Launched in 2005, Romain Gauthier has distinguished itself as an independent brand that is rooted in tradition, yet is unafraid to explore new frontiers, especially with assymmetrical displays. With complicated masterpieces such as the Logical One and unusual pieces like the Prestige HMS and Insight Micro-Rotor, Gauthier's ambition and design are decidedly different from other independent watchmakers.
The name "Continuum" suggests an evolution in Gauthier's work and this sentiment finds expression in almost every aspect of the design and build of this piece, which is one of a limited series of 28. The 41mm titanium case is thoroughly modern in its materials and brushed finishing. However, both the bezel and the display caseback feature an interplay of brushed and polished facets that toy with light. The crown at 2 o'clock is designed for wrist comfort while the red band around it is designed with ergonomics in mind. The lugs, that feature a unique shape, curve down and are designed to form an almost seamless transition from case to the grey rubber strap the watch comes on. It is secured by a signed tang buckle.
The dial, also constructed from titanium, is slightly off-centre. To complete this asymmetry, the hour indices are of varying sizes and the chapter of minutes is also skewed. The subsidiary seconds register features radial-style markings printed in red. The white-gold dauphine hands are filled with SuperLumiNova, as are the applied quarter of Arabic numerals, to aid legibility.
The watch is powered by a calibre developed in-house, which is horizontally constructed. A mixture of sandblasted bridges and hand-hammered surfaces can be seen, alongside more traditional straight grained techniques. The finger-style bridges are a tribute to the historical style typically found in the Vallée de Joux, flowing delicately over the gears and balance wheel below. The calibre features hacking seconds, for accurate time-setting.