#micro-rotor

The Bell & Ross BR-X3 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor marks an important chapter in the Maison’s pursuit of Haute Horlogerie, plunging into technical and visual territory that defies convention while remaining deeply rooted in the brand’s storied DNA. It stands as one of the most ambitious endeavours from Bell & Ross, bringing together the traditions of fine watchmaking with contemporary minimalism shaped…

Wondering what micro-rotors are all about? They come in many designs, and in this article, we review our top 10 favorites.

Yema Superman Slim: a new micro-rotor appears

Back in 2011, we first took a look at a watch from Yema, with John’s review of the Yema Rally Chronograph. Then, things were radio silent until I caught wind of the brand in 2020, when I wrote about the Yema Spacegraf Zero-G. That opened the floodgates, and since then, I’ve become familiar with what I consider to be their icon – the Yema Superman. Back at the end of 2023 they released a…

Where design and engineering come together, Panerai stands out in the world of high watchmaking complications for its commitment to innovation, technical expertise, and attention to detail. Accurate timekeepers that are also masterpieces of craftsmanship, Panerai’s creations are a testament to its unwavering pursuit of excellence in horology with an Italian soul. Continue reading Untitled

Parmigiani Tonda PF – A Purist’s Delight for Those in the Know

An Insight of the Romain Gauthier Insight Micro-Rotor Squelette

This year marks the 15th anniversary of Romain Gauthier. It is fitting, then, that the Swiss watchmaker’s latest creation, Insight Micro-Rotor Squelette, calls on an area of craftsmanship for which he and his team have been heralded since the birth of the brand in 2005: hand-finishing. (more…)

5 Romain Gauthier Insight Micro-Rotor Squelette Platinum Special Order

Precious metal or titanium “Special Orders” available through Manufacture Romain Gauthier or its retailers

Insight Micro-Rotor Squelette can also be requested as a “Special Order” in a 39.5mm precious metal or natural or black DLC Grade 5 titanium case, either directly via the brand or through Romain Gauthier retailers. To fuel our imaginations, Romain has created two Special Order examples featured here.

3 Romain Gauthier Insight Micro-Rotor Squelette Red Gold Special Order

One is in 18k red gold featuring an oven-fired black enamel dial greyed by hand-frosting with white and gilded dial accents, complemented by 18k red gold hands; mainplate and bridges bevelled, softened and smoothed by hand, then matte-finished; and gilded micro-rotor, plaquettes and balance wheel. It is fitted with a grey, natural rubber strap with 18k red gold pin buckle.

3 Romain Gauthier Insight Micro-Rotor Squelette Platinum Special Order

The other example is in 950 platinum featuring an oven-fired, satin-blue enamel dial made in house by Romain’s wife Ana Gauthier, with white dial accents, accompanied by 18k white gold hands; bridges and mainplate bevelled, softened, smoothed and polished by hand; and rhodium-treated micro-rotor, plaquettes and balance wheel. It is accompanied by a navy-blue alligator leather strap with 18k white gold pin buckle.

2 Romain Gauthier Insight Micro-Rotor Squelette Red Gold Special Order

Elements that collectors or retailers can customise include the material of the case; final finishing to the bridges and mainplate (hand-polished or matte-finished bevels); colour of the dial and dial accents; material and colour of the hands; colour of the plaquettes and their engravings; and the material and colour of the strap.

6 Romain Gauthier Insight Micro-Rotor Squelette Platinum Special Order

Romain Gauthier Insight Micro-Rotor Squelette Technical Specifications and Price

#gallery-0-7 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-7 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-0-7 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-7 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Insight Micro-Rotor Squelette Special Orders

Features and indications

Off-centre hours, minutes and small seconds

In-house, automatic movement

Superlatively hand-finished, skeletonised mainplate and bridges in natural titanium

22k gold bidirectional micro-rotor

Double mainspring barrel in series giving 80-hour power reserve

39.5mm precious metal or natural or black DLC Grade 5 titanium case

Available through Manufacture Romain Gauthier or its retailers

Dial and hands

Oven-fired enamel dial

Skeletonised hour and minute hands

Solid small seconds hand

Finishing of the dial, material of the hands, colour of the hands and dial accents customisable

Movement and finishing

Dimensions: 32.1mm x 6.8mm

Power reserve: 80 hours

Number of jewels: 33

Number of components: 206

Balance frequency: 28,800 vph / 4Hz

Components in: 22k gold micro-rotor, titanium, steel, stainless steel, beryllium copper, brass and German silver

Choice of final finishing to the bridges and mainplate (hand-polished or matte-finished bevels)

Colour of plaquettes and plaquette engravings customisable

Case

Material: 18k red gold, 18k white gold, 950 platinum or natural or black DLC Grade 5 titanium

Dimensions: 39.5mm x 12.9mm at highest point

Water resistance: 50m/5atm/170ft

Sapphire crystal with interior anti-reflection coating, front and display back

Crown for manual winding and time-setting at 2 o’clock

Strap and buckle

Natural rubber strap or alligator leather strap hand-stitched in Switzerland, colour customisable

Pin or deployant buckle

Buckle in material to match case, except for platinum case which is accompanied by 18k white gold buckle

Price

Insight Micro-Rotor Squelette Special Order in 950 platinum with hand-polished bevels on the bridges: CHF 148’000 excluding taxes

Insight Micro-Rotor Squelette Special Order in 18k red gold with matte-finished bevels on the bridges: CHF 108’000 excluding taxes