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Case and Dial
Montres Romain Gauthier's first collection is called, Collection Prestige, and consists of four models: red gold case with black dial, red gold case with champagne dial, white gold case and platinum case.
The dials are of a three-piece design in solid 18 carat gold and hand guilloched.
Off-centered time indication with hour and minute hands crafted in solid gold.
Diameter of case 41mm x height 11.3mm
Case water resistant
Sapphire crystals front and back treated with anti reflective coating.
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Movement: Calibre 2206 Hm
The hand-wind calibre is a unique 22 jewel movement, designed, developed and manufactured by Romain Gauthier.
It features an- innovative crown located horizontally under movement - virtually flush with the display back it is is very comfortable to wear. The crown can easily be wound while the watch is being worn.
The winding mechanism supported by a special sapphire ball which holds the winding stem in its two positions, i.e. winding and time-setting.
The movement diameter is 34mm x height 5.5mm. No spaces or 'port-hole' view - this is a movement which fills its case.
Power reserve greater than 60 hours
The balance oscillates at 28,800bph
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The movement features a bespoke balance wheel with four inertia screws with regulation indicators. The positions of the adjustable masses will be photographed before the watch leaves the atelier. In case of further regulation being necessary (perhaps due to the users life style) the position of the regulating masses can be checked against the photograph (to verify they have not moved) and precisely adjusted fast or slow the desired amount- no guesswork .
A unique screw slot design enabling more torque to be applied with less chance of slipping or damage.
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The spoked wheels are a unique Montre Romain Gauthier design. Having access to the very latest and most sophisticated CNC machines enabled these wheels to be milled from solid metal rather than the more common method of stamping. Machining the wheels results in a much higher level of finish.
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The click is polished, beveled and micro sand blasted with a technique
that dimples but does not remove metal.
It is the philosophy of Montres Romain Gauthier that each watch will have the parts finely finished, assembled and regulated by one just watchmaker. Both Romain Gauthier and the watchmaker responsible for the watch will sign its individual certificate.
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| The atelier is already very well equiped |
Not content with designing and making a very high quality complete timepiece
from A to Z, plus launching his own brand, Romain Gauthier plans to buy
his own sophisticated CNC machinery as soon as finances permit. Thus enabling
the company to become a not just an in-house manufacture, but a vertically
integrated in-house manufacture.
And who would bet against that happening sooner rather than later.
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I was very fortunate to be able to borrow one of Romain's prototypes for
a week of in-the-field testing. I found it very comfortable to wear and
it attracted favourable comments. I have small wrists and am usually more
at ease with 38mm watches than plus 40mm; however, the fit and styling suited
me perfectly. In fact, as my wife remarked after borrowing it, it also looks
very elegant on a woman's wrist.
Dreams are one thing; having the drive and passion to realize them is something
else entirely. I predict that we will be seeing and hearing a lot more of
Romain Gauthier in the near future.
First deliveries are scheduled for April 2007. Price indication (ex-Switzerland): from 34,600 Swiss francs (plus taxes if applicable)
*Note: the watches pictured are prototypes in development and testing. The results of these tests plus comments from those who have handled the watches will lead to minor changes/improvements in the production models.
Click to Part 1:The Story to Date
I welcome comments, suggestions, and corrections to this article.