Fratello Talks: Gerald Charles CEO Federico Ziviani [Live In Geneva]
Welcome back to another episode of Fratello Talks. This week, we come to you live from Geneva for a special conversation with Federico Ziviani, CEO of Gerald Charles. For those unfamiliar, Gerald Charles is the independent watch brand founded in 2000 by the late, great Gérald Genta. Today, under the stewardship of Ziviani, the brand carries forward its founder’s unmistakable design DNA while carving out a space in the world of fine watchmaking. It’s not every day we get to hear directly from the person responsible for steering such a historically significant brand. Thankfully, this episode gives us exactly that opportunity. Alongside Federico, your host Nacho and Fratello On Air‘s Mike Stockton join the conversation. But before we dive into the discussion itself, let’s kick things off with a wrist check.
Wrist check
We start with Federico, who is wearing the Gerald Charles Maestro GC39 25th Anniversary Edition. Available in a limited run of 100 pieces, this watch marks a quarter century of the brand. Crafted from polished Grade 5 titanium, the Maestro case keeps Genta’s distinctive asymmetrical “smile” shape. Its dial pairs a rich lapis lazuli center with a meta-guillochage outer ring, giving a play of depth and light. In addition, a jumping-hour display at 12 and a central minute hand provide a modern twist on classic time telling.
Mike has gone full vintage opulence with a Rolex GMT-Master ref. 16758 in solid yellow gold. With its warm case tone, sunburst brown dial, and “nipple” indexes, it has the unmistakable charm of an ’80s GMT. He has matched it nicely with a green pebbled calf strap for a slightly less blingy look than the bracelet.
Nacho takes things in a different direction with a vintage Omega Genève TV-dial ref. ST 166.0190. Its vintage squarish case and distinctive dial design bring a quirky and characterful flavor to the table. He is wearing it on a patterned Fixo-Flex bracelet that came with the watch when he bought it, giving him the full-funk ’70s experience.
Fratello Talks: Gerald Charles CEO Federico Ziviani [Live in Geneva]
In this episode, we explore Federico’s roots and how he found his way into the watch industry before taking on the role of CEO at Gerald Charles. Naturally, this leads us to discuss his direct links to Gérald Genta and the responsibility of carrying forward the Maestro’s final design legacy. Federico shares candid insights into the lessons he has learned from his father and the brand’s founder, as well as how those values still guide the brand today.
We also discuss how Gerald Charles operates in the modern watch industry, including its carefully controlled production and vision for the future. From honoring heritage to developing new creative directions, Federico paints a picture of a brand deeply aware of its past but equally focused on what’s to come. This special live recording from Geneva offered a rare chance to get up close with one of the industry’s most exciting independent CEOs. Federico’s passion for both honoring Gérald Genta’s genius and charting a creative and authentic path forward came through.
What do you think about Gerald Charles and the brand’s philosophy? Let us know in the comments below.
