Worth Reading
In 2013, the Logical One by Romain Gauthier won the ‘Best Men’s Complication’ award at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) - the most prestigious award ceremony in the watch industry.
Developed at the manufacture of Romain Gauthier in the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland, the multi-patented 37 jewel movement features a constant-force device by means of an innovative chain-and-fusee style system running at 4Hz. However, this system differs greatly in its approach from the traditional, where a cone-shaped pulley (fusee) would be wound with a chain attached to the mainspring barrel. Each watch is entirely decorated, assembled and regulated in-house.
In the Logical One, Romain Gauthier replaces the fusee with a slowly rotating snail cam, placing it and the mainspring barrel on the same level. This way, force is always transmitted in a straight line, and only one short line of chain is needed. With the advantage of larger chain links, Gauthier further improves efficiency by constructing the links with low-friction, hard-wearing, synthetic rubies and finally, to eliminate potential friction within the mainspring barrel, the mainspring is placed between synthetic sapphire plates. For the five pieces in the Limited Edition BTG, Romain Gauthier also constructs the upper bridge of the constant-force mechanism in titanium, leaving it in its natural hue rather than the black finishing applied to the movement and bridges.
Even the winding mechanism is unique, wound not with the crown but instead a 18K white-gold pusher set in the case band at 9 o’clock, allowing for a more efficient transmission of energy to the barrel. This provides the watch with 46 hours of power-reserve, quite an achievement for a variation of a fusee and chain, with a power-reserve indicator visible through the exhibition case-back. Looking further at the superb, hand-decorated movement, the rounded chamfers and internal angles of the bridges and main-plate are first to draw the eye. Gauthier also uses specifically designed screws with polished heads, an in-house balance wheel with curved arms and calibrated eccentric weights, and bespoke gear wheels with circular arms for maximum strength.
This Romain Gauthier Logical One BTG is a Limited Edition, with a black Grade 5 titanium case measuring at 43mm x 14.2mm, perfectly balanced and contrasted with the 18K white-gold crown and pusher, as well as a satin-finished side to the lugs. Both the main and subsidiary-seconds dials are offset to the right side of the case, with the constant force device on display to the left, set deep within the watch. This example is fitted with a semi-translucent, deep-blue enamel dial and polished white-gold hands.
A Collected Man is delighted to be able to offer a rare opportunity to acquire this highly desirable Logical One (No. 1 of Five), available as a complete set and fitted on the original black alligator strap (with contrasting grey stitching) and corresponding black titanium buckle, with box and papers from the manufacture.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
