Genus GNS1.2 TD
Genus Forges Ahead With A New Damascus Titanium Timepiece
Newcomer to the watchmaking scene, Genus unveils a new look for its award-winning GNS1.2 in blued damascene titanium.
By Sophie Furley
Contributor
Only a year has passed since Genus unveiled its first timepiece, the GNS1.2 WG, last June. Since then, the brand has been on a thrilling rollercoaster ride with a win at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (read our article HERE), prestigious boutique openings, and more. Even COVID-19 hasn’t slowed the brand down as it unveils another new model, the GNS1.2 TD, this time in a flame-blued damascene titanium case.
What Is Damascene Titanium?
The Damascus metalworking technique dates back to 900 AD in the region of Damascus, Syria, and traditionally uses steel and iron. This ancient savoir-faire involves melting and folding the metal over and over so that when it is cut, it reveals this mesmerizing pattern of waves. It is historically used for making swords and daggers as it is both resistant and flexible and blades in this material stay sharper longer.
The Genus Damascene Titanium Case
Genus has taken this traditional Japanese technique and created a titanium-only billet, adding a serious level of difficulty to the process. Titanium is three times harder than steel and is forged at temperatures 300 degrees higher. To enhance the wave pattern, Genus used different titanium alloys that were then blued with an open flame to produce this bright blue color.
A Bespoke Finish
Each and every GNS1.2 TD is unique thanks to the final cut of the metal, which creates a unique pattern with every cut. The owner of each timepiece is also invited to the forge for the final process of coloring the case with an open flame. Genus calls this the “Damascene Revelation,” and each future owner can dictate the intensity of the color and the surface finish (which can be matte, satin, or polished), making each piece truly unique.
Three New Improvements to the GNS1.2
For this new version, Genus is also introducing three updates to the model. The first is a new sapphire crystal, which eliminates the perceived ridges on the upper perimeter, reducing visual distortion and thereby offering a clearer view of the dial. The second change is the possibility to orient the direction of the free-moving elements that flow in a pattern to indicate the tens-of-minutes, creating more possibilities for personalization.
And last but not least, each watch now comes with a digital certification which will stay with the timepiece throughout its lifetime.
Recap On The GNS1.2 TD
The caliber of the Genus GNS1.2 TD is the brainchild of watchmaker and co-founder Sébastien Billières. The movement remains the same as the initial models with 418 components and a 50-hour power reserve, which is particularly impressive when you consider what is going on inside this watch. It took 10 years of research and three years of development to complete the GPHG-winning original, so the brand’s dramatic arrival onto the watchmaking scene is clearly just the tip of the impressive iceberg.
Reading The Time
To explain how the watch works in words is no easy task, but in a nutshell, the 12 satellites (one for each hour) make a complete revolution around the outside of the dial once every 12 hours. The fixed white arrow on the left points to the current hour as the satellites scroll by. Moreover, for the numerals to be consistently readable as they rotate, the satellites orient themselves, pivoting 90 degrees every hour, using a patented mechanism.
If ever a watch deserved the GPHG’s mechanical exception prize, this is it. The GNS1.2 is truly an exceptional timepiece. But now that it is crafted in a damascene titanium case, the magic goes even further. Without a doubt, this is one independent brand we will be keeping our eyes on at Watchonista.
(Images provided by Genus Watches)
Sponsored by Watches of Switzerland
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