This new Gerald Genta watch displays Mickey Mouse playing football ahead of the World Cup
Zach BlassGerald Genta Disney watches are über collectable these days. So when Gerald Genta, owned by Bulgari, revived the collection with a new Mickey Mouse “Smiley” watch last year, the 150-piece limited edition sold out in the snap of a finger. Well, for those who may have missed out, Mickey is back ahead of the FIFA World Cup suited up for the pitch in the new Gerald Genta Arena Bi-Retrograde With Mickey Mouse Playing Football ref. 103786. Yes, I know the reference name is a total mouthful. But, let’s kick things off and dig into this new limited-edition release of 200 pieces.
Once again Mickey finds himself in a 41mm polished stainless-steel case, with a coined perimeter, that is 100 metres water-resistant. So, after the game, Mickey is more than capable of having a post-match swim. Its mother-of-pearl dial displays Gerald Genta/Bulgari’s attention to detail and meticulous craftsmanship, the “bicycle kick” Mickey Mouse figure the result of an intensive process requiring more than 20 manual operations
Bulgari explains: “Each dial is the result of 14 clichés (plates) used to create the colour pattern of the design based on the pad printing technique. Some areas of the motif are then coated with transparent lacquer in order to add brilliance, brightness and volume to very specific details. In all, more than 20 manual operations are required to bring the Mickey Mouse to life, and each are fundamentally unique.”
Matching the colour of the red and textured rubber strap, the radial minutes track reads left to right from the 9′ to 3′ position. It’s indicated by Mickey’s finger-pointing retrograde hand while, in the bottom sector of the dial, the retrograde date complication is printed in red. Beneath the 30th minute numeral you have the football primed for Mickey’s bicycle kick to connect. Just below, and to the left, is an aperture for the jump-hour complication, the hour numeral indicated by a black on white disc. This means each hour the jump-hour disc will jump forward and the retrograde minutes hand will snap back around 210 degrees back to zero. Also, each month the retrograde date hand will also snap back to its starting position 180 degrees – so, for so many reasons, this is a very lively dial.
Inside the watch, beneath the “limited edition of 200“ engraving on the caseback, is the bi-retrograde automatic calibre BVL 300, which offers 42 hours of power reserve on a full wind off the wrist. Should you travel to a time zone ahead of your own, or just need to more quickly adjust the date, on the 9′ side of the case is a pusher that allows you to jump the hour forward without engaging the crown and minutes hand.
Gerald Genta Arena Bi-Retrograde With Mickey Mouse Playing Football pricing and availability:
The Gerald Genta Arena Bi-Retrograde With Mickey Mouse Playing Football Limited Edition of 200 pcs. is now available for inquiries through Bulgari. The watch will be presented in an exclusive presentation box. Price: €24,000
| Brand | Gerald Genta (Bulgari) |
| Model | Gerald Genta Arena Bi-Retrograde With Mickey Mouse Playing Football ref. 103786 |
| Case Diameter | 41mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Dial | Mother of pearl with “Bicycle Kick” Mickey Mouse figure |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal |
| Strap | Red textured rubber strap |
| Movement | Automatic BVL 300 calibre |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Functions | Jumping hours, Retrograde minutes and date |
| Availability | Now for inquires. Limited Edition of 200 pieces. |
| Price | € 24,000 |