A Closer Look

Independent watchmaking has finally started to command the attention it deserves. This present lot is a stand-out example by one of the most well-respected living watchmakers, Roger W. Smith OBE.

In 1986 Smith enrolled on a course at the Manchester School of Horology where he first encountered George Daniels (1926-2011), considered the greatest watchmaker of the last century. The sharp but constructive advice Smith received from Daniels was critical to honing his skills. In 1998 Smith succeeded in impressing Daniels and was invited to move to the Isle of Man to work with him.

Over the next several years, Smith and Daniels would collaborate on two important watch series: The Millennium and The Anniversary. The Millennium series was significant for the invention and use of Co-Axial escapement, while The Anniversary series improved upon this exceptional invention.

It was the Series 2 that was Smith’s debut - the first watch series to be made independent from Daniels. Each Series 2 watch comprises of 225 parts that have all been meticulously finished to an exceptionally high standard. The present lot is numbered 20-C and was the 32nd Series 2 to be delivered. This watch is particularly special because it is from the first phase of production where the case is 38mm (not 40mm) and is finished in yellow gold. Only 8 other Series 2s are an exact match.

Limited to producing just 15 watches a year, obtaining one of Smith’s pieces is a rare thing. Since Smith formed his company in 2001, he has made 128 R.W. Smith watches with 68 of them being a Series 2. This is truly an extraordinary opportunity to be the keeper of one his exclusive timepieces.

Scroll down for a closer look at some of the exquisite details to be found in this highlight from our Fine Watches sale on 14 December.

Roger Smith. A fine and exceptionally rare 18K gold manual wind wristwatch with power reserve indication and co-axial escapement | £200,000 - £300,000
Series 2

Each Roger Smith dial is painstakingly finished in what is considered the ‘English Style’. This example is engine turned silver with black Roman numerals to a brushed surround. At 6 there is a large subsidiary seconds and an up/down register at 10 keeps track of the power reserve. The central hands are of Rogers unique sculpted style in 18K gold.

Each watch is finished off with a leather strap picked by Roger to ensure it is complimentary to the choice of case material. Here we have a tan brown alligator leather stamped R. W. Smith topped with a hand engraved 18K gold buckle.

It is difficult to overestimate just how important the Co-Axial escapement is in the advancement of independent Horology. Designed to run unaffected by the deterioration of its lubricant it was possibly the greatest advance in horology since Thomas Mudge invented the lever escapement over 250 years ago in 1755.

Hand engraved to the back is ‘Series 2’ as well as the number 20-C which appears on the case back and the movement with the C standing for Commission.

Also engraved to the movement is Rogers signature with the Isle of Man proudly recognised. The year of the production also appears with the Roman numerals MMXI, 2011 in this case.

This rare and spectacular wristwatch is coming up for sale as Lot 101 in our Fine Watches auction on 14 December. Browse the sale and register to bid now.