Credits: Article and images by Tim Mosso @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/10/01/romain-gauthier-prestige-hm-an-impressive-debut-that-launched-the-brandromain-gauthier/
—————————————————————————————————–
Additional in-house execution is evident in Gauthier’s now signature circle-in-circle wheel design. From the great wheel to the escape wheel, each example features spokes comprised of circles.
Distinctive wheels of the Romain Gauthier Prestige HM
Gauthier’s excellence in component manufacture has become a source of strength within the Chanel empire: Romain Gauthier has been 20 percent owned by the luxury giant since 2018. This boutique independent produces wheels and small parts for Chanel’s high luxury models.
Flat crown (bottom left) on the back of the Romain Gauthier Prestige HM
Caseback setting watches are an odd breed, and the Prestige HM is no exception. Like historic caseback setters including the JLC Futurematic and Patek Philippe caliber 350 series, the Gauthier 2206 is set and wound by a backside crown.
While this creates an appealing seamless aesthetic when the watch is on the wrist – hey, no crown! – the use of the caseback wheel entails a fiddly setting process.
Winding the 60-hour power reserve requires patience, and the crown has a habit of jumping between setting and winding functions unless operated with patience and focus.
Romain Gauthier Prestige HM
The Romain Gauthier Prestige HM was a formidable statement of intent in 2006. But watch collectors have yet to anoint the HM with the “formative-years-grail” status of early F.P. Journe, Kari Voutilainen, or even Rexhep Rexhepi models.
Within Gauthier’s own sphere, the landmark Logical One is the best-known design, and the Continuum sports watch series is destined to become the best seller.
Against that backdrop, it’s easy to forget a two-hand watch built to suit 2000s dress watch size sensibilities. But “first” is a flag that flies forever, and the Prestige HM was on the vanguard of Romain Gauthier’s bold gamble. It won’t be overlooked forever.
For more information, please visit www.romaingauthier.com.
Quick Facts: Romain Gauthier Prestige reference HM MON00001
Dial: Solid gold 18-karat, cut on hand-guided rose lathe
Case: white gold, 41 x 11.3 mm x 48.9 lug-to-lug, caseback crown for setting and winding
Movement: Romain Gauthier caliber 2206 HM, manually wound, single barrel, Gauthier-designed free-sprung balance, 60-hour power reserve, 4 Hz/28,800 vph frequency, 34mm x 5.5mm
Functions: hours, minutes
Production: 38 pieces between 2006 and 2021
Price in 2006: 34,600 Swiss francs
Price Preowned in 2023: $50,000-$55,000
Tim Mosso is the media director and watch specialist at The 1916 Company. You can check out their very comprehensive YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@the1916company.
* This article was first published 07 October 2023 at Romain Gauthier Prestige HM: An Impressive Debut that Launched the Brand
You might also enjoy:
Why Romain Gauthier Is The Logical Heir Apparent To Philippe Dufour
Why I Bought It: Romain Gauthier Logical One
Why I Bought It: C By Romain Gauthier Titanium Edition Two
Why Do Ultra-High-End Watches Cost So Much? Hand-Finishing At Romain Gauthier Sheds Some Light
Romain Gauthier Prestige HMS Stainless Steel With Rare Henbury Meteorite Dial
Credits: Article and images by Tim Mosso @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/10/01/romain-gauthier-prestige-hm-an-impressive-debut-that-launched-the-brandromain-gauthier/
