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