Gerald Charles Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916
Cars & motorsport
The Gerald Charles Maestro 4.0: A Tribute to the Ducati 916
Ducati and Gerald Charles unite to launch a new collaborative piece celebrating iconic design and superlative engineering: the Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916.
By Nate Chapnick
Contributor
The Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 from Gerald Charles is not just another watch – it’s a tribute to two of the most celebrated design geniuses in their respective fields, Massimo Tamburini from Ducati and Gérald Charles Genta.
Born from a collaboration between Ducati and Gerald Charles, this 39mm, limited-edition timepiece, with only 250 pieces, embodies the spirit of the Ducati 916 motorcycle, which was a true icon that revolutionized the world of superbikes 30 years ago.
A Tribute to Ducati
Inspired by the Ducati 916’s innovative design and performance, the watch mirrors the three core values that define the brand: style, sophistication, and performance.
The DNA of Ducati motorcycles, represented by these values, is brought to life in this timepiece, much like the double helix installation that showcases Ducati’s genetic legacy. The Maestro 4.0 captures this philosophy in its bold, elegant design, much like the 916 motorcycle, which was a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and artful Italian styling.
At the heart of the watch is the jumping-hour complication, a first for Gerald Charles in over 13 years, made even more unique with the integration of a skeletonized motorcycle wheel as the time display. This homage to the Ducati 916’s three-spoke wheel encapsulates both the watchmaker’s love for unconventional complications and Ducati’s innovation.
It took over a year and a half of research and development to perfect this element, reflecting the meticulous process that Tamburini himself followed in designing the original 916, where he tested prototypes on wet roads to fine-tune the aerodynamic behavior of the bike.
A carbon-forged case body features a matte black ceramic bezel, reflecting the lightweight and durable materials found in the 916’s chassis. Meanwhile, the Grade 5 titanium elements, including the crown, caseback, and buckle, enhance the watch’s resilience and align with Ducati’s commitment to performance engineering. The attention to detail continues on the caseback, where the iconic Ducati 916 logo and a celebratory laurel are engraved, visible through the sapphire crystal.
Finally, for collectors who also own the $45,995 Panigale V4 SP2 30° Anniversario 916, their watch (which will cost them an additional $42,400) can be uniquely engraved with the number corresponding to their motorcycle, further connecting the heritage of these two pieces of art.
Final Thoughts
Just as the Ducati 916 redefined what it meant to be a superbike with its combination of elegance, speed, and innovative technology, the Maestro 4.0 carries this tradition forward, offering a timepiece that reflects the same values of craftsmanship, precision, and passion.
Both the bike and the watch serve as symbols of excellence, uniting motorcycle enthusiasts and horological collectors in a shared appreciation for art and engineering.
Each Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 watch is a tribute to the enduring legacy of the Ducati 916 and the genius of its creators, designed to be worn with pride by those who share a passion for pushing boundaries.