In line with 2024 being the Year of the Dragon, Genus has unveiled a dragon-themed watch collection. This “dragon family” features four versions with cases made from white or rose gold, grade 5 titanium, and multicolored Damascus titanium. Each variant has a 43mm case and an 18.8mm thickness.
Exclusive Dragon Variants for 2024
In line with 2024 being the Year of the Dragon, Genus has unveiled a dragon-themed watch collection. This “dragon family” features four versions with cases made from white or rose gold, grade 5 titanium, and multicolored Damascus titanium. Each variant has a 43mm case and an 18.8mm thickness. The Damascus titanium model stands out with its colorful palette and blue-turquoise dial details. The rose gold version offers red or green accents with oriental hour markers, while the white gold case pairs with dark blue markers. A diamond-studded baguette-cut version is also available.
Reading Time on the Dragon Dial
The Genus Dragon 2024 watch displays time in a unique way. Small hands are scattered across the dial. Hour markers move on a rotating disc at the edge of the dial. This disc travels and stops at 9 o’clock to show the current hour. The dragon, winding around two wheels, indicates tenths of an hour. The central part of the dial has two sub-dials: the upper one shows 10-50-60, and the lower one displays 20-30-40. The dragon moves in a figure-eight pattern, with its head pointing to the ten-minute segment. A small arrow at 3 o’clock marks individual minutes. This intricate design is protected by a convex sapphire crystal, showcasing the craftsmanship of Genus.
The Dragon’s Impressive Realism
The dragon’s imagery in the Genus Dragon 2024 is rooted in ancient civilizations. In European culture, dragons guarded treasures; in Norse mythology, they foretold the future; in Asian countries, they symbolized prosperity and water. Regardless of the region, dragons represent strength and wisdom. The dragon in these watches has a calm, thoughtful face, showing no aggression. Creating this dragon was challenging, requiring high realism and grace in its movements. Hand-carved in 18-carat gold, each of the dragon’s 11 segments moves freely, creating a captivating spectacle. Details such as scales, horns, claws, and even the tongue showcase the exceptional skill of Genus.
The Heart of the Dragon: The Watch Mechanism
The dragon’s movement is powered by the patented Cal. 160W-1.2 manual winding mechanism. Comprising 390 parts, this movement operates on two complementary modules: one for energy storage and the other for displaying time. Elements like the bridges, anchor bridge, and main plate are made from solid 18-carat gold, all handcrafted and finished. The mechanism runs at 18,000 vibrations per hour, offering a maximum power reserve of 50 hours. This mechanism, identical to that in Genus’s debut GNS 1.2 model, features polished and beveled edges that enhance light reflection, adding to its grandeur.
Pricing and Availability of Genus Dragon 2024
The Genus Dragon 2024 watches exude elegance, offering a sophisticated way of telling time. Developed entirely within the Geneva watchmaking workshop, they demonstrate a unique blend of technical solutions and unconventional time display methods. This year’s “Year of the Dragon” edition is priced at 174,400 CHF (approximately $202,000 USD) for models in white or rose gold. The Damascus titanium model costs 171,000 CHF (about $198,000 USD), and the grade 5 titanium version is priced at 140,650 CHF (around $163,000 USD). Final prices can vary depending on the number of diamonds used. The production quantity remains undisclosed, likely limited to a small series, ensuring exclusivity for discerning collectors.