Roger Smith - The New York Watch Auction: SIX New York Saturday, June 11, 2022 | Phillips
  • 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.

    PROPERTY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER

Σ11

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.

Estimate
$150,000 - 300,000 
CHF148,000-296,000
€142,000-284,000
HK$1,180,000-2,350,000
S$208,000-416,000

Sold for $840,700

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

Isabella Proia

Head of Sale, New York

+1 (212) 940 1285

iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: SIX

New York Auction 11-12 June 2022