of the hammer; as well as a whole host of details such as the quality of the screws, joints and weldings.
Appreciating The History
Gerald Genta is well known and highly regarded for their Grand Sonneire watches, having first introduced this complication in a wristwatch in 1994. Renowned for their technical complexity the Grande Sonnerie models comprise approximately 850 parts for the hand-wound models, 950 for the self-winding versions, and 1,100 for those equipped with a perpetual calendar. Even more astonishing is that they are developed on tourbillon movements. It takes around a year’s work to craft just one such watch, and only 61 in all have emerged from the Gérald Genta workshops since 1994.
The voice of the watches comes in the form of their four hammers and their Westminster chime, working seamlessly together to play a different tune for each quarter. During the production process the watch maker adjusts the length of the gongs or their point of attachment in order to achieve the desired notes. This delicate exercise is generally performed by ear and thus there is the inherent risk of never achieving the same result twice, even when the same person is involved.
As such, to ensure the consistent quality of pitch and tune Gerald Genta, in cooperation with an acoustic laboratory, developed an exclusive software programme to enable the measurement of the sounds produced. Whilst fine-tuning by the watchmakers is still indispensable it is now possible to set and evaluate the necessary criteria in order to guarantee a unique tune. It takes an average of 12 successive controls to achieve the desired result.
The Arena Grande Sonnerie Metasonic
It is simply not possible to pay sufficient homage to the incomparable craftsmanship that has gone into the creation of the new Metasonic. Measuring 46mm in diameter at the case middle and 50mm overall, the piece features a combination of vertical-polished and horizontal satin-brushed surfaces. The dial is set off-centre which allows for uninterrupted views of the spectacular movement and two power reserve indicators, one for the watch and the other for the Sonnerie, are visible through the exhibition case back.
Gérald Genta has adorned the movement with an innovative wave-patterned motif as a nod to the propagation of sound. The crown bears the individual watch number, while the striking mechanism controls serving to switch between Grande Sonnerie (grand strike), Petite Sonnerie (small strike), Minute Repeater and Silence modes are within easy reach on the opposite side.
Yet what really impresses me is the level of detail paid to the musical enhancing qualities of the case itself. In cooperation with a French university, the brand developed a software programme capable of analysing all kinds of materials, allowing for the evaluation of a given material’s density, elasticity modulus and loss coefficient. The basis of which form the crucial physical parameters that determine the quality of the sound transmission as well as providing a means in which these qualities can be tested. The intention was to identify materials that would truly compliment the musicality of the timepiece.
Based on the objectives defined for each parameter, Gérald Genta was unable to find a metal that satisfied their requirements. Rather than compromise the brand decided to create their own alloy, the composition of which is a closely guarded secret, which has been named Magsonic. This new material has been used for the case middle, a crucial element in striking watches as the sound tends to be diffused in a sideways direction. Therefore, it is important to choose an appropriate material and to make it as thin as possible.
In addition to the major role played by the Magsonic alloy, the new model also features an original case based on a patented construction inspired by the side drums in a drum kit. The case middle is framed on either side by a bezel and back in grade 5 titanium secured from outside by means of specially designed pillars. This means the sound diffusion is undisturbed by any screws, and results in a highly original creation entirely in tune with the spectacular design characteristic of Gérald Genta models.
The Final Word
The new Arena Grande Sonnerie Metasonic by Gerald Genta represents significant advancement in watchmaking and further demonstrates what can be achieved when modern technology is coupled with age old craftsmanship. Limited to only 10 pieces this timepiece has been created specifically for collectors and carries a hefty price tag of $900,000 to match its impressive status. Still, it is a thing of pure beauty.
Category: Watch News
Oh, the back of that movement is a wet dream. Nice article, Tom.
The crown and the guards are hideous. The GS ’99 looked much more elegant.