Founded in 2004 RJ Romain Jerome has now become synonymous with creating really unique timepieces. Their Pièce de résistance is the DNA collection launched in 2006. This iconic range pays homage to famous legends of the 20th century. In 2010 Manuel Emch joined the company as CEO bringing his youthful exuberance to revitalize the brand. There is no doubt that RJ are innovators producing cutting edge designs. They are also highly regarded by their contemporaries as skillful watchmakers.
The model I tried on was the RJ Moon Dust-DNA Black Mood Ochre. The name’s a bit of a mouthful but certainly suits the essence of this amazing timepiece. Size wise it’s also pretty impressive. The diameter measures a very respectable 46mm excluding the crown. The watch itself felt very comfortable to wear & there was no protrusion from the lugs. Personally I would be happy to wear the MD-DNA BMO for any occasion. I definitely think it would look awesome under a dinner jacket or at cocktail party. Ultimately the watch is designed with the extrovert in mind. You wouldn’t wear a watch like this unless you really wanted to court attention. Aesthetically its bold design certainly won’t appeal to everyone’s taste but I found it mesmerizing to wear.
The attention to detail on this piece is meticulous. The bezel is made from stainless steel, carbon fiber & with parts of Apollo 11. This really compliments the Black PVD-coated steel case. My favorite design feature is the Ochre dial comprising mineral elements & containing real moon dust. I found the watch face pretty mind blowing as it replicates craters on the moon surface. Like most people I’ve always been seduced by the mysteries of the moon. Romain Jerome has immortalized this spirit in the design of this stunning timepiece. Other features include black open-worked hour/minutes hands enhanced with Superluminova. Also there is really cool four-blade circular second hand counter set within one of the craters at the 9 o’clock position.
Underneath the splendid facade lies the impressive mechanical heart. The Caliber C22RJ51 is bought as a ébauche from Concepto or Lajoux Perret then decorated & assembled in house. The movement comprises 23 Jewels with an oscillating speed of 28,800 vph delivering 42 hours of power reserve. The watch comes with a black rubber strap bearing an embossed RJ logo. There is also the chance to purchase an optional extra crocodile hornback strap (partly woven with carbon fibre & fibres from an ISS spacesuit) with steel folding clasp.
The MD-DNA BMO is limited to 1969 pieces & is priced at: $17,000.
http://www.romainjerome.ch/
