Manufacturer: Roger Smith Year: 2016 Movement No: 68-c, movement further engraved MMXVI Case No: 68-c Model Name: Series 2 Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, inhouse with co-axial escapement, 28 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold pin buckle signed R.W. Smith Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by fitted wooden box, Ownership and Service History booklet, travel pouch, polishing cloth, leather card holder, extra strap, service box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Roger Smith is in a way the standard bearer of British high horology; meticulously crafting mechanical masterpieces in his workshop in the Isle of Man to which only a happy few would have access, not by deliberate choice, but due to the limited production of 15 watches leaving his atelier each year.
Roger Smith was not only the sole watchmaker the great George Daniels took on board as an apprentice, but he later collaborated with the master in working on his wristwatches.
In 2001, after having worked with Daniels for over a decade, Smith set out on his own and created his own wristwatch. The result was the rectangular Series 1 (see Lot 145 of Geneva Watch Auction XIII of May 8-9 2021, sold for CHF 541,800).
In 2006, he presented the Series 2, a round watch of perfect proportions featuring Smith’s first fully in-house developed and made caliber using the Daniels co-axial escapement.
According to Roger Smith, the Series 2 “is probably the most important watch in the history of the company. The original Series 2 was the first watch to be completely made in-house. It was a huge step forward for us from the Series 1 and was also the first production watch by a British watchmaker in modern times. From a personal perspective the Series 2 came during a very difficult time for the business; its genesis didn’t just result in a watch - it re-invented the studio and assured our future.”
The present Series 2 in pink gold features a caliber with typical English finish, with frosted and gilded plates, gold chatons and heat colored screws. It is furthermore enhanced with a hand engraved floral motif on the barrel bridge, balance cock and crown. This floral motif is also beautifully and intricately present on the dial. The engraving is done in London by Charles Scarr and takes over a full week to complete.
The present Series 2’s ultimate rarity cannot be highlighted enough: it is the 19th pink gold Series 2 to have been delivered, it is only one of two R.W. Smith watches to feature an engraved crown and, one of only five pink gold examples with an engraved dial and silver chapters. Amongst these five, it is one of two with an engraved barrel bridge and balance cock.
This horological marvel merging technical prowess, craftsmanship and art is a superlative timepiece in every aspect.
In June 2021, Smith announced that considering the huge backlog in orders, he has stopped taking new orders for the time being.
