Romain Gauthier C by Romain Gauthier Owner Review : Bold, completed and soothing

Today, it's time for me to review my Romain Gauthier C Bracelet Sunrise. This watch represents a kind of culmination and almost a pinnacle of watchmaking, both in terms of the acquisition process and the sheer quality of its finishing. I had followed the launch of the very first C Rubber online at the 2021 edition of Only Watch. The watch was adorned with multicolored hour markers, and I had the opportunity to compliment its creator via Instagram, prompting him to announce that the piece would be added to the collection and offered in other versions. However, it seemed well beyond my financial means at the time. A few years later, a good friend, well-known in the Parisian watch community, acquired a C4, in DLC-coated titanium on rubber. A stealthy and very sporty configuration, all black with touches of blue, which I was finally going to see in person and try on at a small watch event at Black Out. It blew me away; the lightness of the piece, its sporty character, its top-notch finishing, and the depth of its movement reminded me of a Richard Mille killer watch, but with added discretion. Following this, Romain Gauthier released the Continuum, which became the C after a minor commercial dispute over the name's ownership, in two versions with integrated bracelets: one with an anthracite dial and the other with an intriguing salmon dial whose Pantone color was called "Sunrise" and described as being inspired by the color of the sun in the Vallée de Joux, where the manufacture is located. There was a palpable, almost Japanese, influence on the natural elements and the concept of silence. In the 2023/2024 academic year, I was back in school pursuing a Master's degree. My grades were consistently good, and I felt confident in my host company where I was continuing my work-study program. All of this allowed me to consider acquiring this watch, thanks to a generous employee savings plan. My friend, who owned a C4, regularly sent me a lot of content about the brand, and the C model in particular, which started to spark my interest in this coveted version. I then contacted the brand and began corresponding with Mr. Gauthier's assistant, Ms. Dhellin, whom I thank again for her impeccable follow-up. And I began to delve into the brand's origins. One point particularly caught my attention: Mr. Gauthier's close relationship with Philippe Dufour. This was due, in part, to the geographical proximity of their workshops. But also, and on the other hand, there was a close personal relationship, given that Mr. Dufour had advised Mr. Gauthier on writing his MBA thesis about the creation of what would become the Romain Gauthier Manufacture, and that the two men had remained very good friends. Members of the Dufour family (notably Elisabeth, Philippe's wife) had also been seen wearing a Dufour watch. And when a watch is worn by the Dufours… it generally means that it has been endorsed by the most illustrious family in contemporary watchmaking. This meant that this piece, thanks to the excellence of its finishing, the technical sophistication of its movement, and the close collaboration between the two brilliant creators… fully deserved the nickname "the sports Dufour that never existed." However, one point made me hesitate: I knew a new collection was in the works at Patek Philippe, and my budget wasn't unlimited either. Although my friends, without knowing exactly what was planned, tempered my enthusiasm, pointing out Patek Philippe's repeated inability to truly surprise us and be disruptive in recent years (and in hindsight… they were absolutely right). Furthermore, during discussions with my friend who owns the Citroën C4, he kept raving about the bracelet on the Lever du Soleil, calling it "the best bracelet on the market." This made me even more curious to touch it (some bracelets can be remarkably soft and pleasant, like those on the Parmigiani Tonda PF and the Nautilus), to experience it on the wrist. My interest in this piece only grew. And the fact that I'd never seen a C Bracelet made me dream and imagine, conjecture… December 2023. A few days before Christmas, I was strolling through the 16th arrondissement. Night was falling, the cold was dry, invigorating, and stung my face. My steps led me to Lassaussois Passy, which at the time was a dealer for the brand, offering it somewhat discreetly to valued clients. And I thought I'd try to find out more, or even try on the C Bracelet Sunrise if one was available, and put myself on the waiting list. I rang the bell and went in. The welcome was courteous but a little distant when I said I'd like to see some Romain Gauthier watches, and particularly the Sunrise. However, the sales assistant noticed my Czapek Antarctique Terre Adélie Secret Alloy. “Ah, you wear a Czapek, so you appreciate independent watchmaking.” And the conversation turned to the C Bracelet Sunrise and how it represented a kind of horological Holy Grail, prompting the consideration of a possible order. “We receive very few pieces, and I can’t guarantee you an allocation. However, I have something in the back room that I think you’ll really like. Don’t move, I’ll be with you in a moment.” And the saleswoman returned with… an Insight Micro Rotor Skeleton and its hundred or so inward angles. A true horological masterpiece, and a real eye-opener, given how sharp the angles were, how the piece played with the light, and how incredibly technical it was. I left Lassaussois, stars in my eyes, and continued my stroll through the 16th arrondissement with only one thought in mind… to buy myself that C Bracelet Sunrise. I entered the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, where a choir was rehearsing for the upcoming midnight mass. This brought back memories of Yves, a resident of the neighboring Villa Montmorency, interviewed by France Culture for the podcast "Les Pieds sur Terre" (Feet on the Ground), who was also a parishioner there. I walked past the famous dead-end section of Rue Pierre Guérin and the gates of Villa Montmorency itself, shrouded in a nocturnal twilight that only heightened its mystique. I admired the Christmas decorations in the Village d'Auteuil, which remains one of the last Parisian strongholds where one can still clearly feel the magic of the Lord's imminent arrival. I had dinner at the Pizzeria d'Auteuil. Before receiving a message from the mother of my beloved godfather—this brother I never had, as Maxime Le Forestier would say—to spend Christmas with his family and see… their absolutely extraordinary car collection… I should add that my godfather worked for Romain Gauthier and designed his Japanese boutique. He's that truly talented architect with whom I take architectural walks every time I meet, and who will sometimes start explaining all the specific features of a building that I wouldn't necessarily have noticed, making me realize afterward just how unique it is. The C, being this extremely discreet watch but incredibly interesting for those who know how to observe and decipher it, reflects my godfather's vision and attention to detail. Therefore, I dedicate my purchase to him! So, I won't soon forget Christmas 2023; it remains etched in my memory. Not to mention that I was writing a veritable thesis on Patek Philippe for my Luxury Marketing course at the time, adding passion to passion… April 2024. After the almost divine alignment of the planets that allowed me to acquire my great-grandfather's incredible and unique Patek Philippe 2479R Clous de Paris (read about it here: https://www.dialicious.com/patek_philippe/gondolo/review/67aa647e7dc4c01c9fd33874), I reluctantly parted with my blue Bulgari Octo Finissimo S to offset this absolutely surprising purchase that I couldn't pass up (this 2479 being the only known example in circulation and having literally obsessed me for 13 long years) and prepare to pay the deposit. For the Sunrise. That's when a friendly collector I'd been chatting with on Instagram for a few months offered me his, at an attractive price, since he was planning to switch to a sublime C5 with a bush-hammered dial. He also agreed to hand delivery in Paris, provided I contributed towards the airfare, which I accepted. And the transaction took place on a corner of a table, right there at Roissy airport. The watch is actually beyond all my expectations. Entirely titanium (case, bracelet, dial, movement) for a total weight of only 85 grams. A very beautiful bracelet that, in some ways, is reminiscent of a Vacheron Overseas with its sort of Maltese cross-shaped central links, but with a more organic effect, perhaps a little like the Moser Streamliner. A 41mm case with a perfectly acceptable thickness of 9.55mm, yet appearing much thinner on the wrist thanks to its ability to sit flush, offering first-rate comfort and ergonomics… A movement alternating between bush-hammered finishes, brushed detailing on every wheel, and extremely precise beveling, the most striking feature undoubtedly being its depth relative to the watch's slim profile and the 3D effect of the bridges, which appear to levitate. And an extremely dynamic dial, shifting from a light tobacco hue to a very pale salmon, with the "R. Gauthier" signature even seeming to disappear from certain angles. A truly intriguing dial, deep, playful, and subtle, especially since, upon closer inspection, one realizes its complete asymmetry… The minute track moves away from the edges of the dial as the time passes, only to return to them around 12 o'clock. The baton hour markers are of varying lengths. Not to mention the asymmetrical blue compass rose-like small seconds subdial at 7 o'clock. The killer detail: the crown, a small work of art in itself, reflecting the brand's perfectionism and attention to detail. It's bush-hammered in the center and echoes the dodecagonal shape of the bezel, alternating with tiny bush-hammered and brushed blocks around its perimeter. Polished and brushed finishes and chamfers are everywhere: on the dodecagonal bezel, the ends of the bracelet, and the case. A truly striking watch, a veritable sporty-chic grail! A true horological symphony, which can also be enjoyed with complete discretion, leading me to believe that in terms of "quiet luxury" and simplicity, it's a kind of Parmigiani Tonda PF, but a good step above. Since the Parmigiani (which I also own) has already established itself as a must-have of this understated luxury, I'll let you imagine what the C Bracelet is like. However, my watch was keeping poor time, likely due to temperature shock, as its previous owner frequently traveled between Brazil and Northern Europe for work. So, an appointment was made with Romain Gauthier in July to drop off my watch and take advantage of a tour of the manufacture. After driving the family Jaguar XJ into the Vallée de Joux, my father and I stopped for the night at the Hôtel des Horlogers, in a suite reserved in my name by Mr. Gauthier's assistant, whom I thank again for the exceptional organization. The next day, we headed to the manufacture in Le Sentier, which we toured. It was a special and truly fascinating experience that introduced my father to the world of the infinitely small and cutting-edge mechanics, especially when Mr. Gauthier placed a part on our index that looked like a tiny speck of dust but was perfectly machined when we examined it under a microscope. Furthermore, Romain Gauthier entrusted a watchmaker on site to service my C, providing a complete service and resolving all its accuracy issues in… just four days! My watch was then handed over to me by my godfather, who made a detour to the Vallée de Joux to wind it for me at my usual holiday spot. And Romain Gauthier, a true gentleman, showered me with goodies, including his famous and delicious chocolates shaped like the signature petal wheels of the manufacture! This experience made me realize the sheer excellence of the service at the Romain Gauthier manufacture, whom I warmly thank for their organization and five-star hospitality, from booking the suite at the Hôtel des Horlogers to the express full service of my watch, not to mention the complimentary lunch offered by the company, also at the Hôtel des Horlogers! In conclusion, this watch is truly a Holy Grail that I have managed to attain. Thus, it is a Holy Grail in terms of prestige, Romain Gauthier being undoubtedly one of the greatest watchmakers alive today, not to mention the quality of service provided by the brand, which very few can match. A Holy Grail in terms of finishing (the "Dufour sports watch that never existed," which leads me to believe it's quite difficult to surpass it without spending considerably more). A Holy Grail in terms of the experience, the story surrounding its acquisition remaining forever etched in my memory. This watch is truly quintessential and is undoubtedly the epitome of sporty chic with the most refined finishing. So much so that, having had serious mental health problems as a teenager… If someone had told me, in my hospital room, while I was being fed through that nasogastric tube, that I would one day own a Romain Gauthier, I would never have believed it. Having been a symbolic acquisition during a Master's program in which I particularly excelled, it could be seen as the embodiment of a beautiful motto: believe in your dreams and never despair!