The Gérald Genta Gefica Bi-Retro Safari is a distinctive mechanical watch family, but current availability on James List is not established. A 2017 reproduction mentions a past listing; it does not confirm a live offer, today’s price, or current stock. The more useful buyer’s question is what makes the Safari recognizable—and how to assess a specific example before purchasing.
What is the Gefica Bi-Retro Safari?
The Gefica Bi-Retro Safari is part of Gérald Genta’s Gefica line, whose original launch Sotheby’s dates to 1988. Auction catalogues document later examples in bronze and titanium, including references from around 2000, 2007, and 2008. The Safari’s appeal lies in its unusual display architecture and its combination of warm-toned case material with titanium details.
“Bi-retro” describes two indications that travel across an arc and return to their starting points: the minutes and date. The hour display jumps to the next hour rather than using a conventional central hour hand. The precise dial layout can differ by example, so check the specific watch rather than assuming every Safari is configured identically.
How the display and movement work
Catalogue descriptions identify the automatic GG1004 calibre, also written GG 1’004 in Sotheby’s 2022 record. Multiple auctioned examples are listed with 27 jewels. Christie’s describes a circa-2007 example with jumping hours, sweep centre seconds, and retrograde minute and date sectors; Sotheby’s 2026 catalogue describes its circa-2000 example as a jumping-hour watch with retrograde minutes and date.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- OUR STORY: Nubeo Portrays and takes inspiration from both the space and sea to create timepieces in tribute, in function and in design.Each Nubeo timepiece is defined by performance, functionality yet with a design language that blends the organic with the industrial in a manner that makes for a truly unique exhibition of time.
- MAGELLAN RETROGRADE CHRONGORAPH :The latest iteration of our best selling Magellan collection. This exclusive timepiece boasts a Japanese meca-quartz movement that seamlessly blends the accuracy of quartz with the elegance of an automatic movement. The unique retrograde feature on the day display adds a touch of sophistication. Watch as time dances on the dial of this exquisite timepiece.
- MOVEMENT: The Magellan Retrograde Chrongoraph is powered by a quartz Japanese Miyota chronograph with date feature and retrograde day read out
- THE FINER DETAILS: Featuring a 49mm stainless steel case , 26mm rubber strap, anti reflection coated mineral lens and water resistance of up to 5 atm.
- WARRANTY: 2 years International Warranty
Europa Star’s description of a 2007 Safari variant specifies a 45-hour power reserve and a GG 1004 movement built on a GP3100 personalised base. Those details belong to the variant described there, not automatically to every reference or surviving watch. The same article lists 100 m water resistance; treat that as a published specification for that variant, not proof of the water resistance of a decades-old individual example.
Case size and documented examples
Published dimensions vary by example. Christie’s gives 45 mm for its circa-2007 GBS.Y.98; Sotheby’s lists approximately 45 mm for a circa-2008 GBS.Y.98 and 46 mm for reference GBS.Y.98.330.CB.BD, circa 2000. Confirm the exact reference and measurements with the seller, particularly if case size will determine whether the watch suits your wrist.
Rank #2
- [Luxurious Mechanical Watch] High quality hollow mechanical watch appearance retro gorgeous, exquisite carving and design of the golden appearance of the European nobility more highlight your noble identity extraordinary taste, to bring you a pleasant luxury experience
- [Mechanical Movement] This watch has manual self-winding. Please consider that mechanical watches that require manual winding can only keep time for a short time after winding. To prevent running or inaccurate time, it is advised that you verify the time periodically and wind up the chain 15–20 times.
- [Waterproof] Water resistant to 50m (165ft) -suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling
- [Ideal as a Gift] This beautiful retro-style watch can be worn on any occasion or given as a gift to your father, brother, partner, or boyfriend. At weddings and any holiday gatherings, it can be a really appreciated and elegant gift.
- [Professional After-Sale Service] Please contact us if you need any additional details about our watches. We will be happy to answer and help you anytime.
| Catalogue example | Published details | What the record establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Sotheby’s, 2026 | GBS.Y.98.330.CB.BD; circa 2000; bronze and titanium; 46 mm; automatic GG1004; 27 jewels; jumping hour, retrograde minute and date | A catalogued lot in a closed sale, not current inventory. |
| Christie’s | GBS.Y.98; circa 2007; bronze and titanium; 45 mm; automatic GG1004; 27 jewels; jumping hour, centre seconds, retrograde minute and date | A specific catalogue description; its layout should not be generalized to every example. |
| Sotheby’s, 2022 | GBS.Y.98; circa 2008; bronze and titanium; approximately 45 mm; automatic GG 1’004; 27 jewels; jumping hours and date | The catalogue notes original papers and accessories for that lot only. |
Is the watch currently available on James List?
There is no verified current James List listing in the available evidence. A 2017 reproduction of an earlier article says an example had been listed there for below $7,000 at that time. That dated mention is not a present asking price, a current valuation, or proof that a listing remains active. Check James List directly for a live seller page and confirm the watch’s reference, condition, provenance, and price before treating it as available.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check before buying an example
Because catalogue records describe individual watches rather than a universal specification or condition standard, assess the actual piece and its documentation. Useful checks include:
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteQuick Recap
Best Value
- Gold tone stainless steel case 40mm diameter x 14mm thick; Exhibition case back; Blue dial; Luminous hands and hour markers
- NH35A Japanese Automatic movement, 24 jewel; Assembled in Malaysia; Watch weight: 152 grams
- Gold tone stainless steel band, 205mm L x 20mm W; Band is adjustable by adding/removing links; Fold over safety clasp
- Mineral crystal; Screw-down crown; Unidirectional stainless steel bezel with blue top bezel ring; 200 meter water resistant: Suitable for professional marine activity and surface water sports. Suitable for diving.
- Water resistant to 200 m (660 ft): In general, suitable for professional marine activity and serious surface water sports, but not scuba diving
Rank #4
- Steel and gold tone stainless steel case 40mm diameter x 14mm thick; Exhibition case back; Black dial; Luminous hands and hour markers
- NH35A Japanese Automatic movement, 24 jewel; Assembled in Malaysia; Watch weight: 152 grams
- Steel and gold tone stainless steel band, 205mm L x 20mm W; Band is adjustable by adding/removing links; Fold over safety clasp
- Mineral crystal; Screw-down crown; Unidirectional stainless steel bezel with black top bezel ring; 200 meter water resistant: Suitable for professional marine activity and surface water sports. Suitable for diving.
- Automatic movement means that this timeless watch powers a quality Japanese-automatic movement with the simple movement of your arm.
Rank #3
- 【Full Openwork Skeleton Design – For True Watch Enthusiasts】Wearable mechanical art with fully exposed gears, watch intricate movements spin in real time. Blue accent adds modern sleekness, perfect for business meetings or casual outings—stands out without being flashy.
- 【Pre-Calibrated Automatic Movement – Accurate & Battery-Free】Factory pre-calibrated for ±20 seconds/day accuracy (mechanical watch standard). Self-winding via wrist motion—no batteries. First use: manually wind 30-40 times for stable timekeeping, ideal for daily/business/travel.
- 【304 Stainless Steel Build – Scratch & Rust Resistant】 Durable 304 stainless steel case/band, scratch-proof, rust-proof, lightweight for all-day comfort. Transitions seamlessly from office to outdoor activities (hiking, running).
- 【 30M Daily Waterproof – Handle Life’s Minor Splashes】 3ATM waterproof for hand washing, rain splashes, accidental spills. NOT for swimming/showering/diving—protects delicate mechanical movement.
- 【Perfect Gift & Worry-Free Service】Elegant gift box for birthdays/anniversaries/Father’s Day.30-day hassle-free return. 24/7 customer support for any issues.
- Identity: Match the reference and movement designation to clear photographs and supporting seller documentation.
- Case: Examine bronze patina, wear, and any alterations; confirm the measurements for that reference.
- Dial and indications: Compare the hour, minute, date, and seconds configuration with the specific catalogue description or other reliable documentation for the reference.
- Operation and service: Ask for a recent service record and evidence that the jumping hour and both retrograde indications operate correctly.
- Components and completeness: Check that clasp and strap are signed where applicable, and verify any claimed box, papers, or accessories. These were present in the Sotheby’s 2022 lot, but that does not mean they accompany every watch.
- Seller and price: Review provenance and seller documentation, then compare the asking price with relevant completed auction records. The cited catalogues do not establish a current market value.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
