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.. Often dressed in various costumes or during a random activity such as golfing, as seen here, 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. Depicted here is Mickey Mouse himself standing atop a golf green as he prepares to take a swing at the gold ball at 7 o’clock, with the golf club recoiling over Mickey’s back as time passes and as he nears taking his shot, which is on the hour to progress the jumping hour display. 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
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Gerald Genta
Dimensions
34mm
Model
Mickey Mouse Retro Fantasy
Movement
Automatic ETA cal. 2892
Reference
G3612
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet
Year
Circa 1990s
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Green
THE DIAL
Featuring Mickey Mouse with his golf club acting as the retrograde minute hand, this timepiece couples horological prowess with a fun design that has since gone on to encapsulate the Gerald Genta brand.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Designed as a simple 34mm case with a polished domed bezel, Genta introduced some flair into the ref. G3612 via its coin-edge mid-case and distinctive winding crown. Offered on an intricate bracelet, this example is all the more desirable and carries even more wrist presence.
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
The watch is in overall excellent condition. The stainless steel case has some surface scratches and light marks on the polished sections, while the coin-edge case sides remain well-defined. The MOP dial is pristine, as is the retrograde 'golf club' minutes hand. The bracelet currently fits a 6 3/4” wrist and has 20 links, 2 of which are removable. It features a Gerald Genta-signed concealed clasp and has negligible play between the links.
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
