Polishing Tradition: Romain Gauthier's Mastery of Anglage
One of the most remarkable aspects of Romain Gauthier's craftsmanship is the technique of anglage employed to bevel each component by hand. In the brands' anglage atelier, skilled artisans spend countless hours perfecting this process. Using precision steel files, they first create subtle bevels along the edges of bridges and plates. Experts like Sylvie Devaux are then able to soften and refine these bevels, smoothing away marks from the file. A variety of buffing tools and polishing compounds are employed, gradually moving from coarser to finer grains. The final stage is accomplished with gentle rotations of gentian wood, native to the region. This natural material harbors a silky smoothness that brings an unparalleled lustre to the bevels. Mastering the deft, repetitive motions required makes anglage an art form requiring tremendous patience and control. For exceptional executions like the Insight Micro-Rotor Squelette, a single artisan will devote over 250 hours solely to the anglage of titanium components. Through such meticulous and skilled handiwork, the brands' timepieces truly embody the beauty and sophistication that can emerge when technology enhances tradition.
