Skip to main content

The C by Romain Gauthier is here in an all-black dial

An all-black dial presented in two different designs

C by Romain Gauthier
Romain Gauthier

A new and stylish C line model is here in two different designs!

After manufacturing mechanical pieces for 16 years, Romain Gauthier finally dipped its toes into a new niche with the C line. In the past three years, the brand introduced different variants of the C model into the market, some with titanium casings and others with platinum casings.

Recommended Videos

The latest addition has a black dial, and it is offered in two different designs — a closed dial and an open-work dial.

Just like the original watch, which dates back to 2021, the new timepiece comes with a very modern and unique bezel with multiple grooves to accentuate the design.

While the grooves have a polished finish, other sections on the bezel are highlighted by a satin finish, which makes the watch look stylish.

One of the most striking features of the watch is the black dial, which is highlighted by a coarse texture that adds some depth to the dial.

For starters, the dial is layered with a PVD coating, characterized by two colors, gray and black. Apart from that, the open-dial option has a big cutout at 6 o’clock that displays elements featured on the mechanism. And just above the 7 o’clock denotation, there’s a small subdial that complements the open dial design with blue lines, spreading from the center of the subdial to other sections.

The closed dial also comes with the same subdial. But it doesn’t have a cut-out, like the open-dial option.

All in all, this is a well-thought-out design that’s suitable for formal and non-formal environments.

Topics
Nathan S.R
Nathan has devoted his life to collecting watches, studying horology, reviewing watches, and writing about timepieces. As a…
Audemars Piguet vs. Rolex: A tale of two timepiece titans
Audemars Piguet vs. Rolex: Which legend reigns supreme?
Close up Audemars Piguet store sign at night.

If you consider yourself somewhat of a watch aficionado as I do, then you are already aware of the many luxury brands offering top-notch timepieces. With so many options available to men out there, finding the ones that speak to you can be a conundrum as there are a few serious contenders for your wrist. Two of my favorites are Rolex and Audemars Piguet, considered two of the premier brands in watchmaking. It’s nearly impossible to go wrong with either one, and after reading this article, you will be able to decide for yourself which one is the best for your tastes.
Brand recognition

Even if you’ve never worn a watch in your entire life, you know the Rolex name and its status as an internationally renowned luxury brand. Although Audemars Piguet (also known as AP) is not as well known outside of industry circles, the truth is that many consider it to be an even better brand than Rolex, and its exclusivity gives it special status amongst watch enthusiasts.

Read more
This New Balance shoe is only released every five years, and it’s finally here
New Balance's rarest model is back once more
editorial photo of new balance 1300jp

While it seems like New Balance is constantly reinventing its iconic silhouettes, there is only one that has been deemed a ‘rare’ status. Since its inception, the New Balance 1300 has been regarded as a premium design by the brand, and its distinctive release schedule further reinforces this reputation. Dropping only once every five years, this New Balance model has become a sought-after sneaker and a rare collectible. Thankfully, the five years are almost up, meaning it’s time for this shoe’s release once more. As part of the brand’s Grey Days celebration next month, New Balance’s MADE in USA line is getting ready for the launch of its rare model. 

It’s time for the New Balance 1300JP once again

Read more
Travis Hunter’s NFL draft moment gets a luxury timepiece
Versatility is the keynote feature in this luxury watch
Travis Hunter, Jr.

There aren’t many sure things in this year’s NFL draft, but the early selection of Travis Hunter, Jr. is one of them. As a unicorn two-way player, the Colorado star won’t have to wait long to hear his name called. And if he wants to record his waiting time for posterity, he’ll be able to do it with a premiere luxury watch that’s specially designed to celebrate his unique versatility.
AXIA Time is the company behind the watch, and John Kanaras is the man who designed it. Axia specializes in producing custom timepieces for championship teams and organizations, and Hunter’s watch, the ORATOS, came about as a result of Axia’s partnership with the Heisman Trophy Trust.
“Travis Hunter and I met [during Heisman weekend in New York],” he explains. “As the official timepiece of the Trust, AXIA Time designed the Heisman DIASIMOS, a limited edition timepiece that the 2024 Heisman Trophy recipient, finalists, and honorees would receive.
“During the weekend, I had the opportunity to meet with Travis and the other finalists. Hunter was excited to be named the 2024 Heisman Trophy recipient and appreciated being gifted the Heisman DIASIMOS. We discussed the range of AXIA's ultra-custom designs and how taking it a step further to reflect [that] his versatility on the field could be an incredible design.”
Design-wise, the watch embodies the unique game-within-a-game process that Hunter has learned while playing both cornerback and wide receiver in college and excelling at both positions.
“There is a lot of symbolism in the design of the Oratos,” he says. “I aimed to create something that was ultra-premium yet versatile. It also needed to be sleek and durable, but most of all, it needed to be elite from a mechanical perspective, and I wanted to provide visibility into the precision of the mechanism.”
The versatility starts with a simple three-hand movement, but the watch also comes with multiple strap options that include a  Titanium 5 bracelet, an alligator strap, or an FKM rubber strap. All three options feature quick-release mechanisms.
“Depending on the strap, the watch can be worn on the red carpet or even for a dip in the pool,” Kanaras explains. “And with the X1 grade Super Luminova, the watch will glow for hours.  The Oratos will be the most premium watch we have released to date, but even at the higher price point [of $3,500], it remains a great value relative to watches with similar specifications.”
As pivotal as Travis Hunter has become in this year's draft machinations, he won’t be the only one to be honored with a new watch. Ohio State safety Caleb Downs was a finalist for the Lott Impact Award, and that led to the watchmaker striking up a relationship with Downs.
“Caleb was gifted one of our watches when he was a finalist for the Lott Impact Award,” says Kanaras. “It was Caleb’s first ‘nice’ watch and he expressed interest in working together.  As Ohio State progressed on the playoffs, we decided to work together to build awareness around AXIA Time and our timepieces via use of his NIL on social media and some podcast appearances. He’s becoming quite the watch enthusiast!”

Read more