In Focus: Romain Gauthier Logical One

I feel quite lucky to be alive to witness Romain Gauthier’s genius come to life in the form of his eponymous brand. Born in Vallée de Joux to parents who worked in the watch industry, Romain began his career machining precision parts for watches. As he learned his trade and made increasingly complex components, Romain began to wonder how all these precision components came together to build a watch. With the encouragement of Philippe Dufour, Romain set out to make a watch that was not only beautiful but sought perfection in all areas of watchmaking. The result is not a letdown.

You can feel the creativity and the passion for watchmaking emanating from the Romain Gauthier Logical One. The name fascinates me, as the word “logical” might suggest a round watch displaying time only without any interesting complications. What you get with the Logical One is far deeper.

Reimagining traditional watchmaking is a hard thing to do, and Romain Gauthier has executed perfectly on this quest. Romain wanted to incorporate the constant-force escapement, providing the escapement with a constant flow of energy, in the form of the fusée and chain mechanism. Re-engineering the system with a snail cam so the system would remain on the same plane, Romain has made his chain with rubies as the rollers to remove the necessity for lubricants and create a system that is as beautiful to look at as it is functional. The system is wound by an integrated winding pusher in the caseband. The tactile feedback from the winding pusher comes second only to the visual feast provided by the mechanism when the pusher is released. The visible mechanisms and multiple forms of polishing on display is the stuff of every watch nerd’s dreams.

The finish of the watch is incredible. It’s hard to describe how every bridge and piece is so immaculately finished. Every piece and bridge are cut by hand before being beveled and polished.

At 43mm, this case is surprisingly light and wearable. The blue enamel dial has a denim hue it that I am quite taken with, jumping off the natural titanium of the case, and easily legible in all light. Paired with a blue, brown, tan, or gray strap, this watch is a perfect daily wear for the horologically-obsessed. It is functional and even serious in form, yet casual enough for laidback weekend wear.

Announcing the retirement of the Logical One in 2021, this is a breathtaking example of the model, and earns my distinction as its best iteration. Final orders are now being taken for delivery in or before 2023, so Romain can focus on new ideas.

At only 46 years old, Romain has many ideas, inventions, and watches ahead of him, which explains the end to the era of the Logical One. He and his team are ready to start exploring what is possible as they continue to reimagine the realm of traditional watchmaking. I cannot wait to see what is next.

The Specs

Model: Romain Gauthier Logical One

Reference Number: MON00161

Case Size + Material: 43mm case in titanium

Caseback: Exhibition caseback

Movement: Logical One calibre; manual winding mechanical movement with chain-and-fusée constant-force mechanism

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, power reserve indicator

Strap/Bracelet: Alligator strap with Tang Buckle

Limited Edition: Yes