The click is polished, beveled and micro sand blasted with a technique that dimples but does not remove metal.

It is the philosophy of Montres Romain Gauthier that each watch will have the parts finely finished, assembled and regulated by one just watchmaker. Both Romain Gauthier and the watchmaker responsible for the watch will sign its individual certificate.

Not content with designing and making a very high quality complete timepiece from A to Z, plus launching his own brand, Romain Gauthier plans to buy his own sophisticated CNC machinery as soon as finances permit. Thus enabling the company to become a not just an in-house manufacture, but a vertically integrated in-house manufacture.

And who would bet against that happening sooner rather than later.

I was very fortunate to be able to borrow one of Romain's prototypes for a week of in-the-field testing. I found it very comfortable to wear and it attracted favourable comments. I have small wrists and am usually more at ease with 38mm watches than plus 40mm; however, the fit and styling suited me perfectly. In fact, as my wife remarked after borrowing it, it also looks very elegant on a woman's wrist.

Dreams are one thing; having the drive and passion to realize them is something else entirely. I predict that we will be seeing and hearing a lot more of Romain Gauthier in the near future.

First deliveries are scheduled for April 2007. Price indication (ex-Switzerland): from 34,600 Swiss francs (plus taxes if applicable).