ReviewThe Legend of the Dark Knight Continues with the Limited Edition RJ-Romain Jerome Batman-DNA Gotham City
Limited to just 75 pieces, the comic book-inspired collectible timepiece transcends you into the world of Batman
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“He’s the hero Gotham deserves, but not the one it needs right now. So we’ll hunt him. Because he can take it. Because he’s not our hero. He’s a silent guardian, a watchful protector. A dark knight.”
It’s been 8 years. And still…
This line still makes my hair stand on end as I recollect Batman driving into the darkness with Chief Gordon explaining the caped crusader’s sacrifice in the background. One of my favourite dialogues and scenes in the entire Christopher Nolan’s Batman Trilogy. The iconic DC comic hero has been an inspiration for many, especially RJ-Romain Jerome. Unveiling its second tribute to the Dark Avenger at Baselworld 2016, the Swiss brand has once again astounded the world with its limited edition, Batman-DNA Gotham City.
The enriching new addition to RJ-Romain Jerome’s Batman-DNA collection is in collaboration with Warner and DC Entertainment. Paying tribute to Batman’s home city, Gotham, the Batman-DNA Gotham City is true to its original model with the biggest change made only to the dial; limited to just 75 pieces.
Where Does The Watch Draw Inspiration From?
The imaginary city, Gotham, home to the Dark Avenger, is the main source of inspiration for the watch. The city comes to life on the dial of the Batman-DNA Gotham City with the help of a unique – 3D designed dial. The engraving of the city looks like it is leaping out of the dial, right at us! Something that could only be expected from a revolutionary brand like RJ-Romain Jerome! While the watch looks cool from afar, a closer look at the black dial reveals the sophistication and expertise required and invested by RJ-Romain Jerome in the dial, that is built on three layers with the Batman logo in the center and the RJ one at 12 o’clock, both in applique. The engraved 3D map of Gotham City’s skyline on the dial gives an arresting perspective of the complex process RJ-Romain Jerome have undergone to achieve the desired effect.
Not just that, the design of the dial also explores the relationship shared by Master Wayne as the masked crusader and the city he grew up in. The dial showcases the Batman logo soaring above, keeping vigil over the entire city like a protector and a guardian. It also reminds you of the distress signal- the ‘Bat-Signal’ used by Gotham City Police Department for summoning Batman. How cool is that!
In addition to this, the black sand-blasted Batman emblem applique on the dial creates amazing contrast with the polished and hand-chamfered outline, enabling light to do its magic trick over the rims of the watch. Representing power and strength, the bat insignia sits grandly on the dial just like the Dark Knight himself, gliding over his city, watching over Gotham.
The Dark Knight’s Affinity with Darkness
As we all are well aware of the orphan-billionaire turned nocturnal-vigilante’s kinship with darkness, and how he has “adopted the dark”, RJ-Romain Jerome has paid special attention to this aspect of Batman’s personality. Shrouded in black, the timepiece is a wonderful reflection of the relationship shared by Batman and darkness. From the bezel to the 46mm black PVD-coated steel case to the black Hornback crocodile strap with a black PVD-coated steel folding clasp, the watch is black in all its entirety.
With a facetted bezel in black PVD-coated steel which is reminiscent of Batman’s most popular and useful gadget, the Batmobile, each of the facets in the bezel are either polished or sand-blasted to give the watch a contrasting yet traditional RJ “rough” effect, also imitating Gotham City’s rough environment.
Look How The Watch Comes Alive!
As night is the only time when Batman and his city truly come alive, one of the coolest features on the watch is how it looks in the dark. The space between the buildings is filled in with SuperLumiNova C1 – that gives out a “blue emission” in the dark which adds an utterly cool and fun element to the watch. The city skyline lights up in a brilliant blue that definitely adds character to the already deep (figuratively) watch. It evokes a sense of nighttime, an eerie feeling of looming darkness ready to befall on Gotham City. While the front of the watch connotes many stories of the Caped Crusader, wait till you turn the watch around!
The case back has a Batman medallion engraved in the centre which reads “The Dark Knight Returns”, a subtle reference to Frank Miller’s graphic novel of the same name where a middle-aged Batman fights with Superman (read: Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice). The sturdy black case houses a fairly powerful mechanical self-winding movement caliber RJ001A which operates at 28,800vph. The watch clocks in a power reserve of 42 hours with a water-resistance of up to 30 metres.
Calling all Batman Fans
I’m pretty sure, many of us (including me), when we were young, have stood in front of the mirror and imitated the iconic “I’m Batman” line and felt a rush of pride, resilience and empowerment rush through our veins. While our younger selves in our naivety have hoped and dreamt of becoming Batman one day, donning the Batman- DNA Gotham City watch on our wrist could very well bring us a step closer to feeling the same way again. However, with just 75 units manufactured, you might have to cross swords with a few fellow fans to get your hands on the collectible trophy timepiece.
The Watch Guide is proud to report that the 75th (last piece) of Batman-DNA Gotham City has been secured for its Indian customers and is exclusively available at Ethoswatches.com.
Do you like the original version more? What are your favourite superhero watches? We would love to know! Let us know in the comments section below.
BATMAN and all related characters and elements © & ™ DC Comics and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. THE DARK KNIGHT and all related characters and elements © & ™ DC Comics and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
(Image Courtesy: Ablogtowatch & Thehorophile)