Romain Gauthier, the story

Romain Gauthier is a high-end watchmaking company based in Vallee de Joux, Switzerland, and led by its eponymous founder since 2005.

Romain marries the know-how he has developed living, studying and working in this picturesque valley - the heart of fine Swiss watchmaking - with a no-compromise approach to haute horlogerie to create exceptional timepieces of pristine quality in limited numbers for collectors.

Our timepieces have been hailed for their eye-catching designs, innovative in-house movements and extremely high level of hand-finishing.

  SINCE 1975  
BORN AND RAISED IN THE VALLÉE DE JOUX

Romain Gauthier was born in 1975 in the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland, the cradle of fine Swiss watchmaking. It was here that Romain developed his passion for traditional haute horlogerie, his grasp of mechanics and engineering, and his eye for design.

  1998  
MECHANICAL BEGINNINGS

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

  1999  
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.

  2000 – 2002  
LAYING THE GROUND WORK

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.

More about the brand

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.

2005
2005 - 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

2007
2007 - Our first watch: the 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.

2008
2008 - 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.

2010
2010 - Launch of the Prestige HMS

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

2013
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
2013 - Prestigious prize

Prestigious prize Prestigious prize Prestigious prize Prestigious prize

2014
2014 - Creation of the manufacture

Creation of the manufacture Creation of the manufacture Creation of the manufacture Creation of the manufacture

2016
2016 - Recognition by the FHH

Recognition by the FHH Recognition by the FHH Recognition by the FHH Recognition by the FHH

FHH logo
2017
2017 - First automatic watch: the Insight Micro-Rotor

 First automatic watch: the Insight Micro-Rotor First automatic watch: the Insight Micro-Rotor First automatic watch: the Insight Micro-Rotor First automatic watch: the Insight Micro-Rotor

2018
2018 - The SIHH and our first ladies' watch

The SIHH and our first ladies' watch The SIHH and our first ladies' watch The SIHH and our first ladies' watch The SIHH and our first ladies' watch

2021
2021 - Introduction of legacy

Introduction of legacy Introduction of legacy Introduction of legacy Introduction of legacy Introduction of legacy

2021
2021 - C by Romain Gauthier opening new horizons

C by Romain Gauthier opening new horizons C by Romain Gauthier opening new horizons C by Romain Gauthier opening new horizons C by Romain Gauthier opening new horizons

2022
2022 - The first Romain Gauthier metal bracelet

The first Romain Gauthier metal bracelet The first Romain Gauthier metal bracelet The first Romain Gauthier metal bracelet The first Romain Gauthier metal bracelet

More about Romain Gauthier
milestone

Milestones

Take a look at
our journey so far

Learn more
craftmanship, Romain Gauthier

Craftsmanship

Meet the artisans who make our exceptional timepieces

Learn more