An Exclusive Behind The Scenes At Romain Gauthier - Independent In-House Haute Horology Watchmaker

Today I am proud to share another episode from my adventures in Switzerland. Last time we looked at high end luxury watchmaking on a large scale from the legendary brand Jaeger-LeCoultre (link below, in case you missed it). In this video, we take an exclusive tour with one of the most highly regarded independent haute horology watchmakers, who has been making a name for himself ever since he arrived on the scene.
Romain Guathier is a Vallee de Joux native with an extensive background in precision machinery and engineering, culminating in an MBA in 2002. His final thesis was a business plan to start his own watch company, which he turned into an award winning reality in 2005. Since then, Romain has brought consistent innovation, completely original designs with regards to aesthetics, and his own amazing calibres, redefining what it really means to be Swiss made and in-house.
Romain's no-compromise approach to haute horlogerie can be seen in the extensive production techniques that push the very limits of precision, quality and luxury - a few of which we were so privileged to see and share with a tour from the man himself!
We then look at the finished product, starting with his first watch, the Prestige HMS with a unique flat winding crown system. We follow with a look at the award winning Logical One, with its fiendishly clever re-invented take on the classic Fusse and chain system, and finally my personal favorite (and his latest creation), the stunning automatic Insight Micro-Rotor.
If you missed the JLC video, click here:
• A Jaeger-LeCoultre Exc...
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[@lshin80]

Ah yes! Another installment from the "TGV visits the Willy Wonka watch factory" series!

[@theurbangentry]

LOL, thank you Luca :D I hope you are well fratello! Best regards, TGV

[@Fenn3k]

the only youtube channel where all comments are kind, polite and respectful. really only nice and motivating comments, that is astonishing :D you, sir, have a remarkable community here 👌🏻 I’m glad to be a part of it

[@lanceuppercut7436]

Frederik G well said sir and very true. It’s very refreshing to have a positive, enthusiastic and polite online community to be a part of. Testament to TGV in my opinion.

[@robertcalkjr.8325]

I can't believe so many people gave this video a thumbs down. Something wrong with them!

[@simoninglis7437]

Absolutely. Tristano sets an extremely admirable tone. He explains and justifies his views, is fair minded, and doesn't have a harsh word to say to anyone. I'm also honoured and happy to be part of this horological brotherhood. Is the "wristwatch-check" our secret handshake?

[@faisalrahman7]

Everytime some non watch person says "why would you spent that much on a watch" send them a link to this video. Well done TGV, excellent work Sir.

[@EpicSnuggleBunny]

50 watches a year, with aspirations of someday making 100 per year.... yep, I'll enjoying from afar my entire life. Cheers for awesome vid!

[@theurbangentry]

ESB! Never say never my friend, onwards and upwards. On a side note, I hope all is well, thank you as always, Best regards, TGV

[@andyianniello5607]

Wow, absolutely amazing. Well done TGV. Thank you so much for this video. I must have watched it 3 or 4 times before reaching the end because I kept rewinding and rewatching parts as I went. Keep 'em coming. Fantastic job and thank you again.

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Andy, very much appreciated. Best regards, TGV

[@fellrag]

Wow, looks like you had a great time over there. Nice to see Mr. Gauthier beeing so passionate about his brand and showing you his product in such detail. Can't wait for more Switzerland tours

[@ghostindamachine]

Man, I just love that the owner and CEO of a company is so hands-on and knowledgeable! Real passion :)

[@andreashuttenlocher]

Wow T. - this just completely blew me away! Amazing video and the work of Mr. Gauthier is simply incredible. And I never thought I would fall for something like this, but the shown Logical One Secret just does it for me, given the fact that I have a deep love for the city of Rio de Janeiro, the people (specially one person from there who happens to marry me) and this watch just somehow hits the spot. Side note - the depictured Cristo Redentor is a beautiful Art Deco pice and the outer layer is a soapstone mosaic (obviously not so delicately made like the one of the One Secret, but still….that’s like the icing on the cake…..this piece of art is just wow)….. Cheers mate - enjoy your time in London; and on a side note, visit the holy trinity of shaving when you’re downtown: Truefitt & Hill, D. R. Harris and Taylor of Old Bond Street (all pretty close together on St James’s St and Jermyn St)

[@seanpollard4844]

Beyond impressive. Not just the watchmaking but the care taken with the craft of making these videos. Thank you for your efforts and the hours spent to give the watchmaking art the justice it truly earns and deserves.

[@astrogen1960]

I love seeing his passion and pride when he explains his techniques to those with whom he shares his love of watchmaking, such as Sophie and yourself. I'm sure you'll never forget that tour . . thanks, TGV!

[@jakejustus761]

Definitely my favorite video so far. Great job! Those watches are beautiful!

[@Roy-qn2ie]

What a joy to be able to share this experience with you, absolutely amazing to see these precious watches being created, thank you so much for this magnificent video!

[@ThisIsMyFullName]

It's not as much the craftsmanship that amazes me, but the level of dedication to the minute scale of each piece. Absolutely astonishing!

[@holycannoli64]

Nothing short of genius. Sheer beauty. Thank you for providing others with this fascinating glimpse of this rather esoteric watch maker.

[@Michael-wm9bm]

Well done Tristano! I’ve been to Zurich and Basel myself in 2007 and loved the serenity, cleanliness, and the preciseness of the country. How many more vlogs from Switzerland can we anticipate this year?

[@Onlygloo]

I've been lurking around here for quite some time now and for the first time I feel the urge to leave a comment (plus a thumb up, of course). This video was so inspiring and these watches so gorgeous ! The first thing coming to my mind was some reminiscence of the Bréguet 7097 and the same feelings of simplicity and bon goût associated with the highest technological savoir faire. A pure delight and a dream, fortunately, an unreachable dream for as André Gide wrote : "Desire is so much more fulfilling than possession". Thanks sir for these moments of joy !

[@everydaypatriot1083]

Amazing what can be accomplished by the human hand when the entire endeavor is driven by love of the craft.

[@Rodraise55]

Thank you so much for the vast variety of content offered by you! Especialy this episode is absolutely amazing!

[@triples4good]

Amazing. The micro parts just fascinate me. When you think that a human hair is about .020 of an inch, this precision is incredible.

[@o2xb]

OMG Those watches are exquisite!!! Well done Romain and his team to create such pieces of art and thank you Tristano for introducing them to us, such wonderful craftsmanship!!!!!

[@camagalis]

Another fantastic documentary, TGV! As always, bravo!

[@panakoulias]

What a video!!! The new generation of watchmakers is here with a promising future. It is amazing that we have an insight of that here. Thank you!

[@Teachering]

Wow! Romain Gauthier's watch designs are beautiful. Very contemporary and, though hard to imagine, likely not for everyone. I like his work. An enjoyable video. A kind of meditation on the art of watch making.

[@greaterbayareahero1401]

Thanks for this video. I am a great fan of Romain Gauthier. His work speaks for itself. I could not afford his great watches but love his work, ethos and vision. He is up there with a Journe, Ferrier, etc. Chanel believes in him. Hope he gets the recognition he deserves. I wish I could visit his shrine one day.

[@kaiserphoenix01]

Thank you so much for this video. I was very ignorant about these independent manufactures but it has opened my eyes to their passion, knowledge but also the incredible manufacturing capabilities. Thank you!

[@johnprice909]

Catching this video a bit late but wow, what an incredible experience! Having M. Gauthier give you such an in depth tour was truly wonderful. I have a new Haute Horology piece to aspire to. That micro rotor model is simply stunning. Thank you for this video. Ciao, John

[@rhenriksen]

Breathtaking! The engineering, manufacturing, design - all of it on point. Hope he continues to grow his business and succeed for many years to come.

[@fmc6338]

What impresses me is Romain is a guy who works for a living. A true craftsman.

[@goldtoothjacko]

These watches are truly breathtaking. One of my favourite videos T.

[@panoslioulias6231]

A real voyage it is so nice to see the factories and also the passion of the creator of the company and products!

[@bubbab7792]

Wow! I'm speechless. I can see why the experience was so special. That blue dial is out of this world and the chain mechanism. A very intriguing man RG.Your best video to date. Thank you for sharing the experience TGV. Best regards.

[@lanceuppercut7436]

Absolutely stunning time pieces/works of horological art. I thoroughly enjoyed the video. Thanks TGV and co. for making it. Such mind blowing engineering. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Matty9003]

Just got round to watching this, my oh my what an insight. I was glued to this from start to finish. The skills this man has are out of this world! Greatly put together as well TGV I must say, congrats gent. All the best

[@munawarhussain9859]

Hi TGV not be rude what is the tipical prices of the watches shown in the video please give some sort of idea thanks.

[@jeanlechiffre9707]

Bonjour Monsieur Tristano, I am completely amazed by your high quality video productions. I have been following your work for some time now and it is fascinating to see how far you have progressed. I am avidly awaiting your future explorations of the Swiss watch industry. Now for one miniscule correction to your introductory text: instead of 'fusse and chain', it should be 'fusée and chain'. Salut!

[@MrBrianc1975]

Absolutely fascinating documentary TGV. I've not heard of this company but they truly are artisans. P.s. good to see you've got the wood burning stove lit!

[@adolf-8834]

brian connolly he is a legend in the making. A DuFour protégé. I enjoy his work and specifically fascinated by the logical one.

[@BrianMCarroll]

I particularly liked the part of the video devoted to heating metals. I've read descriptions of blueing metals with heat, but actually seeing the furnace in use was a treat. Makes me appreciate the three blue hands on my Hamilton 992E all the more. As well, listening to Romain Gauthier explain his processes reminded me of listening to head winemakers describe their methods. Wonderful passion and enthusiasm.

[@johnviano2312]

Hi TGV - Thanks for sharing this video. It's always amazing to me to see how these hand-made miracles are designed and assembled. It's obvious Romain Gauthier is a man with a vision and the talent to accomplish whatever his mind imagines. I look forward to following his line of time-pieces. Best Regards, John

[@anthoniusalphaproject1588]

One amazing rendition of exquisite refinement of the human creation. Fascinating travel to the intricate and complex marvel of time keeping. Thanks to all those involved in the process and production of your video that help us to understand and appreciate each and every watch for what it is. God bless.

[@wernerjacq]

out of this world! i am surprised and very happy you brought this great artisan to your audience.

[@robertcalkjr.8325]

Wow, thanks TGV!! Those are some beautiful watches! Man I wish I could afford one. I could look at those watches all day. How in the world could people dislike this video??

[@Gordi4568365]

Absolutely superb, awe inspiring engineering and design. Many thanks TGV for producing this video and a wonderful insight into one of the very best watch makers ... got to watch it again 😀

[@sophiefurley2342]

Incredible video! It was like being back there all over again! Great job putting it all together and a big thank you for the mention. May Santa bring you lots of watches!!! xxx

[@theurbangentry]

Haha, thank you so much Sophie. It feels like only yesterday. Before you know it, it will be Baselworld ;-) I hope you and the family are well. Loving being back in England btw, I have missed it terribly. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, Un bacione!. Tah tah, T.

[@djwindhoek]

A simply stunning video, TGV... almost as stunning as those incredibly stunning watches! Thank you :)

[@adolf-8834]

Listen up. You are witnessing a legend in the making as you do. A protégé and dear friend of Mr. DuFour. This gentlemen and his soldiers will be trenching a mark in the watchmaker world. Thanks for sharing the insightful content.

[@khronokraze]

Absolutely beautiful and amazing. Thanks for taking us through part of the tour with you in this video.

[@edhammond6911]

Unbelievable quality. But it makes me appreciate companies like Seiko who give you 1/10 of the quality for a 1/1000 of the cost.I don’t find products for the super wealthy that interesting. Still a great video.

[@jorickvangorp6606]

Epidemy of craftsmanship! What an amazing opportunity to visit such an epic brand

[@atreides6]

Unbelievable levels of craftsmanship. Excellent video.

[@markplayford5836]

OMG Just when you thought it could not get much better than JLC quality, this guy comes along and knocks it out of the ball park. A truly magnificent video, however I was fidgeting all the way through 'get to the watches... I want to see the watches' then WOW there they were in all their magnificence. Cannot even begin to image a cost figure with enough zeros in it. Safe to say way way out of my league, but one can dream! Thanks TGV for the early Christmas present. Should I forget have a great Christmas here in the UK and a Happy New Year too. P.S. Got the Oris Aquis last weekend after your review. Over the moon with my grail. Not surprised you have changed yours!

[@sureshobhan]

Amazing watches...exquisite finishing and engineering...really appreciate the passion and knowledge of the watch maker...TGV you are truly looking sharp....!!!!

[@mtcasse48]

Once again i am mesmerised, such attention to detail even the screw heads are in a wave form, thank you TGV for sharing your passion keep it up.

[@SinnerAndSaint]

Great insight into Romain Gauthier's factory! Thanks TGV for this wonderful video and congratulations to Romain Gauthier for his stunning work. It was really a pleasure to watch. I love the approach to master the "simple" time functions of a watch and bring it in every aspect to perfection. Btw. I don't understand the many downvotes on the last videos which seem to be unrelated to the content... Best regards from Germany, Daniel

[@melchizedekpsj]

Just finished watching it. Really enjoyed it. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@bobfrombrisbane1831]

Wow TGV, amazing to see production of a Watch. I cannot believe they make parts so small one cannot see them. Truely incredible.

[@aexsyrfaembal]

Absolutely stunning. Gauthier is indeed an incredible person. Although perhaps his line-up could use some models with high-end complications further on. Anyway, it's great that we're able to experience this. Thank you, TGV!

[@bmjengland4966]

Great Video TGV!! Can't believe how small some of the components were!!! What an art & talent! Cottage looking nice & festive!!! Keep the Switzerland Adventures coming! BMJ ENGLAND

[@robbert4550]

Magnificent work . Thanks for sharing TGV. Romain Gauthier est un génie. C'est toujours un plaisir de voir un travail minutieux fait avec passion.

[@Larry-gs8gb]

Thank you for the video.I thoroughly enjoy seeing how the mechanical works of art are made.Very informative. Thanks again.

[@dougthompson9219]

Incredible work here, TGV! Keep this cutting-edge content coming. It's remarkable to see the growth of your content and the channel/brand strength. Bumped into an acquaintance that owns "Cool Vintage Watches" in Parkville, Missouri (same place President Obama oggled a timeless Rolex bubbleback 2 yrs ago) and we started talking about you & your great content. Good news gets around. Keep on keeping on! 👍⌚👍

[@Aleksandar_Sladic]

What an amazing video! Such an energy, that it literally transferred to me through a screen! What a guy! :) And thank you for sharing this with us! Cheers, Aleksandar Sladic

[@niallmurray9725]

Pure class, and a proper eye opener to the techniques and engineering used by what is obviously an awesome watchmaker. As someone else said in the comments below, it watching this makes some of the higher end 'brands' look shabby!

[@ChrisLee-UK]

Enjoyed that thank you TGV, the attention to detail is crazy! Be Safe my friend and stay warm :) Chris

[@liamo4]

Thanks TGV for an insightful video. You are a great ambassador for us all.

[@sadaka201]

Swiss quality production. Nothing like it on the planet! Thanks for this very very nice tour...

[@megaman9039]

OMG!!! This guy makes the Pateke brand look shabby!!!! Fantastic video, Tristano!!!!

[@goldtoothjacko]

Oh yes my man oh yes. Quality on quality.

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you fratello, you can see why I have been busy for the last 4 days, lol I will email you later btw ;-) Onwards and upwards! Best regards, TGV

[@goldtoothjacko]

The Urban Gentry your business is ALWAYS worth it so very much. Congratulations T, this really is exciting. Best.

[@robertkotevski9649]

Great tour and video mate , the presentation you do is superb.

[@ronstone18]

Wonderful video, the dedication involved at every level, now that's job satisfaction!

[@philipallen2730]

Amazing story and an amazing idea A FULL SCALE DOCUMENTARY a journey through the Swiss valley. I think the watch community sorely lacks longer and in depth documentary style films

[@ryanmead3939]

Hi tgv hpe this finds you well, may i just start by thanking you for this truly amazing video, such a privilege you have shared with the channel, and when you see a video su h as this it truly blows you away, cant wait for the next, ONWARDS AND UPWARDS, your friend Ryan.

[@pth8888]

Excellent vìdeo and thank you for sharing with us the tour. Very amazing watch making!

[@Ian-Saxon]

Breathtaking watches and video production. Thank you.

[@KingdomArmor]

Fascinating video. Thank you for what you do for the watch community.

[@ManoloVintage]

Thank you TGV for keeping us a part of your trip. I wonder how they would box such a watch. Maybe...😑 Two Angels deliver it on top of a baby angel while blowing golden trumpets while the baby angel is playing a harp. That sounds about right to me. BTW You remind me so much of my brother.😊

[@zeebra8902]

amazing enginering and design ! Not really my type of watches but still impressive

[@imrichbitch.1937]

*Does this guy have the life or what? Nicely done as usual.*

[@robertjschroff6307]

Hi Tristano! Great show about a lovely watch indeed! Very nice. Ah yeah, my Blue Alpina Alpiner finally has arrived, very smooth movement, pleasure to set the time and date with it, so Im happy now. Greetings, Robert

[@bthivierge]

Loving this series TGV! Bravo!

[@watchlookerwatch]

Fantastic vid. It has made me subscribe. Love the Insight Micro Rotor too. Did you finally get it? Thanks for making this.

[@Hoppetakeyama]

Another great vdo. Really enjoy watching it.

[@silverstacker8282]

Thank you Tristano! Amazing video. Just to put things in perspective.... the piece of hair he placed next to the parts that were under the scope is .075mm or .003”. And it’s mind blowing to hear that he’s got parts running out less than 4 micron. That’s .00015” or half of his hair.

[@esa062]

Now that's watch making. Perfecting the bevel on a microscopic part. Really intreresting video, thank you.

[@cowboyswami2017]

What a Exceptional video and very educational. Great job

[@simoninglis7437]

Forgive me, I'm just thinking out aloud here, but..... If you added a team, and perhaps co-hosted with Sophie as a presenter, you already have the basis of a really, really cool BBC Documentary, which could follow the development of horology. Perhaps start a correspondence with the folks doing Classics and History at Cambridge or Oxford, have a chat to the Japanese Cultural Attache, perhaps get Morgan Freeman for the voice over, as you film helicopter footage careening through a Swiss valley........ ( or maybe I need to cut down my coffee intake)

[@董家琪]

Vltava. One of the most beautiful tunes I've ever heard in my life.

[@danielkatz7516]

Wow, thx Tristano, this guy is engaging and genuine, beautiful pieces

[@issealo7990]

Wonderful video. And very innovative brand I must say. I love how they use traditional watchmakin in combination with modern engineering. I would like to take a wild guess and say this brand will be one of the most exclusive in 5-10 years. Cheers for the video, TGV.

[@paulmiller8579]

Great Video. Yet another Timepiece to add to my ever growing list.... 6 Correct Numbers on the Euro-Millions Tomorrow and the Logical is mine...... Keep up the Good Work.....

[@TheWayofGrace89]

The work that goes into mechanical watches is stunning and inspiring. Thanks for these inside look vids. Cheers!

[@theurbangentry]

An absolute pleasure, Thank you Taylor, Best regards, TGV

[@CONSTELLATIONPICTURE]

Wow! Great video, I appreciate watchmaking even more now.

[@lukassubrt7915]

It's awesome you've chosen Smetana for the intro. Cheers!

[@christophergustafson3942]

Well done, My Good Man. This is an exceptional video and my knowledge and appreciation of the highest horology has grown as a result.

[@rickmarsh571]

WOW!!! , thank you TGV!

[@carlojaimelizzeni2171]

Top notch video Finally I find a new video about how watches are hand made!

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Carlo :D I certainly will, much more on the way. Best regards, TGV

[@Tal-wb9jn]

That sitting room is incredible!

[@simoninglis7437]

Beautifully executed video. What I really loved was the humanity of the video. It was interesting from a documentary point of view but also I think it was wonderful that you had a genuine, and addictive, kid-on-Christmas-day level exuberance and joy to the visit. Well Done. This is also an example of when I feel a shift in my own thinking. I love quality and I love art, but my own day to day value system is one of frugality and usually extreme pragmatism. I confess that as a life long swimmer who lives 5 minutes from a beach, I can't really see the point of ever getting a Rolex, when I have my G Shock. ( An apology to anyone who views that as Sacrilege). But when it comes to a Romain Gauthier or a Vacheron Constantine, I have to admit that "Yes", if I had the available money I would buy one.

[@74haydo]

Astonishing!!

[@jonmcarthur345]

Wow, thanks for showing us such an utterly impressive and inspirational sideboard! Watches not too shabby today I guess.

[@theurbangentry]

Haha, thank you Jon, I will have to make another sideboard to display the watches and clocks ;-) Best regards, TGV

[@SanthoshMaruthi]

Incredible, thanks TGV .