An evolution, a sweet vacation and a milestone purchase

[Ichiran]

My horological taste has evolved gradually over the years.

Up to the age of 39, I never care much for watches and I’m happy to wear the same Seiko 24 hours a day until it broke. I wasn’t even aware a watch can be serviced or repaired then, and a broken watch meant that I would get the next cheapest replacement from Seiko.

Something changed in my head when I was around 39. I could not explain what caused it but I fell in love with the Nautilus 5711. By association, I also began to like the other Patek models due to their history, complications and aesthetics, and over the next few years, went deep into the brand.

Then something switched again in early 2022. While still a big Patek fan, I developed a fondness for sharp inward angles in movements as they are sure signs of hand-finishing. I started to research madly into sharp inward angles and the more I dug into them, the more I yearned for them. In March 2022, my AD graciously placed an order on my behalf for a Voutilainen Vingt-8 which is scheduled for delivery in 2026. It was a big deal for me to have a bespoke handmade watch with sharp inward angles from a living legend. I look forward to 2026 for the delivery.

Besides Kari Voutilainen, I also learned that watches made by Philippe Dufour, Rexhep Rexhepi and Romain Gauthier have the highest level of hand-finishing. Not contented with just having the Vingt-8, I also wanted to add at least another piece from the pantheon of hand-finishing greats. During our recent vacation to Japan, while my wife is shopping, I went to an AD to place an order for the Romain Gauthier Insight Micro-Rotor (white gold) without seeing one in metal or trying one on. Thankfully the watch is still available for order and the delivery is estimated to be Q1 2024, which is not too bad compared to the Vingt-8. I chose the white enamel dial because I like how it looks with the blue hands. My wife commented I was beaming from ear to ear when I rejoined her. I still remember that “high” feeling to this day.

That aside, I find it incredible that a glorious watch like that could be purchased without a wait, compared to the known difficulties in getting a Simplicity or a RRCC. RG only makes 50-60 watches a year and I regard them as one of, if not, the most under-rated watchmakers in history. I’m aware Chanel has a minority stake in RG (just like FPJ) and RG the man relies on his team of in-house artisans to finish his watches. That said, PD is his mentor and that’s good enough for me.

Thanks for reading this long post. I will update as and when there are news to the delivery. Below are stock photos of the watch.

Front.jpg

Back.jpg

[llngoc]

Nice catch. How come you did not get the Japan edition final Logical One? I think there are still a couple of them available.

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by llngoc

Nice catch. How come you did not get the Japan edition final Logical One? I think there are still a couple of them available.

Logical Ones at 43mm are too large for my wrist. The Insight Micro-Rotor is a love at first sight but as RG is not available here, and due to Covid travel restrictions, I wasn't able to get it until now.

[jw0n]

Huge congrats and thank you for sharing your journey, Michael. I look forward to your incoming RG as well as the Voutilainen. I too considered something from Kari, but just couldn't jive with the current catalogue.

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by jw0n

Huge congrats and thank you for sharing your journey, Michael. I look forward to your incoming RG as well as the Voutilainen. I too considered something from Kari, but just couldn't jive with the current catalogue.

Thanks Won! Have you considered Voutilainen 28 Inverse? That one is quite an off-the-path Voutilainen but you still get the movement aesthetics with the inward angles on the dial side.

[ButtButt]

Wow huge congrats, I could stare at that watch for days.

Is an overseas AD the only way to get one? I tried emailing them about a Continuum a while back but I never got a reply.

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by ButtButt

Wow huge congrats, I could stare at that watch for days.

Is an overseas AD the only way to get one? I tried emailing them about a Continuum a while back but I never got a reply.

Try DM RG directly. A friend ordered a C bracelet edition before it was announced but did not get any update after the announcement. Apparently there was some personnel change and the emails he sent went into a black hole. But he got a prompt response from RG himself.

Continuum seems to be a very popular reference.

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by ButtButt

Wow huge congrats, I could stare at that watch for days.

Is an overseas AD the only way to get one? I tried emailing them about a Continuum a while back but I never got a reply.

Thanks! Local ADs do not carry RG and I tried to coincide our family vacation with a visit to the Japanese AD. I think F2F interaction helps and I decided to buy there as I visit Japan annually. In an interview, RG said Japan is one of his major markets so I guess in terms of communication, he will be more responsive to his biggest clientele (in theory).

I also contacted TW and HK ADs and I do think it is possible to buy from them.

[ButtButt]

Originally Posted by llngoc

Try DM RG directly. A friend ordered a C bracelet edition before it was announced but did not get any update after the announcement. Apparently there was some personnel change and the emails he sent went into a black hole. But he got a prompt response from RG himself.

Continuum seems to be a very popular reference.

I don't have social media

Originally Posted by Ichiran

Thanks! Local ADs do not carry RG and I tried to coincide our family vacation with a visit to the Japanese AD. I think F2F interaction helps and I decided to buy there as I visit Japan annually. In an interview, RG said Japan is one of his major markets so I guess in terms of communication, he will be more responsive to his biggest clientele (in theory).

I also contacted TW and HK ADs and I do think it is possible to buy from them.

Thanks, maybe I'll try to check them out during my next trip.

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by ButtButt

Thanks, maybe I'll try to check them out during my next trip.

You can ask me if you have any questions on RG and the Insight Micro-Rotor. I have done a lot of research before I pulled the trigger. Hope this helps and good luck with your next watch journey

[ButtButt]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

You can ask me if you have any questions on RG and the Insight Micro-Rotor. I have done a lot of research before I pulled the trigger. Hope this helps and good luck with your next watch journey

Thanks for the very generous offer!

[huydoan]

It seems independent brands are the endpoints of watch collecting journey. I didn't believe it before, but now I do. I am in the same similar situation as yours, where I started collecting Rolex, then AP, and finally PP only. Recently I am more interested in the independent brands, where I am totally in love with beveling, dial treatment effect of grenage, tremblage, sharp inward angles, or whatever related to manual work. Unlike you, I started with super under radar, young, contemporary watchmakers with reasonable price range of 20k. Hope to hear good news on your RG very soon.

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by huydoan

It seems independent brands are the endpoints of watch collecting journey. I didn't believe it before, but now I do. I am in the same similar situation as yours, where I started collecting Rolex, then AP, and finally PP only. Recently I am more interested in the independent brands, where I am totally in love with beveling, dial treatment effect of grenage, tremblage, sharp inward angles, or whatever related to manual work. Unlike you, I started with super under radar, young, contemporary watchmakers with reasonable price range of 20k. Hope to hear good news on your RG very soon.

Glad we are on the same path

As I get older I tend to appreciate the hand-work and the number of dedicated hours these artisans put in. Maybe my mind starts to associate luxury with hours and hard work subconsciously.

I still buy Patek though and still hope to collect a MR one day. Their MR are also finished superbly by hand. So many temptations out there.

I will update again when I get the Insight Micro-Rotor

[shafran]

Beautiful watch, well played!

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by shafran

Beautiful watch, well played!

Thank you! I haven't received the watch yet but based on the numerous macro shots I have seen, the watch will be incredible.

[MJaber]

A thousand congrats on the beautiful Micro Rotor! It is my favourite reference from RG and my daily!

I agree with you on everything you said about RG but I am biased as I work for the man!

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by MJaber

A thousand congrats on the beautiful Micro Rotor! It is my favourite reference from RG and my daily!

I agree with you on everything you said about RG but I am biased as I work for the man!

I just visited your IG - you have an unbelievable custom Insight Micro-Rotor!!! My gosh! Frosted blue enamel baseplate, custom Arabic Numerals and beautiful Saudi Arabia background - love it!

I wish you post more pics here, your watch is an eye opener! Wear in good health and hope we can meet up with our own Insight Micro-Rotor one day!

[MJaber]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

I just visited your IG - you have an unbelievable custom Insight Micro-Rotor!!! My gosh! Frosted blue enamel baseplate, custom Arabic Numerals and beautiful Saudi Arabia background - love it!

I wish you post more pics here, your watch is an eye opener! Wear in good health and hope we can meet up with our own Insight Micro-Rotor one day!

problem is I am yet of figure out how to post pics on this forum

do message me your order details so I can track it and take pics for your while its being finished and assembly - this way you'll be able to document the creation of your timepiece.

[denmanproject]

Originally Posted by MJaber

problem is I am yet of figure out how to post pics on this forum

do message me your order details so I can track it and take pics for your while its being finished and assembly - this way you'll be able to document the creation of your timepiece.

This connection is so cool, let’s hope Michael posts them here

[chalkflewup]

Originally Posted by MJaber

A thousand congrats on the beautiful Micro Rotor! It is my favourite reference from RG and my daily!

I agree with you on everything you said about RG but I am biased as I work for the man!

Gorgeous photography!

[enjoythemusic]

Major congrats! Your journey echoes many others. Let us be thankful for true independents who have brought back incredible HANDcraftmanship and designs.

[uniqueMR]

Congrats :)

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Major congrats! Your journey echoes many others. Let us be thankful for true independents who have brought back incredible HANDcraftmanship and designs.

Thanks! I say let's be grateful to all watch manufacturers out there who give everyone a choice of their own to enter and immerse into the world of horology.

Originally Posted by uniqueMR

Congrats :)

Thank you!

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

Thanks! I say let's be grateful to all watch manufacturers out there who give everyone a choice of their own to enter and immerse into the world of horology.

Very true, as there's a wrist for every timepiece

Only exception is the Chinese knock-offs (grrrr-rrrr) that claim to be made in Germany. Long story short, have been helping others and sometimes a newbie sees something that may look _____ to them, yet in reality is a cheap low-quality 'hommage' watch. Have also been chatting with 'kids' who think timepieces are waaaay cool to become watchmakers. Gosh knows we need more watchmakers.

[charger_vital]

What a beautiful watch! Congrats on a very special piece.

[uscmatt99]

Congratulations I love this timepiece! Even the screw heads contribute to the overall aesthetic. Masterfully designed and finished.

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by uscmatt99

Congratulations I love this timepiece! Even the screw heads contribute to the overall aesthetic. Masterfully designed and finished.

RG uses S screws and I do think it adds to the overall aesthetics of the watch. The S screw is supposed to allow the person to apply more force due to the "longer" line in the screw head

[Ichiran]

An update:
There is a very slight delay in the completion date from the originally scheduled Q1 2024 to April 2024 (not much really). I was informed by my AD that the production for my watch has started and the movement will commence next week. All good and I am expecting some work-in-progress pictures soon.

And yes, I'm looking forward to travel to my favourite country Japan to collect my Insight Micro-Rotor this April. I have already planned what ramen and teppanyaki (Kobe beef is incomparable) to have there. Alas the sakura bloom is over by then but there is always another time. I can't believe my heart is pumping fast as I am typing this post

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

An update:
There is a very slight delay in the completion date from the originally scheduled Q1 2024 to April 2024 (not much really). I was informed by my AD that the production for my watch has started and the movement will commence next week. All good and I am expecting some work-in-progress pictures soon.

And yes, I'm looking forward to travel to my favourite country Japan to collect my Insight Micro-Rotor this April. I have already planned what ramen and teppanyaki (Kobe beef is incomparable) to have there. Alas the sakura bloom is over by then but there is always another time. I can't believe my heart is pumping fast as I am typing this post

I will also be in Tokyo in April. And looks like I will also miss the Sakura by a week just like last year.

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by subtona

Well done Michael!

Thanks Gus!