Manufacturer: Roger Smith Year: 2017 Reference No: Series 2 Open Dial Movement No: No. 09-OD; additionally signed “MMXVII” Case No: No. 09-OD Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, in-house caliber with single wheel co-axial escapement, 28 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Roger Smith Series 2 Ownership & Service History booklet confirming the production of the present watch in platinum with “open dial with floating Roman numerals – Blued steel”, additional strap, leather wallet, two polishing cloths, leather travel case, and fitted numbered presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
With just four platinum examples of Roger Smith’s open-worked Series 2 ever manufactured out of a total of 12 across all metals, the Series 2 offered here presents a unique opportunity to acquire one of the rarest and most exceptional independently-made timepieces of the 21st century.
Directly from the bench of Roger Smith to the original owner, and then to Phillips New York, the present Series 2 cased in a 40mm platinum case was executed with a sublime open-worked dial at the request of the owner. First ordered in January of 2015 and completed in the first months of 2018, the dial and the engraving of the movement speak to the discerning taste of the owner and the savoir-faire of Roger Smith. The blued-steel Roman numerals float over the exquisite and lavishly hand-finished dial. The only traditional dial elements that haven’t been removed are the up/down indicator and the ring indicating the subsidiary seconds, both crafted in silver. Otherwise, the talents of the premier English watchmaker of his generation and beyond are on full display, accented by flame-blued screws and the purple-flamed spade-tipped hour and minute hands. The gilded plates are frosted in the traditional English style, reflected on the movement. Combined, the result is breathtaking.
The movement is where English watchmaking takes center stage as far as the combination of mechanical performance and aesthetic skill. It is none other than Roger Smith’s improved Daniel’s co-axial escapement, as Roger takes on the mantle of British horology and the legacy of his mentor, with a single-wheel co-axial escapement. Each client who orders a Roger Smith is offered their choice of engraving detail on the balance cock and part of the mainplate, and as a wine-lover, the consignor chose Smith's closed floral design engraving.
The Series 2 Open Dial was discontinued and reintroduced as a separate reference, the Series 5. This combination of factors, as well as the condition of the present lot in exceptional, barely-worn condition, and complete with all of its original accessories from the time of purchase, is the first chance at a Series 2 Open Dial at auction and consigned by the original owner.
Ref. Series 2 Open Dial A magnificent and extremely limited platinum wristwatch with open dial, power reserve indication, booklet, and presentation box
2017 40mm Diameter Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
