Producing only several dozen watches a year, across all variations of the
Logical One,
HMS and
Insight Micro-Rotor,
Romain Gauthier create extremely high-quality pieces, combining elements of industrial design, precision mechanics and traditional watchmaking. Having commanded the admiration and respect of none other than
M. Philippe Dufour, amongst others,
Romain Gauthier founded his namesake independent brand in 2005, establishing a unique and recognisable style early on. In 2013,
Romain Gauthier was awarded the ‘Best Men’s Complication’ at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), for the
Logical One series.
This
Insight Micro-Rotor is one of few limited edition pieces made with natural titanium. Only thirty pieces were produced, divided evenly between white, black frosted and blue enamel dials. This is the
only known example of the series to bear luminous hands. Furthermore, this
Insight Micro-Rotor is also believed to be the
only piece retrofitted with a platinum micro-rotor, at the request of the client.
The core of the
Insight Micro-Rotor is the movement. From a technical perspective, the movement is self-winding, featuring a micro-rotor visible from both sides. Pivoted on both the dial and the back, the micro-rotor is made of platinum (for this piece), winding twin mainsprings. Both barrels can be seen on the left side of the movement from the back, together providing 80-hours of power reserve. Consisting of 206 individual components, the caliber includes numerous hand-applied finishing techniques, with frosting, snailing, graining and polished bevels on the bridges and countersinks. The gears and ratchet wheels have circular spokes, while the screws have S-shaped heads, both a signature of
Romain Gauthier.
The case, measuring 39.5mm across and just 12.9mm thick, is made out of natural titanium, which is untreated. The crown for winding manually and setting the time is at 2 o’clock, to allow space for wrist movement.
The
blue grand feu enamel dial shows the time display in a vertical line, with the hours and minutes at 12 o’clock and seconds just below. Both sub-dials are covered in fired vitreous enamel, with luminous-filled, dagger-shaped hands for the hours and minutes.
Romain Gauthier’s distinctive balance wheel is shown at 6 o’clock, with curved arms and calibrated eccentric weights, flanked by the maker’s initials. The custom request platinum micro-rotor is exposed at 9 o’clock, beside the sub-dials.
This
Insight Micro-Rotor is accompanied by its original box and paperwork. It comes on our
Helsinki dark grey nubuck strap, and is accompanied by its original black alligator strap and
Romain Gauthier titanium buckle.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
