A Dragon’s Dance: The Genus GNS1.2 Dragon
In the rarefied world of haute horlogerie, where centuries-old techniques meet radical innovation, Genus Watches has forged a new frontier with the GNS1.2 Dragon. Born from the mind of independent Master Watchmaker Sébastien Billières, the GNS1.2 Dragon redefines what a mechanical watch can be. At first glance, it mesmerizes with its visual spectacle: a gold dragon slithering across the dial in a continuous, hypnotic motion. But this is not merely decorative. The dragon is functional, acting as a dynamic indicator of time.
This watch is not just a timekeeper; it is kinetic art, living mythology, and high-precision engineering encased in 18K gold. It invites its wearer to witness time as an ever-evolving journey rather than a static measurement. The GNS1.2 Dragon stands not only as a watch but as a symbol of imagination, craftsmanship, and storytelling.
Myth Meets Mechanism
Dragons have been revered for centuries, symbolizing strength, wisdom, protection, and spiritual power. In Eastern cultures, they are benevolent forces, while in Western tales, they are fierce guardians of treasure. By incorporating this legendary creature into the very mechanics of timekeeping, Genus bridges mythology with micro-mechanics, bringing an ancient symbol to life in an unprecedented way.
At the heart of the GNS1.2 Dragon is a patented system that deviates from conventional hour and minute hands. The hour is indicated on a peripheral ring, while the tens-of-minutes are displayed by the dragon as it navigates a figure-eight path at the center of the dial. The unit minutes are shown via a rotating disk at 3 o’clock. This display offers not only a functional advantage but also an experiential one, inviting a deeper engagement with the passage of time.
Articulated Perfection
Each dragon is composed of 11 individually hand-sculpted segments made from 18K gold, precisely assembled to allow for fluid movement. These segments are intricately engraved, polished, and connected to form an articulated creature that appears to slither with life across the dial. This level of detail requires masterful skill and patience, elevating the watch into the realm of wearable sculpture.
Creating such a kinetic sculpture involves not only artistic prowess but also technical mastery. The movement—caliber 160W-1.2—is a mechanical marvel composed of 390 meticulously finished components. It operates at 18,000 vibrations per hour and provides a robust 50-hour power reserve. The movement is visible through a sapphire caseback, offering a view into the labyrinthine beauty of Genus’ mechanical artistry.
Bespoke Personalization
Understanding the significance of the dragon as a symbol of personal mythology, Genus offers a range of customization options. Collectors can choose from various dragon finishes and colors—from classic yellow gold to fiery red enamel or icy white rhodium plating. The ability to personalize the dragon ensures that no two watches are alike, reinforcing the idea that each GNS1.2 Dragon is a reflection of its owner’s character and story.
Moreover, this approach to personalization reflects the ethos of independent watchmaking: a commitment to uniqueness, craftsmanship, and deep client connection. At this level of horology, owning a watch is akin to commissioning a piece of art.
The Case and Crystal
Encasing this microcosm of mythology and mechanics is a case that reflects both strength and elegance. Measuring 43mm in diameter and 18.8mm in height, the GNS1.2 Dragon strikes a balance between presence and wearability. It is available in both 18K rose gold and 18K white gold, each version offering a distinct personality. The case is topped with a domed sapphire crystal, which amplifies the visual drama of the dragon’s motion and allows light to play across the sculpted surfaces.
Every component of the case is hand-finished to the highest standards, from the polished lugs to the brushed flanks, embodying the meticulous care that goes into the entire timepiece.
Limited Edition Legacy
The GNS1.2 Dragon is not a mass-produced timepiece. Its production is deliberately limited, ensuring that each piece remains exclusive and rare. With a retail price starting at CHF 150,000 (excluding taxes), this watch is clearly positioned for the discerning collector who values mechanical ingenuity and artistic expression in equal measure.
This level of exclusivity is not merely about luxury; it is about preserving the integrity of the craft. In an industry where automation is becoming more prevalent, Genus holds firm to the traditions of hand assembly, manual finishing, and horological artistry.
The Vision of Sébastien Billières
Sébastien Billières, the visionary behind Genus, is no stranger to boundary-pushing watchmaking. With decades of experience and a deep respect for traditional horology, Billières has always sought to explore the emotional and conceptual dimensions of time. His creations are not about complication for its own sake, but about enhancing the human experience of time.
The GNS1.2 Dragon is perhaps his most expressive work to date. It encapsulates his belief that watches can be more than instruments—they can be narratives, sculptures, and emotional touchstones.
A Collector’s Statement
Owning a Genus GNS1.2 Dragon is not just a matter of telling time; it’s a statement of individuality and artistic appreciation. It is a watch for those who seek the extraordinary, who understand the language of mechanics and myth, and who value the poetic potential of horology.
In a world saturated with sameness, the GNS1.2 Dragon is a bold expression of difference. It invites us to view time not as a constraint but as a canvas—a flowing, evolving entity that can be rendered through gold, gears, and imagination.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Watch name GENUS DRAGON
Reference GNS1.2 [Case Code] DRAGON – ‘Case Code’ refers to the case material:
WG = white gold, RG = rose gold, T5 = Grade 5 titanium, TD = Damascus titanium
CASE
Material Choice of 18K white gold, 18K rose gold, Grade 5 titanium, or Damascus titanium
Thickness 18.8 mm
Diameter 43 mm
Crystals Domed “glass box” sapphire crystal on the dial side; open caseback with sapphire
crystal – both crystals with anti-reflective coating
Crown 18K gold or titanium, with the letters G-E-N-U-S embossed around the
circumference, providing grip
Water resistance 3 ATM (approximately 30 meters)
MOVEMENT
Caliber 160W-1.2 hand-wound, manufactured in the GENUS workshops in Geneva
Material 18K gold mainplate and bridges
Components 390
Jewels 26 rubies
Frequency 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz)
Power reserve Approximately 50 hours
Regulating organ Swiss lever escapement, variable inertia balance wheel
Modular construction Two complementary sections with dedicated roles: one for energy storage and
transmission, the other for distribution and regulation
DISPLAY COMPLICATIONS
Hours 12 satellites/indices with peripheral and axial rotation (patent pending)
Tens-of-minutes 11 free-moving elements circulating between two counter-rotating foci (patent
pending), stylized in the shape of a dragon, in 18K gold and hand-engraved.
Minutes Skeletonized disc
Numerals & indicators Super-LumiNova®
The time is read from left to right:
Left: The hour is indicated by the alignment of the satellite index with the fixed
arrow pointing left
Center: Tens-of-minutes, as indicated by the dragon’s head
Right (crown side): The precise minute is indicated by the numeral’s alignment
with the fixed arrow pointing left
STRAP & BUCKLE
Strap material Alligator, saddle-finish calf leather, or padded and stitched rubber – choice of
color
Pin buckle 18K gold or Grade 5 titanium or Damascus titanium, depending on case material
(folding clasp on request)
PRICE
Suggested retail price Price varies according to the choice of case
18K gold: CHF 174,400 (excluding VAT)
Damascus titanium: CHF 171,000 (excluding VAT)
Grade 5 titanium: CHF 140,650 (excluding VAT)
Prices for gem-set and bespoke versions upon request
