2021 is a mammoth year for Italian fashion house Gucci, announcing its entry into the high watchmaking game ahead of momentous celebrations for their centenary later this year.
What many probably don’t realise is that Gucci’s watchmaking has actually been Swiss made since 1972, yet this year’s release is leagues above anything previously attempted by the brand.
Free of the shackles of Geneva that bound most classically Swiss manufacturers, Gucci’s Creative Director Alessandro Michele’s has explored contemporary watch designs across these three new offerings.
GUCCI 25H
Gucci 25H Tourbillon Platinum 
Gucci 25H Tourbillon Yellow Gold
First up we have the sleek, sporty lines, and contrasting finishes of the Gucci 25H model line. The integrated case design is ultra-slim – clocking in at just 3.7mm in height and featuring the new GG727.25 calibre, Gucci’s first movement developed and produced by the Kering movement manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The 25H is available as both steel and pavé-set models, with the option of two tourbillon iterations in platinum and yellow gold.
G-Timeless
The G-Timeless series offers a touch more personality for those that appreciate the intricacies of Gucci’s creative direction. Of these, the ‘dancing bees’ timepiece features small bees on the dial that actually swing and shimmer when the watch moves on the wrist. A more colourful moonphase with white diamonds is also offered on an alligator strap, and the Dancing Bees watch can also be purchased with a tourbillon movement if desired.
Grip
Gucci’s dramatic entrance to the high watchmaking game in 2021 doesn’t stop there, with another five watches joining the collection under the ‘Grip’ line. Each of the watches vary in aesthetic but boast a Jump Hour movement that’s primed to ‘jump’ forward every hour, as well as a minutes disc that sweeps around through 60 minutes. The clean numerical display sits on gorgeous hardstone dials for three of the watches – each cut by a precision gemstone cutter who had to balance strength with the unique design shape.
The fourth design in the Grip gold series is created entirely in 18-carat yellow gold with a brushed gold dial subtly engraved with the Gucci logo and straight bracelet links. Each Grip watch is precision-set with a continuous row of 44 baguette-cut diamonds.
The Grip Sapphire, however, is the real head-turner here and the fifth edition in the Grip line. Presented in four colour variations, clear, blue, green and pink with a transparent rubber tone-on-tone strap embossed with the Interlocking G motif and with a steel ardillon buckle.
Gucci High Watchmaking Release Dates
Gucci is taking a different approach to most with this release. Essentially, if you want to purchase any of the watches above in the flesh, your only option is to walk into the Paris boutique and pick one up. International buyers will get their chance at travelling roadshows in various capital cities around the world in 2021, or they can order sight unseen ahead of its June release. Price are to be confirmed, but we can hint that they’ll be for the serious watch lover with an equally serious love for Gucci.
Check out the other watches in Gucci’s range on their site.
