ReviewThe RJ-Romain Jerome Titanic DNA Steampunk Metal Auto

RJ-Romain Jerome has always had a knack for presenting something unconventional with each timepiece. Be it their Air, Earth or Sea collections, they have always imbibed a historical element, making every watch more than legendary. Who would have thought that elements from the Moon, the ‘unsinkable’ Titanic and actual lava could create watches which would define a new era in watch making. It would be unfair to call these watches mere astonishing pieces because they are much more than just that. These watches reflect a sense of distinctiveness, given the fusion of off-beat materials with modern aesthetics. RJ-Romain Jerome offers every man the chance to explore new and uncharted dimensions of watchmaking.

In rust they trust

The RJ-Romain Jerome Titanic DNA is an interesting unheard of concept altogether in the world of watchmaking, because perhaps for the first time, a watchmaker has used recovered metal from the Titanic – that’s right, straight from the hull of the vessel, to craft the bezel of the watch (no kidding!). They also acquired steel from the Harland & Wolff shipyards in Belfast, where the Titanic was built, which somehow justifies the ‘intentional’, rusty look of the piece. Hard to believe? We found it hard as well but the Titanic DNA does, in fact (like every other RJ-Romain Jerome watch), come with a Certificate of Authenticity from the Harland & Wolff shipyard and RJ-Romain Jerome.

To make things more interesting (and unique), coal salvaged from the Titanic’s boiler room has been applied on the dial of the watch. Fitting tribute or provocative? Well regardless of that, the watch today is a living keepsake of the legendary ship.

The Titanic DNA Steampunk Metal Auto

Coming back to RJ-Romain Jerome’s offing, the Titanic Steampunk Metal Auto isn’t a small watch by any means. Sitting large with a 50mm diameter case, it provides you a huge, uninterrupted and clear view of the dial. The design again is very unconventional but handsomely done. The dial features four polished screw pistons which form RJ-Romain Jerome’s signature ‘X’ mark and two Roman numerals at 12 and 6 o’clock. The hands are inspired by the anchors of the ship and the dial is integrated into the self-winding movement. Immediately noticeable though is the rusty and rough finishing on the bezel and the seconds propeller sitting right in the middle, which adds to the essence and importance of the watch being made from the parts of the famous ship. In terms of looks, there’s no doubt that the Steampunk has a very masculine personality.

“This retro- futuristic timepiece contains steel from the wreck of the legendary ocean liner, visible on the bezel.”

Quick Trivia:

The most outstanding element of the watch is without a doubt, the steel bezel, but apart from procuring steel from the shipyard where the Titanic was built back in Belfast, RJ-Romain Jerome also procured steel from the Titanic lying 3,840 meters below the sea; which was purchased from a diver before the sea wreck location was declared a protected site.

The unconventional back

What we get beneath the hood is a well-tuned mechanical self-winding movement Caliber RJ001AS. Why unique? Well, because most of RJ-Romain Jerome watches are completely unorthodox in terms of design, they have to find a way to accommodate a calibre in their unconventional designs. When fully wound, the calibre offers a healthy 48 hours of power reserve running at 28,800 vph.  The Steampunk comes in black rubber and Hornback crocodile strap options. The case back is made of solid steel, with a tribute to the Titanic engraved and also mentions which of the 2012 limited pieces of the Steampunk it is that you own.

A new era in watchmaking

There’s no question that the timepiece echoes personality and charm, and houses among the most intricately designed mechanisms. And apart from its ‘USP’, i.e., the metal used, it still checks all the boxes in terms of the mechanism you would expect from a watch of that stature.

Consider this a historical artefact in itself, the Steampunk Auto would surely catch the fancy of every watch lover and collector. History combined with sturdiness and rugged good looks, the steampunk expresses freedom to dream, live and appreciate the majestic sail of the Titanic. Limited to only 2012 pieces for the world, you can get yours exclusively in India at Ethowatches.com.

What are your favourite unconventional pieces from RJ-Romain Jerome? Let us know in the comments section below!