Last year, Romain Gauthier introduced the Insight Micro-Rotor, a time-only watch featuring a high degree of hand finishing, enamel dial construction, and a platinum or red gold case. For Baselworld 2018 Romain Gauthier has updated the watch’s aesthetic for a look that is slightly more chic, modern, and in a way, more accessible. The two variants introduced at Baselworld this year are the Romain Gauthier Insight Micro-Rotor Natural Titanium & Black Titanium, each featuring oven-fired enamel dials in black, white, or blue. Perhaps the most impressive feature of the watch is the fact that it is deceptively simple while showcasing a high degree of hand finishing, modern haute horology design, and quality that can only be found in the highest of high-end independents. As of now, the Insight Micro-Rotor Natural Titanium & Black Titanium will be limited to 60 pieces total (30 of each variant in Natural Titanium & Black Titanium).
Specifications
Brand: Romain Gauthier
Model: Insight Micro-Rotor Natural Titanium & Black Titanium
Dimensions: 39.5mm diameter x 12.9mm thickness
Water Resistance: 50m
Case Material: Grade 5 titanium
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire front and caseback
Movement: Insight Micro-Rotor
Frequency: 4Hz (28,800vph)
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Strap/Bracelet: Matte black alligator leather or black natural rubber
Price & Availability: 68,000 CHF
Analysis
Most will probably agree that when you find yourself exploring this realm of watchmaking, you begin teetering on the verge of wearable art – something that is more than just a status symbol you whip out for the occasional snap of self-serving Instagram glory. This degree of hand finishing isn’t common and it’s almost criminal that Romain Gauthier doesn’t receive more recognition for pieces shown here. Aside from the deeply finished enamel dials, one of the most recognizable traits is the cutout for the micro-rotor at 9 o’clock. Once your eyes are drawn to this point, you begin to appreciate the range of hand-beveling, snailing, straight-graining, circular-graining, hand-frosting, and hand-polished jewel counter-sinks.
Unlike the previous models offered in platinum and red gold, the newest versions of the Romain Gauthier Insight Micro-Rotor come in Natural Titanium and Black Titanium, two sporty options that compliment the 39.5mm case along with its open view of the mechanics. Living up to the “Insight” name everything is on display here for the wearer leaving nothing up to the imagination. Finally, upon closer inspection, it seems as if the crown is just a hair thicker than what was found on the debut models. Hard to judge from press photos alone, but this would remedy the issue experienced when trying to operate a very thin crown.
Summary
Seeing the next evolution of the Insight Micro-Rotor is something I’m never going to complain about and these new versions bring a nice variety to the collection while achieving a sportier look. While we’re still very much in haute horology territory, it’s also worth noting that these will be priced slightly lower than the originals. Price for the Romain Gauthier Insight Micro-Rotor Natural Titanium & Black Titanium watches is 68,000 CHF. romaingauthier.com
