I first met Romain in Basel in 2007. He was sharing the stand with Philippe Dufour and Vianney Halter, right next to the AHCI area. Tucked away from the mainstream players, this is my Mecca during Baselworld. It is allways amusing for me to see who else shows up here to get a glimpse at what these inspired creative watchmakers have to offer. Ludwig Oechslin is a common visitor, engaging in many a long conversation with the creators. It is off the beaten path, the AHCI stand, and as such many a genius goes un-noticed by the majority of attendees to the Basel fair.
Pic. courtesy of R. Gauthier:
The AHCI stand has no big flashy stands, sporting multiple TV monitors showing scantilly clad ladies and metro-sexual men sporting huge sport watches, or the solemn "traditional watch houses" where, one approaching without a prior appointment, is summarily dismissed as though having trodden in dog excrement! It really is a place for appreciation of the horological art, arguably at it's finest and an opportunity to meet the artists. But I digress...
Back to meeting Romain. It was a crazy Basel fair for me, having spent most evenings with a certain two Irish fellows and a couple of other watchmaker cohorts, I was allways a bit tired towards the later half of the day! So we met briefly one of those afternoons, and he kindly showed me a couple of his watches he had on display. I have to say at that point in time, my bias was not favourable owing to the design of the dial. Something for me wasn't quite right aesthetically. I suppose the other aspect skewing my opinion, was that I knew Romain was not a watchmaker, rather the creator & designer of this piece. At the time, un-educated as I was, I didn't fully appreciate what he had created. Now, having an understanding of what Romain has brought to life, it was a very unfair judgement. I stand corrected!
Pic. courtesy of R. Gauthier:
I had glimpsed at the movement through the window the previous day, so was prepared somewhat for the movement. It is an extra-ordinary design, utilising elements I have not seen in any contemporary movements. Romain's engineering background immediately comes across, as does his aesthetic brilliance. The inspiration he gained growing up in the Valle de Joux, for traditional Swiss watchmaking, shows. The bridges for the train and escapement are elegant and there is an openess/aireness that is not often found in modern movements. His use of pierced wheels sporting circles is great and brings across a sense of strength. The finishing was inspired, anglage seemed superb, and a choice of either Geneva striping or a frosted finish is offered. I know that Romain spent some time gaining pointers from the master himself, M. Dufour, who coached Romain. I believe it was M. Dufour who encouraged Romain to exhibit with him at Baselworld initially. I don't think M. Dufour suffers too many fools, so his endorsement is one to note!
Pic. courtsey of R. Gauthier:
Moving on to present time; I have had a series of long phone calls recently with Romain about helping him meet some collectors here on the west coast of the US. I came up with a short but good plan that we both like where there is a opportunity for a small group of enthusiasts to have the chance to meet with Romain, and find our first hand what inspires him and makes him create this wonderful timepiece.
We will be having a private dinner in LA, on Thursday December 3rd, location to be determined. Two events in Northern CA, a private dinner in Silicon Valley/San Francisco area on Friday December 4th, location to be determined, and finally a slighly more casual lunch on Saturday December 5th.
Please e-mail me for details about attending: tim@independentintime.com
It will be a first come-first served type of engagement as a limited amount of attendees will be able to be accomodated in order to keep it intimate.