Romain Gauthier Logical One was launched at SIHH 2013. Its success was immediate and paid in full – Best Men’s Complications Watch at the 2013 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. The diamond version was shown last year at Baselword. Since today monsieur Gauthier celebrates his birthday, I considered the perfect occasion to present you the Romain Gauthier Logical One Diamonds.
Review Romain Gauthier Logical One Diamonds
Logical One celebrates this year 7 years. At the launch, in 2013, the world of watches was much poorer in sophistication and the timepieces could receive the deserved attention. In these days, when fabulous watches are launched at a dizzy speed and in a high amount, it is hard to allocate enough time and attention to all. High-end pieces do not receive the required amount of love.
Before going into the descriptive part, please have a look at the wrist roll below:
Diamonds, or how to make a precious timepiece stand out
One might think: what could be an interesting addition to make an already known watch (that has received several facelifts and decorations) even more interesting? Well… Diamonds.
I am not a diamonds guy. I am more into “diamonds are a girl’s best friend”. I am one of those guys that love to buy them or use them for her, the significant one. But, oh boy, the Logical One looks spectacular in shinny suit. 
The 43mm white gold case was gifted with generous surfaces that were used to set in baguette-cut diamonds. A total of 92 stones, 7.2 carats spread across bezel, lugs, and clasp. The setting is refined. The case band was exempted. As well as the push-button winder. The barrier between exquisite and kitsch is often so subtle that it is easy to cross. But Romain Gauthier kept the Logical One Diamonds in the refined side.
Just have a look at those lugs… Excellent integration with the voluptuous case. Not only the pusher was kept in place, but also the signature crown – decorated with the Romain Gauthier engraved initials. One might find it strangely delicate, but this lovely detail is well integrated into the design. Plus, the setting is a nice experience.
The diamond setting brings new depths and dimensions to the already beautiful Logical One case.
The pusher for winding is an original approach for this functional necessity. The hand-wind is now a push-to-wind process. I have to admit that it is a catchy occupation. Stress relief even…
Highlighting the highlights
Romain Gauthier Logical One Diamonds has a familiar dial. For those of you accustomed with the Romain Gauthier timepieces, Logical One in particular, the new version will bring no surprise. The movement presents its most important elements on the dial side. The dark background evidentiates the balance wheel, the constant force system with chain-and-fusee and the gorgeous white enamel dial.
The exceptional finishes are there to be loved. The Logical One does not need to be turned to the back to enjoy the beauty of the mechanism. One just needs to take time to look, to observe, to enjoy.
Case study: the balance wheel
The escapement is visible on the lower right side of the dial. A cock holds the balance wheel. The component is fixed from the top side with an “S” shaped screw. The detail is well known at Romain Gauthier timepieces. These screws can be found all over the place.
The cock presents an impressive amount of decorating work: brushed surfaces, hand mirror-polished chamfered edges, rounded and polished arms and a top graining with mirror polished anti-shock jewel sink.
Coming to the escapement, the 4Hz system uses an interesting shaped balance wheel. Note the elaborate arms and the finishes involved. I also love how the timing weights were integrated.
Case study: chain-fusee system
The chain-and-fusee was always an extremely interesting and loved complication. Once for its chronometric capabilities, second for its astonishing appearance. And let me tell you, Romain Gauthier has a fabulous implementation of this coveted particularity. Usually, a multi-dimensional spread system was reduced to a same plane design by using a snail cam. Mindblowing simplicity and complication. And yes, the use of an oxymoron is needed.
Again, remarkable decorations were used. The chain itself with synthetic rubies is an eye-catcher. The top bridge with a hidden fixture was adorned with brushing, chamfering polishing and so on. The skeletonised work exposes the depths of the movement. See the gear below the chain-and-fusee that is noteworthy finished.
Case study: dial
Subtle but spectacular: an oven-fired white enamel dial on an 18k gold base. The printed blue register is complemented by flame-blued open-worked steel hands – to use the press release words describing the dial. The small seconds sub-dial takes a big bite from the above dial. Placed slightly lower than the hour/minutes, it offers a good opportunity to show off the exceptional work of the dial’s plates.
Note the lovely polishing between the dial. If someone will tell me he wants to use a screw in a prominent dial position I would say he is out of his mind. But on the small seconds’ dial, how cute this could be… Of course, the signature screw makes the things so cool.
The gear train received the signature decorations. Even if some of the weels are almost hidden behind the dial.
The backside
The in-house movement is small for its complexity – 35.5mm by 10.5mm. Packed in are 46 hours of power reserve, constant depleted by the constant force chain and 28’800 vph escapement. Functional and decorative are the 26 jewels used for the chain. These raise the number of components to a total of 359.
The interesting elements are not exclusive to the front side. The backside reveals, besides the exceptional executed finishes, the power reserve indication makes everything even more interesting.
When exceptional meets diamonds
It is hard to describe a remarkable piece, especially since it was already an exceptional one that got a precious dressing. Logical One looks great stoned. Its not subtle but exquisite diamond decoration makes everything to reach a new level of coolness. As mentioned, I am not a diamond guy, but I will wear the Romain Gauthier Logical One Diamonds without hesitation. There are moments when a touch of sparkling is just what you need. It is a precious wrist presence, even comfortable. So why not?
Happy birthday Romain! May health, wealth, happiness and prosperity be always by your side. Thank you for your dedication to bring us beautiful watches and, ultimately, profound joy!
Romain Gauthier Logical One Diamonds Technical Specifications
Features and indications
- Hours, minutes, small seconds;
- 46-hour power reserve indicator;
- Push-button winding;
- Innovative chain-and-fusee style constant force system featuring snail cam and ruby-link chain
Dial and hands
- Oven-fired white enamel dial on an 18k gold base complemented by flame-blued steel hands
Movement and finishing
- Dimensions: 35.5mm x 10.5mm
- Power reserve: 46 hours
- Number of jewels: 63 in total, including 26 for the constant-force chain
- Number of components: 359
- Balance frequency: 28,800 vph / 4Hz
- Movement components in: steel, stainless steel, beryllium copper, brass, titanium and German silver
- 4 patents: The specific composition and construction of the chain; the constant force system; the push-button winding system; and the high-efficiency profiles of the gear teeth
- Finishing: Highest-level haute horlogerie finishing
Case
- Dimensions: 43mm x 14.2mm
- Water resistance: 30m/3atm/100ft
- Sapphire crystal with interior anti-reflection coating, front and display back
- Crown for time setting at 2 o’clock
- Push button for winding at 9 o’clock
Strap and buckle
- Alligator leather strap hand-stitched in Switzerland with white gold pin buckle and diamonds set
Setting
- 92 baguette-cut diamonds, 7.2k
Unique piece, price available on request.
Romain Gauthier Logical One Diamonds Gallery
