Perhaps the biggest obstacle facing any independent watchmaker wishing to make a movement is actually getting high-quality parts made. Even with the skills to use CNC machines - which the majority of watchmakers do not - they cost hundreds of thousands of dollars: a sum way beyond the reach of the majority.

When you order parts from a specialist manufacture, much of the time and expense is in the programming and setting up of the machines so it is not economical to make just a few parts for a few movements. Ideally you need to make a few hundred parts for a few hundred movements and that would cost a small fortune! This is a major factor in the price of watches produced in small quantities.

Romain however had a very good friend time who admired his passion and determination. Romain's friend was able to give him after-hours and weekend access to some very sophisticated CNC machinery.

"That support was crucial to where Montres Romain Gauthier is now Without it,it would have been impossible for me to have done this. It would have just remained a dream."

Romain spent the last three years working late, weekends and on his holidays making all of the parts for his first series of timepieces. Even with help that is an incredible achievement.

And one other thing: Romain worked for those three years in near total secrecy. "I wanted to take my time, to learn and to do things properly without the pressure of others asking questions, so whenever I had to involve a third part to supply parts I used a fictitious company name."