On a visit to Switzerland back in 2015, I took the opportunity to visit a couple of factories at La Chaux-de-Fonds in the canton of Neuchâtel. At this stage, was looking at unusual materials for future creations. One of the companies specialised in carbon fibre and was experimenting with different colours and finishes. Probably one of the most unusual options was a luminous carbon that glowed in the dark. Due to cost and availability, I decided to opt for different alternatives. A few years later I got to the opportunity to create numerous timepieces with multi-coloured forged carbon cases. Probably the most unusual variant was interweaved with gold foil. At the time I was the first designer in the world to produce a complete timepiece using this material. Subsequently luxury brand Romago Swiss have used this amazing composite in their distinctive LuminFusion Carbon Gold.
A few years ago, only high-end watch brands like Audemars Piquet, Hublot and Richard Mille were experimenting with carbon composites. Even though these timepieces are beautifully crafted they are beyond the realms of most buyers due to price points. Fortunately, carbon composites are a lot more accessible and affordable nowadays. There is also a lot more variety to choose from. I’ve seen so many different variants which have their own unique patinas. However, I feel the material used in LuminFusion Carbon Gold is the most luxurious.
Dimensionally the LuminFusion Carbon Gold is very well proportioned and has a 46.5mm x 46.5mm x 15.9mm square case. Some might say it has a similar appearance to some of the carbon fibre models Bell & Ross create. For example, the timepieces are a similar size and are very striking. However, in my opinion, the LuminFusion Carbon Gold has a more industrial façade. I also love the fact Romago has equipped this model with a revolving rotor style dial with a caricatured enchanting face. This feature allows the recipient a discreet view of the skeletonised movement. Essentially the theme was to create a mysterious watch that changes appearance at the fall of night. Certainly, the luminous carbon case, bezel and dial are pretty mesmerising.
At the heart of the watch is an in house customised Swiss self-winding mechanical movement from Selita. The Calibre SW200 comprises 26-jewels, oscillates at 28,800 vibrations per hour. Functionally the LuminFusion Carbon Gold features hours, minutes and seconds. The watch also is water-resistant to a depth of 50-metres and has a power reserve of 36 hours. As a perfect final touch, the timepiece has a high-quality black rubber injection-moulded strap inscribed with the name ‘ROMAGO’.
The LuminFusion Carbon Gold is priced very competitively price at $5,690. For more information follow this link
