A couple of months ago we wrote about the launch of the new GENUS GNS2, which uses the brand’s signature time display complication, but in a different way, simplifying the ‘snaking’ time-telling genera, and enclosing it in a newly semi-open dial. To look at the specs, click on that link to read the original article.

We had the opportunity to take a look at one ‘in the metal’, so it’s worth sharing some thoughts of what it is like to handle and wear, and to mention how it came about.

The GENUS GNS2 Launch Edition is, as we mentioned in a 43mm-sized sand-blasted grade 5 titanium case, and as you’d expect, to wear it is much lighter and feels more sporty than its predecessors. It’s also more discreet on the wrist because at a casual glance, the dial doesn’t stand out in the same way as the original design.

To recap, the GENUS time display works as follows – there are two sets of three metallic blue arrow-shaped ‘genera’ that move through openings that surround matte black bases, on two skeletonised wheels. The hours are indicated by the lead of one of the sets of three moving elements, with arrows moving around the periphery of the dial.

The minutes are indicated by the leading blue arrow of the set of three moving elements, which follow the brand’s familiar figure eight pattern. The two tens-of-minute dials have satin-brushed and rhodium-plated finishing, and the numbers are engraved.

The original form of the genera (and indeed design of the watches) were novel and rather cool. The method remains as such, but this simplified version was born of people wanting the complication but also wanting it easier (and quicker) to read. In this it is similar to the genesis of another ‘variation on a theme’ new model we recently covered which is also a ‘closed’ and ‘easier’ version of what the brand is known for – the HYT T1, with both ‘adaptations’ born of the requests of existing owners.

This is one of the advantages of small watch brands – if enough existing customers win over the brand for something that they wish for and it is both possible and feasible, there is greater likelihood of it becoming a reality, and it might also be done in a relatively short period of time.

Categories: GENUS, Hands-on, Limited Editions, Watch Profile, watches