Romain began laying the groundwork for our brand well before he founded it in 2005. He started with nothing except an idea: To build his own company that makes exceptionally high-end watches. His planning, persistence and entrepreneurial drive have helped turn it into a reality.

 

 
 

The first Romain Gauthier metal bracelet

Romain Gauthier presents its first metal bracelet on the C by Romain Gauthier caliber. Entirely made of Grade 5 titanium, this is a modern and sophisticated bracelet which highlight traditional craftmanship.

2018
 
 

Opening new horizons

A modern approach of the finger bridges, reflecting Romain’s vision of the evolution of tradition.

2018
 
 

Introduction of Legacy

After 15 years of creation, innovation and technique implemented in each model of the brand, those unique timepieces truly contribute to the rich heritage of Swiss watchmaking with the introduction of “Legacy”.

2018
 
 

The SIHH and our first ladies’ watch

We are invited to join the SIHH watch fair in Geneva where we launch our first timepiece for women, Insight Micro-Rotor Lady, which shimmers and sparkles thanks to its mother-of-pearl dial and snow-set micro-rotor..

2018
 
 

First automatic watch:
Insight Micro-Rotor

Boasting a finely-finished in-house calibre featuring bidirectional micro-rotor and 80-hour power reserve, Insight Micro-Rotor is our first automatic timepiece.

2017
 
 

Recognition by the FHH

The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie certifies that our level of expertise makes us a “fine watchmaking” company. We are awarded “contemporary brand” status in the foundation’s first white paper on fine watchmaking.

2016
 
 

Freedom collection grows

The launches of Prestige HMS Black Titanium, Logical One Natural Titanium and Black Titanium, plus ‘Enraged’ limited editions of Logical One and Prestige HMS, ensure the growth of our Freedom collection.

2015
 
 
 

Manufacture Romain Gauthier

We bring together production and watchmaking operations at a brand new, purpose-built manufacture in Le Sentier. Click to read about the craftsmanship that goes on here.

2015
 
 

Exception collection of unique pieces

Logical One Secret Diamonds (left) is launched and begins the Exception collection of unique pieces lit up by virtuoso displays of decorative crafts.

2014
 
 

Prestigious prize

Logical One wins the prize for Best Men’s Complication Watch at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, the Oscars of watchmaking.

2013
 
 

Logical One puts us on the map

Featuring Romain’s revolutionary constant-force movement with ruby-link chain and push-button winding, Logical One is launched to much acclaim and puts Romain Gauthier on the horological map.

2013
 
 

Our first titanium timepiece

We present Prestige HMS Natural Titanium, our first watch in titanium, launching our Freedom collection of timepieces featuring high-tech materials and a more casual style.

2011
 
 

Launch of Prestige HMS

We present Prestige HMS, an evolution of Prestige HM with added seconds and a more contemporary aesthetic, including a partly openwork dial.

2010
 
 

In-house capacity assured

To complement our watchmaking atelier, Romain invests in a CNC machine park and sets up a team of production specialists so we can continue to develop our movements entirely in house.

2008
 
 

Our first watch: Prestige HM

Calibre HM 2206 powers Romain’s first watch Prestige HM which we present at our debut Baselworld. The show is a success. Exuding all the traits of fine Swiss watchmaking, Prestige HM is the first piece to grace our Heritage collection.

 
 

Birth of the brand

Romain founds his eponymous company in Le Sentier and, within the first year, employs his first watchmaker to hand-finish and assemble the movement he has been working on, Calibre HM 2206.

 
 

The making of a movement

Impressed by Romain’s design and ambition, his boss grants him after-hours access to the factory’s tools and machines so Romain can develop pieces for his movement. Romain spends evenings, weekends and holidays doing just that.

 
 

Inspired by a legend

Romain visits watchmaker Philippe Dufour to see if, in the modern age, one person can still create a movement on their own. Inspired, Romain is even more determined to pursue his dream of creating his own watch and brand.

 
 

Laying the groundwork

Romain has now set his sights on building not just his own watch but also his own watch brand. He studies for an MBA in his spare time to get the know-how he will need. His final thesis is the business plan for his watch company.

 
 

Romain has an epiphany

Romain reflects on his Vallée de Joux roots, grasp of engineering and ability to make components and wonders why he has not yet tried designing his own watch. In his free time, he works on designs that become more and more serious.

 
 

Mechanical beginnings

At college, Romain finds his forte: creating machine parts on lathes. He specialises in precision mechanics and, on graduating, starts his first job as machine programmer-operator at a horological components factory.

 
 

Born in the cradle of Swiss watchmaking

Romain is born in the Vallée de Joux. Growing up, watchmaking is never far away but Romain’s real passion is music and sound equipment. He enrols at technical college hoping he can learn to make amplifiers and loud speakers.

 
 
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