This Insight Micro-Rotor* bears the distinction of being the first of a small series of ten pieces. At the time, it was very first example with luminous hands and a platinum rotor, details added by request of the original owner. It is also one of a few examples cased in natural titanium. This example represents Romain Gauthier's industrial yet traditional aesthetic, with an open-worked dial that reveals the micro-rotor on both sides of the case.

This Insight Micro-Rotor is one of few limited edition pieces made with natural titanium. At the time, the introduction of the Insight series made this the third model from Romain Gauthier, further showcasing the maker's penchant for combining industrial styles with traditional watchmaking.

Only thirty pieces were produced across the series, divided evenly between white, black frosted, and blue enamel dials. This example bears luminous hands and was the first piece to be retrofitted with a platinum micro-rotor at the request of the owner. These features may have been subsequently featured in later examples and across other models.

The core of the Insight Micro-Rotor is the movement, visible through the openworked dial. From a technical perspective, the movement is self-winding, featuring a micro-rotor visible from both sides. Pivoted on both the dial and the back, the platinum micro-rotor winds twin mainsprings. Both barrels can be seen on the left side of the movement from the back, providing 80 hours of power reserve altogether.

The calibre consists of 206 individual components, with numerous hand-applied finishing techniques used throughout, as well as frosting, snailing, graining and polished bevels on the bridges and countersinks. The gears and ratchet wheels have circular spokes, while the screws have S-shaped heads, both a signature of Romain Gauthier's work.

The deep blue grand feu enamel dial shows the time display in a vertical line, with the hours and minutes at 12 o’clock and seconds just below. Both sub-dials are covered in fired vitreous enamel, with dagger-shaped hands filled with lume for the hours and minutes. Romain Gauthier’s distinctive balance wheel is shown at 6 o’clock, with curved arms and calibrated eccentric weights, flanked by the maker’s initials. Meanwhile, the case measures 39.5mm across and just 12.9mm thick, is made out of natural, untreated titanium. The crown for winding manually and setting the time is at 2 o’clock, to allow space for wrist movement.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Romain Gauthier Insight Micro-Rotor will be subject to 20% VAT

Closer look

Condition

This Romain Gauthier Insight Micro-Rotor is in excellent overall condition. The case and lugs show virtually no signs of wear and have been well preserved. The dial, lumed hands, and movement are free from any signs of imperfections.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.