Celebrating the 75th anniversary of arguably the most popular comic book superhero of all time, Romain Jerome have teamed up with DC Comics to produce a bold and very limited watch paying tribute to Gotham City’s very own Dark Knight. Meet the Romain Jerome Batman-DNA.
I can’t think of a watch brand that’s more polarising than Romain Jerome. Often held in complete disregard by seasoned watch enthusiasts, Romain Jerome continuously break the codes of traditional watchmaking by paying tribute to icons of pop culture and modern history rather than long-forgotten names of horological lore. It’s a brand with a unique ability to play on one’s childish and nostalgic side and encapsulate that in the form of a luxury mechanical watch, appealing to an audience that extends far beyond the confines of haute horlogerie. In that respect, the Batman-DNA is no different.
Unlike many other Romain Jerome pieces however, where DNA implies some artifact being physically infused into the watch such as salvaged steel in the brand’s most iconic Titanic collection, the Batman-DNA fits right into Romain Jerome’s “DNA of Famous Legends” slogan without having to resort to incorporating actual physical artefacts in the watch. To me, when you have designs as striking this, there’s absolutely no need for such tangible bits of history/pop-culture.
The 46mm wide case features a new design with signature Romain Jerome elements, including the four “claws” that attach the bezel to the case. Done in black PVD-treated steel, the case features an asymmetrical faceted bezel with alternating satin-brushed and polished surface finishes. Meant to recall the angular construction of the Batmobile, There’s a certain edgy (no pun intended) charm about it that’s definitely eye-catching. At the same time, the all-black shadowy silhouette lends the entire watch a sense of stealth.
There’s more to the dial that just a Batman logo, though needless to say it’s fairly prominent. The outer part is fashioned in blackened metal with an engraving that produces an effect not unlike that of graphite or even meteorite. The only applied marker is the “RJ” logo at 12 o’clock, keeping the dial entirely focused on the Dark Knight’s emblem. The Batman logo itself is done in an appliqué with a black rim and recessed centre done in matt black lacquer, and is modelled after the emblem from the latest “Dark Knight” iteration of the franchise media.
The coolest (and geekiest) part of the dial is the concrete-grey part surrounding the Batman logo, which is done in black “C1” Superluminova that grows brightly under direct UV light exposure, reminding one of the “Bat Signal”. In the dark, it glows far more subtly with an eerie blue tone.
The case back features a medallion engraved with a raw and rough finishing, housing the time-only automatic movement within, which is most likely based on the Valijoux 7750 or a clone of it by one of the Swiss movement manufacturers/suppliers such as Sellita or Concepto.
This is not a piece of Batman merchandise meant for the masses, but rather a piece of wearable memorabilia paying tribute. Most surprising is that for a watch this bold, it actually wears quite nicely even with more formal attire, perfect for a night on the town- Gotham City of course. I found the black hornback alligator leather strap than similar straps by other manufacturers. Could be the calfskin lining and rubberised edges.
The Romain Jerome Batman-DNA is limited to 75 examples with a price tag of CHF 14’950 (Swiss Francs), and from what I hear they’re almost all spoken for already, so if you’re considering one you’d better act fast!
More information on www.romainjerome.ch
