Romain Gauthier Prestige HM, Platinum

The Prestige HM line was the very first to emerge from Romain Gauthier's brand back in 2007. Grounded in tradition and bearing a more classical appearance compared to his later pieces, this watch highlights many of the innovations and ideas that Gauthier would eventually explore further.

This time-only example might appear traditional, but it possesses several quirks that demonstrate Gauthier's personality and watchmaking philosophy. The dial of the piece is in grey with silvered chapter rings, and concentric circles as the central theme. Even within this early piece, we can see Gauthier's desire to disrupt traditional stylings, as the watch is slightly asymmetrical, with the time-telling information placed nearer the top of the dial, featuring a brushed centre, corresponding white-gold hands, and Romain Gauthier's signature. The surrounding area is filled with a basket-weave guilloché pattern, enclosed by a brushed minute track.

Gauthier avoided putting a crown in its traditional position at 3 o'clock, instead opting to place a wheel in the movement at the back of the watch, which protrudes just slightly, allowing the watch to be adjusted accordingly. This also has the interesting effect of making the movement and case blend together, emphasising their inextricable design, as instead of the case framing the movement, they are a single entity here.

The movement establishes the incredible finishing standards that we have seen within Gauthier's work. The design combines curving bridges and sharp angles to great effect, producing a dramatic and highly stylised layout. Numerous hand-applied finishing techniques are used throughout, such as frosting, snailing, graining, and polished bevels on the bridges and countersinks. The gears and ratchet wheels have circular spokes, while the screws have S-shaped heads, both a signature of Romain Gauthier's work. Cursive engraving also highlights the watch's birthplace, the Vallee de Joux, in addition to the number of jewels and number of the watch.

The watch is accompanied by its original box and is a display case of glass and steel that frames the watch as a museum piece.

Closer look

Condition

This Romain Gauthier Prestige HM is in excellent overall condition. The case and lugs show light superficial marks, which are consistent with minimal wear over time. The dial, hands, and movement are free from any signs of imperfections and have been well preserved. All hallmarks and engravings throughout are crisp and well defined.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year, limited warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.