
As a management consultant, I support companies in their transformation projects. As a proud father of two children, I am passionate about contemporary art, fine dining, travel, football (I am a die-hard PSG fan) and watchmaking. My journey with watchmaking began around fifteen years ago, leading me to co-found Complications. This club for enthusiasts boasts the world’s first shared watch collection and a clear mission: to breathe new life into watchmaking. Here, we encourage the sharing of timepieces, the passing on of knowledge and the enjoyment of socialising with like-minded individuals.
Romain Douville
DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST WATCH?
The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional.
My wife gave this to me as an engagement gift, so it is very sentimental to me. I was immediately fascinated by its connection to the Apollo 11 mission. It sparked my passion for watchmaking and my desire to expand my knowledge.
WHICH 3 WATCHES DO YOU CONSIDER THE MOST ICONIC?
Every watch has its own story. In my humble opinion, the most iconic and emblematic watches are (sorry, they are 4!):
- The Omega Speedmaster: This watch played a historic role in the space race and has a timeless design. This is the watch that started it all for me.
- The Rolex Daytona: A legendary chronograph. I love its strong connection to auto racing and Paul Newman, as well as its aesthetic and technical evolution over the decades.
- The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is the embodiment of elegance. Its reversible case, originally designed for polo players, is an impressive feat of design and mechanics.
- The Patek Philippe Calatrava: I love the brand’s unparalleled prestige, but above all I love the model’s ‘false simplicity’. I love the idea of a watch that appears minimalist but actually conceals a level of craftsmanship, finishing and expertise of rare complexity.
THE LAST WATCH YOU BOUGHT?
My latest purchase is the Eska Amphibian 250, a reimagined diving watch powered by a Seiko calibre.
I was drawn in by the design, but this choice also fits into a current trend in watchmaking that fascinates me: the revival of dormant watch brands (much like the highly publicised comeback of Universal Genève in recent months).
DO YOU GENERALLY LIKE VINTAGE ITEMS?
I really like vintage watches, but I rarely follow through with buying one.
My main concern is that I might end up with a modified, inauthentic watch with non-original parts.
APART FROM WATCHES, WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN INTERESTS?
I played football for a long time before injuries forced me to stop playing.
Nowadays, I run, and I see it as a challenge. I need a goal to motivate me, like last year when I ran the Marseille-Cassis race.
I enjoy watching football and tennis on TV.
As a food lover, I enjoy combining fine dining with wine, and I particularly like restaurants run by French chefs.
Finally, I love travelling and exploring new destinations.
WHICH ITEMS OR ACCESSORIES DO YOU ALWAYS TAKE WITH YOU WHEN YOU LEAVE HOME?
Wherever I go, I usually take three things with me: my smartphone for work and for taking photos, my laptop, and a magazine (I subscribe to Montre Heroes) to unwind with.
A NOTEWORTHY ANECDOTE ASSOCIATED WITH ONE OF YOUR WATCHES?
One day, I found my son, who was 7 at the time, comfortably settled on the sofa, leafing through a book about watches. He was commenting on each model: “I like this one”, “I don’t like that one”… At that moment, I realised that there’s no age limit when it comes to passing on a passion for watches. Nowadays, he proudly wears a lovely Flik Flak (for special occasions)!
IF YOU HIT THE JACKPOT IN THE LOTTERY, WHAT IS THE DREAM WATCH YOU WOULD BUY?
If I won the jackpot, I would choose the “Lune – Ref. Lune” by F.P. Journe. Visually, this watch is a masterpiece. Furthermore, I have always been fascinated by the poetic quality of the moon phase complication. I also place great importance on exclusivity, and the extremely private and independent nature of the F.P. Journe brand aligns with my vision of fine watchmaking.
WHAT’S ON YOUR WRIST TODAY?
A Casio G-Shock, that stays true to the design of the original G-Shock models.
A PLACE EVERYONE SHOULD VISIT AT LEAST ONCE IN THEIR LIFETIME?
If I had to recommend just one destination, it would be Lapland in winter.
It offers a truly unique experience: pristine white expanses stretching as far as the eye can see, untamed wilderness, and extreme cold. The days there are very short, which completely throws off our sense of time. It’s a trip that leaves a lasting impression with its raw beauty and silence.
IF YOU HAD A TELEPORTER, WHERE WOULD YOU SPEND THE NEXT 24 HOURS?
The country I dream of visiting is Japan.
I deeply admire its unique culture, which manages to be at the forefront of modernity while remaining true to its traditions. Moreover, it is a country of passionate watch enthusiasts, whether it comes to their own craftsmanship or their deep knowledge of vintage watches.
WHAT SINGLE PERSONAL ITEM WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE WITH YOU TO A DESERT ISLAND?
If I were stranded on a deserted island, I’d bring a sturdy knife.
It’s a bit basic, but it’s the ultimate all-purpose tool: essential for self-defense, whittling tools, cutting through tall grass, and ensuring survival.
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