The C by Romain Gauthier: A Revolutionary Carbonium Edition
The world of luxury watches is abuzz with the latest addition to the C collection by renowned independent watchmaker Romain Gauthier. The C collection has been a significant focus for the brand, with its sporty and distinctive design captivating enthusiasts since its debut in 2021. However, some enthusiasts might wonder why the brand hasn't showcased more of its classic watchmaking prowess recently.
But here's where things get exciting! The C collection now introduces a daring new member: the Carbonium Edition. Unveiled in 2021, this edition showcases Romain Gauthier's interpretation of a casual yet sporty timepiece with a unique design twist. Riding the wave of integrated design and luxury-meets-casual trends, the collection has swiftly expanded to include metal bracelets and textured dials.
The Carbonium Edition stays true to its predecessors' design, featuring a 42mm barrel-shaped case with a scalloped bezel, seamlessly integrated lugs and strap, and a crown positioned at 2 o'clock. But the real magic lies in its material: Carbonium. This aerospace-grade carbon composite lends a textured appearance to the case and, thanks to its fiber-rich composition, delivers an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. The entire watch, including the strap, weighs a mere 43 grams.
The dial is a masterpiece in itself, adopting the semi-openworked style from the Titanium Edition Six. It showcases a fusion of sapphire crystal and Carbonium, exposing portions of the titanium movement beneath, specifically the second wheel and regulating organ. The brand's signature style is evident in the numerals and indices, which are entirely crafted from Super-LumiNova and available in various vibrant colors. Even the hands are made from grade 5 titanium, ensuring a lightweight yet robust construction.
Underneath the dial beats an in-house, hand-wound movement, meticulously crafted to match the watch's lightweight philosophy. Most of the bridges are made from titanium and Carbonium, and the movement is finished by hand, a testament to Romain Gauthier's craftsmanship. Operating at a contemporary 4Hz frequency, it boasts a power reserve of approximately 60 hours, seamlessly blending modern and traditional watchmaking techniques.
The Carbonium Edition is accompanied by a seamlessly integrated rubber strap, customizable in various colors to match the dial's accents. The strap is secured by a Carbonium pin buckle, ensuring a cohesive look. This non-limited edition, with its featherlight design, is priced at CHF 58,000 before taxes. For those eager to learn more, a visit to romaingauthier.com is in order.
And now, the technical details:
Case: Crafted from Carbonium (layered carbon composite), measuring 42mm in diameter and 9.6mm in thickness, with a lug-to-lug distance of 50.4mm. It features sapphire crystals on both sides and a Carbonium crown at 2 o'clock, offering 30m water resistance.
Dial: An openwork sapphire dial adorned with a Carbonium pattern, displaying off-centered hours and minutes. The hands are made from Super-LumiNova-filled grade 5 titanium, and the numerals and indices are entirely in Super-LumiNova, available in various colors.
Movement: An in-house, hand-wound movement with 24 jewels, measuring 32.10mm x 5.50mm. It comprises 154 components, operates at 28,800 vph, and offers 60 hours of power reserve. The bridges are made from titanium and Carbonium, and the movement is hand-decorated, featuring off-centered hours and minutes, and a small seconds sub-dial.
Weight: The watch, including the rubber strap and Carbonium pin buckle, weighs a mere 43 grams.
Strap: Customizable rubber strap with a Carbonium pin buckle.
Availability: This edition is not limited.
Price: CHF 58,000, excluding taxes.
What do you think about this innovative use of Carbonium in luxury watches? Is it a game-changer or a passing trend? Share your thoughts in the comments!
