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Romain Jerome Chrono Tourbillon Limited Edition Watch

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:08:18 +0000

The newest high-end wrist watch from Romain Jerome is another version of their Titanic DNA and tourbillon collection. The naming of the brand's watches has gotten shorter over the years which is a good thing, but the DNA hasn't changed. I appreciate that the name of the watch is just the "Romain Jerome Chrono Tourbillon."

The case is the same 46mm wide size that RJ has been using for a few years. I still like the looks of it even though it is a unique style. Not everyone likes the oxidized steel bezel look. It is part of the Titanic DNA concept trying to replicate the look of metal that has been under water. Actually, it isn't so much trying to look like but is. Each of these bezels is oxidized under water to get the signature look. The metal used has a bit of metal recovered from the actual Titanic ship as part of the collection's ongoing theme.

For this collection there will be three models available. Each are limited editions. Actually all Romain Jerome watches are limited editions. The primary case material options are steel (ref. RJ.T.TO.CH.003.01), PVD black steel (ref. RJ.T.TO.CH.001.01), and 18k red gold (ref. RJ.T.TO.CH.002.01).

For the dial Romain Jerome is furthering their steampunk-style aesthetic to a partially skeletonized open dial with clear indicators but also a view of the movement. You can see that RJ is using the "solar" style tourbillon carriage. I believe that the movement is likely manually wound and made by Concept. It has the time with subsidiary seconds dial, tourbillon, and thirty minute monopusher chronograph. The pusher is located above the crown. I like the dial but would have preferred that Romain Jerome differentiate the design of the chronograph subdial versus the subsidiary seconds dial. As far as I can tell they are the same aside from the design of the gear in the skeletonized area behind the dial in the movement.

Each of the three versions of the Romain Jerome Chrono Tourbillon will be limited to just 9 pieces. That isn't very many watches. The movement design is very cool and I think this should be another unique luxury item from the brand suited to the tastes of some, but not all. Prices for the Chrono Tourbillon watches are between 199,000 - 219,000 Swiss Francs. Oligarch types open your wallets.

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Romain Jerome Watches + DeLorean Motor Company

admin — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 21:19:46 +0000

They are coming soon - the Romain Jerome DeLorean DNA watches. Swiss Romain Jerome has partnered with DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) - now based out of Texas - for some interesting new upcoming timepieces. The watches will all share the core Romain Jerome DNA philosophy of honoring fascinating events and items from our history with timepieces that actually each contain trace amount of items from those events. In this case the watches are said to contain sheet metal from the original car bodies.

A pop culture icon solidified for eternity by the 1985 film "Back to the Future," the story of the DeLorean DMC-12 and the company behind it is a fascinating tale unto itself. Existing automobiles are highly collectible and regularly restored. As a car the DMC-12 never quite lived up to its potential due to the failure of the company at the time, but as a design item it almost epitomizes an era. Romain Jerome spent a lot of effort seeking out a partnership with DMC, which recently became a reality. Soon we will be able to see what the Romain Jerome DeLorean DNA watches are all about. Stay tuned.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Romain Jerome Titanic DNA T-OXY III Watch Review

admin — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 09:21:46 +0000

It takes a lot for a timepiece to be truly controversial. I am not just talking about people arguing whether a design is pretty or not. I mean a real discussion on whether the concept and construction of the watch is in good taste. Few people have been able to pull this off, and in the watch industry one man has been able to do it a few times - Yvan Arpa. For me, this watch sums him up, as well as the legacy he left behind during his time at Swiss watch brand Romain Jerome.

During the height of the most modern economic boom, Romain Jerome was little more than a quirky brand that sold golf-themed timepieces. The problem was that most golfers didn't want to wear a watch (or a bulky one) while playing the game. The owners brought in Yvan Arpa who decided to create a watch that combined a few things: luxury, rarity, and unattainability. It also had to involve something that people all over the world would know about. An idea he settled on was the most famous sunken ship ever, the Titanic.

He imagined a collection called the Titanic-DNA. A steampunkish watch that was said to contain parts from the Titanic. Some people were shocked by the idea, and others thought that it was "pretty cool." On more than one occasion I had to hear people speak of how horrified they were than someone would disgrace the memories of the people who lost their lives in the tragedy by making a watch with parts from the ship. Other people felt it was a pretty darn nice tribute to those lost souls. How you are personally going feel is subjective. For me, not being easily offended, I thought it was an interesting concept. My biggest question was always "exactly how much of the Titanic is in it?"

The watch also allowed Arpa to play with his fascination with decay. He loves organic decay in design and plays with it in the use of oxidized metal - here used for the bezel of the watch. While this is not the very first Titanic DNA (Titanic-DNA) watch, it does have the purist, original dial. I feel that this watch is one of Arpa's enduring masterpieces.

Arpa is no longer at Romain Jerome, which is now headed by the talented Manuel Emch, the brand continues the Titanic DNA collection with a series of interesting models and renditions. This model which is under the T-Oxy III range is offered in the brands current limited edition collection as of now. You can get it in black steel, polished and black steel mixed, or in 18k red gold (as seen here). The bezel is made out of what Romain Jerome calls their "stabilized Titanic Extreme rusted steel." This is where the "Titanic" part of the watch really comes in.

There is a reason the watch is called Titanic "DNA." There are in fact small amounts of actual metal dragged up from the Titanic in the bezel. There is also metal recovered from the ship yard that the Titanic was produced at in Ireland, as well as other steel. Romain Jerome personally oxidizes the metal in a water treatment for several days before the bezels appear as they do. The idea is further to remind you of the oxidized nature of the ship metal deep below the ocean. One of the little ironies of the watch is the fact that the original metal used for the Titanic's hull is now generally agreed to have been used in error. That a better metal would have been stronger - likely tough enough to not tear when hitting an iceberg.

The Titanic DNA case is 46mm wide and 15mm thick. You'll find that over the years Romain Jerome has offered it in a variety of styles and materials including steel, gold, and ceramic. While the case is simple in concept, there are a number of small details that make it interesting. These include the brushed and polished sections, and of course the bezel "claws." My favorite part is the dial. The hands are meant to look a bit like anchors, with lume at their tips, and the applied Arabic numerals are period perfect and brushed on the surface for ideal legibility. The hint of red on the subsidiary seconds - that looks like some type of engine room gauge - is a delicate and refined touch. There are Titanic DNA models with other dials identical to this one, but with date windows in the sub-seconds dial. However, I think this dial sans the date is more elegant. Look closely and you'll notice that the face has a texture a bit similar to the bezel. According to Romain Jerome the dial is made with a bit of "Titanic coal."

On the back of the watch is an engraving of the Titanic (as it would have looks on the ocean, not in the ocean). Look closely on the hull and you'll see the number of the watch in the limited edition. Most Titanic DNA pieces are limited to 2,012 pieces. In fact, all Romain Jerome watches are part of limited edition sets. This particular model in 18k red gold has the reference T.OXY3.2222.00.BB. Attached to the watch is a rubber strap with an RJ initial on it and a locking butterfly clasp in titanium and 18k red gold. It is one of those types that is made to look like a standard ardillon buckle, but is more complex that than when opened using pushers on the side of the buckle. I like the RJ logo cut into the titanium part of the clasp. I also think that the watch would look really nice on a black alligator or crocodile strap.

Inside of the watch is a Swiss Concepto made caliber C22RJ51 automatic movement. Overall I like this watch for a number of reasons - the Titanic part of the story is just something to help explain it to people. For me it is art by Yvan Arpa, a piece of history combined with the avant garde personality of Romain Jerome, and a 'watch icon' due to its completely polarizing nature. It is also well-made and feels good on the wrist, not to mention easy to ready. Price for this model in 18k red gold is 23,900 Swiss Francs, while the T-OXY III collection starts at 11,900 Swiss Francs.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Romain Jerome Space Invaders Watches

admin — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 07:07:13 +0000

The best part of these timepieces is easily the box. I wasn't allowed to take pictures, but Romain Jerome showed me a sneak preview of the Space Invaders watches back in March. The idea is to recall some of the fun and playfulness, as well as the novelty of the late 1970s video game. The box is actually a light box and you place the watch inside of it. Actually the watch is already placed inside of it and there are no doors, just a peep hole. If you want to remove the watch - consider it a fun challenge (like the game). Inside the box is a black light, then when lit illuminates the lume on the dial of the Space Invader watches. It is cool and fun, and perhaps better with LSD.

For me, the funnest part of the Space Invader watch story is process of Romain Jerome getting the licensing for the product from Taito in Japan. No one has ever made a high-end watch involving a video game before (I've joked about it, but this is the first legit one). By the way, I first talked about these watches here when discussing RJ's relationship with Taito.

I don't know all the details, but to sum it up, there was quite a confusion as to what type of watch was going to be made. The idea of such a high-end watch licensing the Space Invaders name was apparently difficult to grasp. I believe it took RJ showing them examples for the big guys at Taito to get it. And what about if the watch actually played the game...?

Set in the Moon Invader case, the Space Invaders watch will come in two styles, with a really interesting dial. It took a ton of work to find a process that could cut a multi-level dial that looks as though it is made out of pixels. It looks cool in the images, but in person the dial has a rich depth to it and is quite impressive. But of course, first you need to be OK with a fancy video game screen shot on your wrist.

One of the dials has the sprites in color, while the other is monochromatic. Both have the characters done in luminant. The watch itself is 46mm wide in PVD black steel. Each version is limited to just 78 pieces and should be available soon. For me, this watch is a good thing and a bad thing. Bad because it shows that I am getting old as the stuff I enjoyed as a kid is becoming highly nostalgic. Good because finally my heart strings are pulled on cheesy things like expensive video game homage watches that neither play video games nor get chicks... but I still want them dearly.

SPACE INVADERSÂ©1
Calibre RJ001-A
Mechanical self-winding movement
Frequency 28,800 vph
Jewelling 23 jewels
Power reserve 42 hours
Water resistance 3 atm
Functions Central hours and minutes
Case Ã˜46mm
Black PVD-coated steel
Lugs fitted with safety screws and integrated ball-and-socket joints for optimal wrist adjustment
Case with integrated back, composed of spare parts from Apollo 11
Grainy-textured stellar-patterned back with medallion in MOON SILVERRJ representing the moon
RJ safety screw on the case-back, exclusively accessible to watchmakers
Screw-lock crown
Dial Black 3D dial with 3 beadblasted & satin-brushed levels.
Pixelated Â« Space InvadersÂ® Â» lacquered in various original colours
Hands Oxidised black, polished, with C1 superluminova
Strap Black vulcanised rubber
Grainy-textured interior of stellar-patterned strap
Buckle Black PVD-coated steel
Limited edition 78 pieces (in reference to the year the game was launched)

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Romain Jerome Selfridges DNA Watch

admin — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:31:17 +0000

Romain Jerome releases another whimsically themed DNA watch in honor of their new retail partner Selfridges & Co. in London. This nine piece limited edition set is designed in a similar manner to RJ's piece for Only Watch 2011, and proclaims their personal level of importance for the famous English department store.

Important retailers often want brands to create special limited edition timepieces just for them. So, RJ took that request seriously and literally made a limited edition just for them. You might think the watch is silly if you have no familiarity with Selfridges but I think it is sort of a funny thing and nod to RJ's sense of humor.

The watch is 46mm wide and looks like something out of the movie Tron. The dial is just black with yellow stripes that follow onto the strap. On the back of the watch is a close up map of the part of London where Selfridges & Co. is located - with the store's location bolded out in yellow. The case is a combo of steel and ceramic. If you want one, I think you know where to find this watch.

Reference DS7 Selfridges — 9-piece limited edition
Calibre RJ002-A1 Mechanical self-winding movement
Jewelling 23 jewels
Rate Frequency 28,800 vph
Power reserve 42 hours
Water resistance 3 ATM
Dial indication Central hours and minutes, small seconds disc at 9 o’clock
Case Ã˜ 46 mm
Bezel Matt black ceramics
Sides Black satin-finished PVD-coated steel
Paws Black ceramics with titanium screws
Lugs Black satin-finished PVD-coated steel
Lug inserts Black PVD-coated steel
Crown Black PVD-coated steel with black rubber
Case-back Engraved with a map of London featuring a yellow-lacquered oblong
marker indicating the exact location of the Selfridges department store
Dial Black gold-coloured straight-grained textured effect featuring two
intersecting yellow lines
Water resistance 3 ATM
Strap Black rolled-edge Alcantara with yellow seam indicating the continuity
of the line
Buckle Folding clasp in black PVD-coated steel

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Romain Jerome Moon Dust DNA Black & Steel Mood Chronograph Watches Hands-On

admin — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 07:53:17 +0000

One of Romain Jerome's new products for 2011 was a chronograph version of their Moon Dust DNA Black Moon and Steel Mood watches. These are probably some of the coolest Moon Dust DNA watches given the slick, eye-catching design. Of course, the concept inherently is meant to be provocative and not for everyone. So check out some of the interesting design features of this new chrono.

As an extension of the Moon Dust DNA range, Romain Jerome wants the dial to look like a window to the moon's surface. For a better look, check out coverage of this watch in a March 2011 interview with RJ's CEO here. As you can see in both the renders and actual images of the watch - the dial indeed replicates the look and feel of a planetary (or moon) surface. A combo or cracks, craters, and metal make up the dial that is perfect for the lunar nerd. The dial of course has actual moon sand dust in it and is hand-done.

One of the most distinctive design elements are the little markings on the dial (actually applied to the sapphire crystal) that make the view look like a grid. These 13 marks are meant to replicate the look of moon photography where pictures are sometimes taken with quadrant style grids on them. If you don't know what they are, it would be hard to fully understand the dial, but a little explanation helps the aesthetic feature feel unique and interesting.

RJ has tested with a number of textures and surfacing techniques to get the dial just right. They actually go through a lot of prototypes to get the right look - especially as CEO Manuel Emch has it in his head. Another issue that goes to his attention to detail is color matching. It might not seem like a big deal, but even something simple like matching hands to a bezel can be though.

It would be hard to miss the large red pusher for the chronograph. These pieces are prototypes, but you get an idea of the final result. The red pusher bounces well off the touch of red on the subsidiary seconds hand. Looking at the bezel you can see that it is mostly carbon fiber with the signature RJ "claws." Similar to the idea in the Titanic DNA watches, the bezel of this Moon Dust DNA watch is made with fragments of spare parts from the Apollo XI space lander.

On the back of the watch you'll see an engraving with the famous moon footprint. if the image looks grainy - that is on purpose. Romain Jerome is purposefully tying to emulate the look and quality of the newsprint images from circa 1969. Inside the watch is a Concepto made RJ Calibre RJ001-C automatic chronograph movement.

As you can see, there are two versions of the Moon Dust DNA Moon Chronograph - these are the Black Mood Chronograph, or the Steel Mood Chronograph. Are you in a moon mood? Is it steel or black? Very tough questions - I know. The case is in polished steel, or black PVD coated steel. The dial is darker on the black model. Good looking and comfortable, the case is 46mm wide with titanium screws. Crystal is AR coated sapphire, and the dial has blue colored SuperLumiNova lume.

The watch comes with two straps options. A rubber strap or an alligator strap with fabric woven in to it that has actual material from ISS (International Space Station) space suits. Whether or not the space and moon connection appeals to you - it is an interesting watch and fine example of watch RJ is known for. You appreciate the creativity and boldness in the design - as well as the length that the brand goes to make the novel features feel "authentic." Each of these watches is limited to just 1,969 pieces - look for the Romain Jerome Moon Dust DNA Black & Steel Mood Chronograph watches soon. Prices are 14,590 - 14,990 Swiss Francs.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Romain Jerome Rock The Rock DNA For Only Watch 2011

admin — Mon, 30 May 2011 10:54:07 +0000

In honor of Monaco, the city that will host the Only Watch 2011 charity watch auction, participating brand Romain Jerome has come up with this special piece unique watch. The dial is a piece of rock based on the stone that Monaco was literally built on - they call it the "Rock the Rock DNA" watch.

Based on the DNA style case, the watch has a black ceramic bezel and PVD black case. The dial has longitude and latitude indicators that likely mark the sport of the city (or where the stone was taken). The strap looks to be black alcantara leather. Overall this is actually a really cool looking timepieces. I love the black and tan color with red accents. Only one of these Rock the Rock DNA watches will be made and it will be auctioned off in September at Only Watch 2011.

Rock the Rock DNA Tech Specs:

Reference: Rock the Rock-DNA — unique piece

Caliber: C22RJ51- Mechanical self-winding movement

Jewelling: 23 jewels

Rate Frequency: 28,800 vph

Power reserve: 42 hours

Dial indication: Central hours and minutes, small seconds disc at 9 o’clock

Case: 46 mm

Bezel: Black matte ceramics

Sides: Black satin-finished PVD-coated steel

Paws: Black ceramics with titanium screws

Lugs: Black satin-finished PVD-coated steel

Lug inserts: Black PVD-coated steel

Crown: Black PVD-coated steel with black rubber

Case-back of Monaco: Rock the Rock engraving — unique piece representing the Rock

Dial: Composed of Monaco rock (west cliff) extracted on February 10th 2011 by Philippe Mondielli, geologist and scientific director of the Prince Albert II of Foundation, accompanied by Luc Pettavino, President of the Monaco Association Against Muscular Dystrophy. Two red transferred lines representing the latitude and the longitude of the exact geographical location of the principality of Monaco.

Water resistance: 3 ATM

Strap: Black rolled-edge alcantara with red seam indicating the continuity of the longitude of the Principality of Monaco.

Buckle: Folding clasp in black PVD-coated steel

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Romain Jerome Watches New Products For 2011

admin — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 19:43:56 +0000

Please enjoy Romain Jerome CEO Manuel Emch's presentation of the RJ's novelties for 2011 - shown at Baselworld.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Romain Jerome Titanic DNA Octopus Dive Watch Hands-On

admin — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 07:09:02 +0000

It really makes a lot of sense for there to be a real diver's watch in the Titanic DNA collection from Romain Jerome. I mean the whole idea of the collection is to commemorate something that is deep underwater. Well the Titanic DNA diver is here with the RJ Octopus. The Octopus name is actually part of the "octo" theme which involves the number 8. There are special 8 sided screws in parts of the case, it is water resistant to 888 feet, and it will be part of a limited edition of 888 pieces in a few varieties.

The Titanic DNA Octopus is a pretty neat watch. It builds on the Titanic DNA core collection as well as some of the newer RJ Steampunk models. Please note that the model you see here is still a pre-production prototype. A lot of little things will change. Especially the bezel which here hasn't been fully oxidized to achieve the proper look and color. The watch case is 46mm wide with the case claws and "X" moving through the dial. The base dial is unique on each piece as it is individually hand brushed and meant to look a bit worn. There are large blue SuperLumiNova lumed hour markers, as well as indicators on the reverse side of the sapphire crystal. I also like the iconic brand hands now with lumed tips that are easy to see.

As you can see the case is available in steel or PVD coated steel. There is also a version with 18k rose gold accents. Each has a distinct personality to it, and I think the overall collection is certainly a unique and fitting Titanic DNA diver. I just wished it was not still in the prototype phase.

The Octopus has a unique feature that I believe is a world's first. Turning the bezel actually turns the sapphire crystal as well - and this is how you operate the rotating diver's bezel (as the indicators on the sapphire crystal itself. I thought that was pretty cool. RJ didn't want me showing you the back of the watch yet as it is not complete, but there will be a very richly engraved octopus that is hovering over the RJ logo. It will be a really cool design for the Octopus theme. Attached to the watch is a high-grade rubber strap which on the underside has an octopus tentacle-like design with "suction cups." Nice little touch right there, and on par with the attention to detail RJ watches tend to focus on.

With a release scheduled for probably the summer or fall, the Romain Jerome Titanic DNA Octopus is a nice first dive watch for the brand. Like all RJ watches the limited edition will be only 888 pieces. If it is successful I anticipate other possible variants to come later. The watch will come in a diving helmet style watch box that completes the presentation. The box should me a good addition to your aquarium as a home for your real-life pet Octopus.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Watches + Video Games: Romain Jerome Teams Up With Taito

admin — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 02:00:42 +0000

It is funny how things develop as time goes on. So many watch I write about are dedicated to something young men would have been into in the 1960s and 1970s. Racing, planes, space travel, etc... All things that play with mens' imaginations at a young age and when they are older still have the same effect, with that added sense of nostalgia they helps you spend cash. Now watch makers are starting to more and more direct their attention on things that had more of an effect on me, such as science fiction and video games.

Romain Jerome has just penned a character licensing deal with Taito - publisher of the arcade shooter game Space Invaders that was popular in the early 1980s. RJ's Moon Invader line of watches has a small Space Invader character on the back of the watch. It seems now that RJ has the rights to use more of these sprites, and I anticipate an interesting future for the Moon Invader collection with more video game tie-ins. What will that look like? According to RJ there will be dedicated "Space Invader" watches - officially licensed by the source in Japan. Look out for them soon, and hopefully more video game character themed watches in the future. Here is me crossing my fingers for a Super Mario Bros. themed watch in the next 5 five years! Don't let me down Nintendo!

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.