Romain Gauthier Logical One, Titanium

Pause a moment and just contemplate the insanity here. The fusée and chain is surely the most spectacular way possible to deliver a constant force from the mainspring. A fusée and chain made of a snail cam with a chain of individual rubies used as roller bearings is, well, madness. As if that weren’t enough, it’s wound via a pusher, yes a pusher, at 9 (full torque is about 40 presses). It is a concept that required 4 patents to debut in 2013, where it immediately won the Men’s Comp award at GPHG. Since, the Logical One has remained the most advanced take on the fusée and chain drive in horology since its invention.

The idea of constant force is quite simply. Escapements run more quickly at full mainspring torque and more slowly on an empty mainspring barrel. Constant force mechanisms are solutions. The most commonly seen types are remontoirs, though it’s worth looking into crazier solutions like the GP Constant Escapement or Arnold & Sons Tourbillon. The fusée and chain is one of the more historic, and one that is placed before the center wheel instead of near the escapement. It’s historic, dramatic, and sexy, but notoriously hard to make. That’s why it’s the territory of Lange, Ferdinand Berthoud, and Romain Gauthier. Here, the snail cam maintains the same constant torque of a tapered fusée. The entire watch has been built around these accomplishments, to display them as proudly (and as beautifully finished) as possible.

The Logical One has stood the test of time for its innovation, both well-timed to meet a burgeoning independent market and genuinely daring. The details do pusher further as well. Interior angles are celebrated. The mainspring is mounted between two sapphire discs to remove friction. Gauthier invented his own pallet lever shape and tooth to increase stability. The barrel bridge alone takes 20 hours to finish, not even shape. And, here, the dial is grand feu enamel in a titanium case. It’s taking the best of classic high watchmaking and pushing it into the new generation with a fresh perspective. This dedication to craft is probably why the Logical One hasn’t been anything other than extremely collected since debut.

The example up for grabs today appears in excellent overall condition, with nothing more than light surface wear. It comes with the works, as you would expect.