For many collectors, one of the most pleasing aspects of fine watchmaking is the appreciation of handcraft. The latest trio of Gerald Charles Masterlink Atelier watches is very much a celebration of craft. Three versions of this complex and sophisticated steel watch are offered with remarkable and truly one-of-a-kind dials. Offered in three metallic tones, the maillechort (or nickel silver) dials are hand hammered, a demanding and unforgiving process that results in a dial that is unmistakably the result of an organic process.

While there’s no denying that these dials are the star of the show, they shine brighter thanks to the sophisticated framing of the Masterlink case and its integrated bracelet. The Masterlink makes use of Gerald Charles’ signature shape, in a 38mm steel case. Finished in a blend of finely brushed and highly polished surfaces, the precise geometry of the Masterlink, especially evident as the case flows effortlessly into the crisp lines and fluid finish of the bracelet, is dramatically at odds with the hand-wrought dial. It’s this dynamic tension between the impossibly crisp, machine precision of the case and bracelet and the dial, finished using an ancient jewelry technique, that lies at the heart of the watch’s appeal.

Gerald Charles Masterlink Atelier Edition in Golden Rose

Gerald Charles Masterlink Atelier Edition in Rhodium

Gerald Charles Masterlink Atelier Edition in Golden Yellow

Each dial is hand hammered by one of Gerald Charles’ artisans, a modern expression of a traditional métiers d’art technique that sees the maillechort — harder than more commonly used brass — repeatedly struck, building up a motif of irregular lines, loosely radiating out from the center of the dial. Depending on the dial and your perspective, this remarkable texture looks like waves or sand dunes, offering a constant interplay of light and shadow that the watchmaker has wisely chosen to amplify by leaving the dial as free as possible, literally letting the technique shine.

Three dial treatments are offered — golden rose, rhodium and golden yellow. Combined with the smartly sized 38mm case, they make for an elegant proposition, even more so when you factor in the thin 7.99mm case height. Behind the dial rests the ultra thin GCA1000 with an offset micro-rotor, a 3Hz beat rate and 50 hours of power reserve.

The Masterlink has always been an expression, not just of precision and craft, but of the fundamental design philosophies that underpin the Gerald Charles brand. Within that asymmetric case is a convergence of history, art and boldness. This limited Atelier edition adds a new, exciting chapter to the Masterlink story.

Self-winding ultra thin Caliber GCA1000

Tech Specs: Gerald Charles Masterlink Atelier Edition

References ML1.0-SSPS-SSBR-MI14HM-SBDP (Golden Rose); ML1.0-SSPS-SSBR-MI18HM-SBDP (Rhodium); ML1.0-SSPS-SSBR-MI22HM-SBDP (Golden Yellow)
Movement Self-winding ultra thin Caliber GCA1000, with offset micro-rotor; 50-hour power reserve
Functions Hours and minutes
Case 38mm × 38mm × 7.99mm; stainless steel; water resistant to 100m
Dial Hand-hammered maillechort in golden rose, rhodium or golden yellow
Strap Polished and satin-brushed stainless steel bracelet; folding clasp with hexagonal plate
Price Upon request
Availability Limited edition of 25 pieces per reference