Romain Gauthier Logical One Constant Force

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DonCorson introduces the Romain Gauthier Logical One, a timepiece designed to advance chronometric performance through an innovative constant force mechanism. This article delves into the technical intricacies of the Logical One, highlighting its unique chain and fusee system and meticulous finishing, positioning it as a significant development in independent watchmaking.

Romain Gauthier - the Logical One

Logical One ?
The first of a series of Logicals? The one that is logical?
Whatever the definition, Romain Gauthier's Logical One is a logical step forward to achieving better chronometric results from a wristwatch (as well as delicatessen of finishing as are all of Romain's watches.)

Looking to make a measurable (not just theoretical, logical) step to improving the chronometry Romain found that the chain and fusee system provides the constant power to maintain isochronism over the entire wind of a watch in a simple and robust mechanism. It has the advantage of providing the entire going works with constant power, not just at the level of the escapement, but the disadvantage that it takes up quite a bit of space. The challenge was to fit the fusee mechanism in the confines of a wrist watch while maintaining its simplicity and robustness.

The results of this research are what we see here in the Logical One watch. To achieve the goal of fitting the fusee in a wrist watch the multiple turn fusee of the pocket watches of yore has given way to a single turn fusee. Thus the thickness is reduced to something wearable, but that means that the forces are increased. Although the fusee turns less that one turn for its entire winding the autonomy of the watch is still 60 hours.

This means that the chain also needs to be especially stable and Romain has created a riveted chain using rubies as separators. The chain also rolls on the rubies and not on the rivets themselves. The chain is guided by running in a groove around the outside of the wheels which only the rubies touch to ensure low friction.

This watch is the subject of 3 patents pending, for the chain and fusee system, the method of fabricating the chain and for a very esoteric way of cutting the gears.

Here we can see the level of finishing on some of the parts before plating.

After ruthenium plating we see this.

During my visit one of the watchmakers was busy pinning and adjusting a hairspring under the microscope.

Romain's goal is to have a measurable improvement in the chronometric qualities of the watch. And he is willing to test and show his results. Here we see the comparison of the first prototype over 60 hours, with a standard watch which shows the typical errors of isochronism as the power falls over time.

First the timing curves as they come from a standard watch. Here we see the typical speeding up of the watch as the amplitude falls over the approx. 40 hours of autonomy. (the upper set of curves is the timing for different positions, the lower set of curves the amplitude for different positions)

In this second diagram we see the results of the Logical One prototype. As we can see there is almost no change in the timekeeping over the entire 60 hour autonomy. Note that this prototype is not terribly well regulated, but this test shows that we will have unchanging chronometric performance over the entire autonomy.

Romain is making a bold step measuring and publishing such information which we rarely see from all of the rest of the watchmaking community. This underscores his intention to start the debate, what is the best way to improve timekeeping in a wristwatch. I welcome this and hope other watchmakers will take up on it and publish their results too.

I am looking forward to seeing and photographing the first series watches at the Basel Fair. These watches will be getting some updates based on the experience of the first prototype.

Key Points from the Discussion

The contributor questions why other watchmakers do not publish timekeeping efficiency measurements like Romain Gauthier, suggesting a need for independent studies similar to those found in automotive magazines.
Some collectors may not approve of Romain Gauthier because he was not personally trained as a traditional watchmaker, but the impressive end results of his watches are what truly matter.
The variations in amplitude on the Logical One's timing diagram are surprising, as constant/high amplitudes are typically associated with good rates. This raises a question about how the watch maintains stable timing despite these fluctuations.
Even with low amplitudes, the Logical One's constant power mechanism ensures stable timing. The timing curves shown are from the first prototype, and production watches will have improved amplitude and even better timing.
The construction of the chain with rubies as separators is an interesting design choice, likely intended to prevent wear on the joints and reduce friction, contributing to the watch's technical approach.
The chain and fusee system, despite its traditional functionality, can appear as a 'gimmick' to some, highlighting a tension between traditional mechanisms and modern aesthetic perception.

The Discussion

sidneyc

Feb 27, 2013

Thanks for sharing Don! Amazing watch! It's by far Romain's best watch!

RobCH

Feb 27, 2013

Thanks Don. Definitely one of the most impressive and desirable watches around today, by one of the nicest and down-to-earth guys in the game. Cheers

Gary G

Feb 27, 2013

Thanks for the great report, Don! Saw this piece in person and it was just as good as the photos. Mouth watering! Best, Gary

Ronald Held

Feb 27, 2013

the same availablity of data on chronometry as Romain will make available. Since there are other constant force escapements, will they be equivalent to his? What about dead beat seconds movements?

ChristianDK

Feb 27, 2013

Interesting way he has constructed the chain. I suppose its to prevent the wear on the joints? The finish looks impeccable. It seems he is moving away from the more classical, traditional finish toward a more modern type that seems to suit his very technical approach to movement design.

KIH

Feb 27, 2013

... couldn't wait to hear more detail and spec and see in person, if at all possible.... Thanks for the report, Don! Ken

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