Hello, today I’m excited to introduce a watch I’ve longed to try. I had the chance to explore it at the Salons des Horlogers in Dubai. Before discussing this piece in detail, let’s look at the unique background of the brand’s eponymous founder.
Romain isn’t a watchmaker, which distinctly shapes his approach to designing watches. A trained precision engineer and machinist, he started his brand in 2005, influenced by Philippe Dufour. His mission with Romain Gauthier: to craft the finest quality components for a select few brands using state-of-the-art industrial tools, and to create his watches focusing on creativity, limited quantities, and high quality.
Based in Le Sentier and the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland, his company merges Haute Horlogerie with precision and aesthetics. These timepieces are accurate, intricately built, and widely esteemed. Now, let’s get to know the contemporary watch launch in 2021, named to reflect the continual evolution of both watchmaker and company.
What are the features of the Romain Gauthier Continuum First Edition?
Case
The Romain Gauthier Continuum First Edition boasts a striking titanium case with a faceted bezel, measuring 41mm in diameter and 9.5mm in thickness. Notably, the caseband features uniquely engraved grooves on a single tile, crafting an unusually modern profile. Positioned at two o’clock, the crown includes a rubber ring, injecting a pop of color.
Dial
Crafted from sandblasted natural titanium and coated to resist UV damage, the dial presents non-centered hour and minute hands. Echoing previous collections with staggered time indications, the Continuum’s white gold hands, tapered and beveled, sit slightly above the dial’s horizontal axis. Applied numerals and markers are in solid white gold, filled with Super-LumiNova for superior visibility.
Movement
Powered by an in-house, manually wound movement with a more contemporary architecture than other company movements. Comprising 154 parts, it operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides a 60-hour power reserve with a stop-second feature.
Drawing from the Vallée de Joux’s rich watchmaking tradition, the movement design embraces the elegance of finger-bridges with a contemporary twist, mirroring Romain’s vision of evolving traditions.
The calibers stand out with their exquisite finish: a blend of sandblasted bridges, hand-hammered textures, and traditional straight-grain techniques. The gear trains and ratchet wheel showcase a circular-spoked design, with meticulously polished and beveled edges. The distinctive balance features curved arms, eccentric weights, and a triangular anchor lever for enhanced stability. Additionally, a snail cam integrated into the movement halts the seconds when the crown is pulled, enhancing precision.
Strap
The Romain Gauthier Continuum First Edition is paired with an integrated rubber strap that conforms perfectly to the wrist, aided by downward-sloping lugs. This strap enhances the watch’s modern aesthetic and is completed with a polished and satin-finished buckle.
How much does the Romain Gauthier Continuum First Edition?
As one of the brand’s most accessible models, the Romain Gauthier Continuum First Edition is limited to 28 pieces and retails for CHF 37,000 (Excluding VAT).
Romain Gauthier Continuum First Edition: A Sporty Watch with Exceptional Finish
The Romain Gauthier Continuum First Edition boasts a youthful, sporty, and contemporary look, both in its design and movement. This model combines remarkable craftsmanship with bold, modern aesthetics. I particularly admire this piece for its sophistication and comfort in wear. It features unexpected details rarely found in other independent brands, making it a must-have for collectors seeking a sporty timepiece with unique character.
Romain Gauthier Continuum First Edition – Watch Specifications
- Brand: Romain Gauthier
- Model: Continuum First Edition
- Case Material: Grade 5 Titanium
- Dial: Sandblasted Grade 5 titanium
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds
- Movement: In-House, Manual Winding, 28’800vph frequency (4 Hz), 24 jewels and 154 parts
- Power Reserve: 60 Hours
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Caseback: Sapphire
- Case Dimension: 41 mm (Diameter) × 9.55 mm (Thickness)
- Strap: Grey Rubber with Titanium Pin Buckle
- Availability : Limited edition of 28 pieces
- Retail Price: CHF 37,000 (Excluding VAT)
Have you heard of this niche brand? What are your thoughts on it? I’d love to hear your impressions, so please share them in the comments below.
For more information about Romain Gauthier, click here.
