Introduction
Famed for first fixing the friendly faces of everyone’s favorite Disney friends onto his watches in the 1980s as the watch designer of his own brand following his acquisition of the rights to do so, Gérald Genta’s design DNA has largely been linked with Mickey Mouse and Disney’s other cartoon characters like Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, and many more. Often dressed in various costumes or during a random activity such as golfing or playing baseball, Genta’s depiction of the characters often enables the character to seamlessly integrate into the function of the watch, with these watches often featuring retrograde minute hands that are designed to operate as the character’s hands. Coupled with its jump hour indication, these timepieces are horologically astute while remaining whimsical in nature.
Offered here is one of Genta’s earliest Disney-inspired models, the Fantasy Retro Jump Hour ref. ROF.M.10. Boasting a Mickey Mouse illustration at 6 o’clock underneath its jump hour indicator and retrograde minute hand, this watch features a more subdued aesthetic than the other Disney watches from Genta that use the character’s hands as the watch’s hands. Made of stainless steel and featuring a rectangular design, the ref. ROF.M.10 is still a rather traditionalist watch at heart but with its Mickey Mouse illustration at 6 o’clock it boasts a warm heart and a hit of fun that gives this watch an edge that few other watches from the 1980s also have. Having bought the Gerald Genta brand in 2000, BVLGARI have listened to the ever-growing demand for these Disney-themed timepieces and so recently launched their own tribute inspired directly from this specific series.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$6,000 – $10,000
The Details
Brand
Gerald Genta
Dimensions
31.5mm x 44mm
Model
Fantasy Retro Jump Hour
Movement
Automatic
Reference
ROF.M.10
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1980s
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
Boasting a retrograde minute hand and a jump hour display, this example's dial is already rather unique, but with its illustration of Mickey Mouse at 6 o'clock it is that bit more fun and unusual.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Featuring a traditional rectangular construction, the stainless steel ROF.M.10 wears on the wrist with a familiarity that betrays its rather unusual dial design.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case shows light surface scratches and marks, while the case back retains well-defined engravings with some surface scratches. The dial remains near mint. The crystal shows some spots/scratches in the lower right corner over the Mickey Mouse illustration. It is fitted with a black crocodile strap and a steel GG-signed buckle, both remaining in excellent condition.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
Immediately recognizable as Genta's work just like a lot of his designs, the Disney collection is a wonderful reminder of how ahead of the curve Genta was over his career. Immediately vilified when he tried to present his Disney character watches in the 1980s due to them supposedly making a mockery of the industry, it is a powerful reminder of how far the watch industry has come over the years.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
