Hands-On Review: Cleguer Horology Inspiration One
The Cleguer Horology Inspiration One marks a striking debut for Mathieu Cleguer, showcasing an innovative double‑wheel “Innate” escapement that blends elements of classic Swiss lever designs with a unique tangential impulse system. Housed in a 38.5 mm titanium case, the watch features a champlevé Grand Feu dial, a 36‑hour power reserve, and a manual winding mechanism, while delivering a refined aesthetic enhanced by thoughtful detailing such as a beveled sapphire crystal, 2.5 Hz balance wheel, and layered case‑back architecture. Limited to a 12‑piece titanium souscription and a total production run of 80 pieces, the piece commands a price of CHF 95,300, reflecting its artisanal craftsmanship and technical ambition. Beyond its mechanical novelty, the Inspiration One emphasizes a clean, tactile winding experience and a visually accessible movement, with components like a hidden hacking lever and a distinctive ratchet‑mounted Geneva stop‑work. While the heavy brass gears and unbalanced lever may introduce some efficiency losses, the watch compensates with a self‑starting escapement and reduced lubrication needs. Overall, the model delivers a compelling combination of engineering ingenuity, elegant design, and limited‑edition exclusivity that positions it as a noteworthy entry in the contemporary independent watchmaking landscape.
Buying Time Analysis: This story is important because it highlights the debut of Cleguer Horology’s Inspiration One, an engineer‑led independent watch that introduces a novel Innate escapement, demonstrating innovative mechanical engineering and setting a new benchmark for artisanal timepieces.
