C by Romain Gauthier

• Limited Edition: 38-piece limited edition in titanium, engraved “1 of 38” on the back of the movement
• Case: Grade 5 titanium; 41mm x 9.55mm, lugs to lugs: 49.5 mm
• Size: 41 mm x 9.55 mm
• Movement: In-house, hand-wound movement, Components made from: Titanium, steel, stainless steel and German silver Finishing: Superlative decoration by hand Treatment: Natural titanium bridges and rhodium-treated gears.
• Function: stop-seconds mechanism that uses a snail cam
• Power Reserve: approximately 60 hrs
• Water Resistance: 50 m
• Dial: Three-dimensional straight-graining structure dial in natural Grade 5 titanium with protective layer against UV rays; Off-centered hours and minutes; Small seconds at 7 o’clock with 5-second intervals marked by tapering bright ice blue lines
• Caseback: Sapphire crystal with interior anti-reflection coating, front and display back
• Hands: Super-LumiNova-filled 18k white gold hands and applied numerals and hour markers
• Strap/Bracelet: Supplied with grey rubber strap with specially developed, satin-finished and polished natural Grade 5 titanium pin buckle.

Always in continuity and modernity, C by Romain Gauthier Titanium Edition Three introduces a new dial that has been structured to provide a three-dimensional straight-graining texture, and a new color combination with the blue lines of the small seconds dial and the rubber ring. 

The importance of the C in its name lies in this approach of creation, referring to the continuum, to continuity in space-time and to continuity in the broadest sense.  The case had to be in harmony with the movement. Comfort, ergonomics and the choice of materials also contributed to the design. The dial evokes a sense of continuity, as there is no circle completes the time indication.

Inspired by the finger bridges style, the design of the movement follows the watchmaking history of the Vallée de Joux, with a modern approach, reflecting Romain’s vision of the evolution of tradition. 

Looking closely, one will see that the hour-minute hands are actually off-centered on the horizontal axis and the hour indices taper ever so slightly and are of varying lengths, while the 5-second intervals of the small seconds at 7 o’clock are also marked by tapering bright red lines of differing lengths.

Framing the dial is a titanium bezel which is first machined into a round shape featuring a circular bevel before six straight sides are cut into it to create 6 facets. 

In between the bezel and case back, the one-piece case band and lugs are geometrically sculpted, with satin and polished finishes as well as aesthetic grooves cleverly deployed to draw out the resulting shapes. Meanwhile, the rubber strap with titanium pin buckle follows the form of the angular lugs and rounded case band so it appears as a continuous, organic extension of the case.

Romain has placed the crown for winding and time-setting at 2 o’clock, freeing up space for wrist movement. A rubber ring around the crown makes it easier to manipulate, as well as adding a dash of color to the timepiece.

Romain has endowed C with a stop-seconds – or hacking seconds – mechanism, allowing the wearer to set the time exactly according to a reference time.

Like the case components and the dial plate, the bridges are made from lightweight, Grade 5 titanium and they boast contrasting tones and textures thanks to a variety of finishes. The outer edges of each bridge all feature a double bevel, while the flat bridge surfaces and rubies are each framed by a raised border that has been straight-grained.  Within these borders, the hand-finishing specialists at Manufacture Romain Gauthier have used a special hand-engraving technique to create a highly original dimpled texture. The movement main plate beneath has been hand-frosted.

C by Romain Gauthier Titanium Edition Three is a 38-piece limited edition, engraved “1 of 38” on the back of each movement.

Romain Gauthier