BVLGARI has unveiled the latest chapter in its revival of the Gérald Genta Arena Retrograde line — a new Mickey Mouse “Playing Football” edition, celebrating both fine watchmaking and nostalgic artistry.

While the original Gérald Genta Mickey Mouse watches from the 1980s are already cult classics, this marks the first-ever appearance of Mickey playing football (soccer) — a completely new animation concept. Not even Genta’s original workshop had produced such a version.

Following the success of BVLGARI’s 2019 remake — where Mickey joyfully pointed at the minutes with a smile — this new edition takes the playfulness to a fresh, dynamic level.

Case and Design

As with previous Gérald Genta Arena models, the case takes inspiration from the architectural grandeur of a Greco-Roman arena, reflected in the sculptural grooves along its flanks.

  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Diameter: 41 mm
  • Water resistance: 100 meters

The design balances whimsical animation with genuine haute horlogerie execution — unmistakably Genta DNA with a BVLGARI touch.

Dial and Animation

The star of the show is, of course, Mickey Mouse, hand-painted in vivid enamel tones — black body, red shorts, and bright yellow shoes — brought to life through nearly 20 stages of meticulous craftsmanship.

Set against a white mother-of-pearl dial, Mickey’s extended arm acts as the retrograde minute hand, sweeping gracefully across a 60-minute arc before instantly snapping back to zero at the top of each hour — a signature Genta complication.

At 9 o’clock, a jumping hour window displays the current hour in bold black numerals on a white disc, offering perfect contrast and clarity.

Meanwhile, a retrograde date display arcs across the lower section of the dial, from 0 to 31, with a skeletonized hand ensuring Mickey’s animated pose remains fully visible.

Movement

Powering this playful creation is the in-house BVL 300 caliber, an automatic movement that:

  • Beats at 4 Hz (28,800 vph)
  • Delivers a 42-hour power reserve
  • Drives both the retrograde minutes and date, and the jumping hour display

Visible through the sapphire caseback, the movement underscores the technical sophistication behind the watch’s charm.

Limited Edition and Pricing

Limited to just 200 pieces, the BVLGARI Gérald Genta Arena Retrograde “Mickey Mouse Playing Football” is paired with a burgundy-red rubber strap featuring a textured motif that complements Mickey’s lively aesthetic.

Retail price: €24,000

This creation perfectly encapsulates Gérald Genta’s philosophy — serious watchmaking with a smile — and BVLGARI’s modern flair for reimagining icons with both respect and playfulness.

Learn more at: bulgari.com

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