An early Series II
Prototypes for the Series II having been completed in 2006, this is one of the earliest Series II watches produced and delivered. The round, yellow gold case measures 38 mm in diameter, excluding the fluted crown. It is engraved "SERIES 2" and "No. XX-C” on the reverse, along with the traditional, as well as the maker's own hallmarks.
The silver, round dial has an outer chapter of engraved, black minute markers, with a trench separating it from a second chapter of hand-engraved, Roman numerals. The center of the dial occupies yet another, deeper section, with its hand-turned, basket-work pattern. A cartouche at twelve o'clock references "R. W. SMITH". Everything is hand-crafted from beginning to end, including the slender, yellow gold hour and minute hands, tipped with spades.
At ten o'clock is the aperture for the power-reserve indicator, made from silver, adding yet another level of depth to the dial. This understated, yet intuitive display also has a basket-work guilloché pattern, with an engraved chapter on a polished silver strip and yellow gold up-and-down hand.
The large, sub-seconds register at six o'clock is decorated by a diamond-guilloché pattern, enclosed within a polished seconds chapter. Drilled dots mark the seconds, centering around a slim, yellow gold seconds' hand, counter-balanced at one end.
A British Movement
The traditional movement is revealed through the sapphire case-back. Much like the dial, the movement side is equally impressive. This, together with the dominating three-quarter main plate, shows why Roger W. Smith, OBE has become the flag-bearer for British horology. The movement is very-much inspired by the British style of pocket watches of Tompion, Graham and Arnold. It has understated, English frosted finishings in a combination of warm, golden tones, creating a striking backdrop for the blue screws. A raised barrel bridge and balance cock add a revealing depth to the movement.
Finally, the watch is equipped with arguably the greatest British contribution to watchmaking; the Co-Axial Escapement, invented by the late George Daniels. The Co-Axial was the first practical invention since the lever escapement, created by Thomas Mudge in 1755, thus representing an important advancement in the dynamics of the watch. By re-designing the function of the components during impulse, the Co-Axial escapement operates without sliding friction. As a consequence, unlike a conventional watch, the rate is unaffected by the viscosity of lubricants, which can vary constantly with temperature, humidity, and age.
Back in 2008, Roger equipped the watch with his own interpretation of George’s escapement, made by combining two wheels. In 2010, he would go on to develop one of the earliest versions of his own single-wheel design - the first major development of Daniels’ design by Smith. This early Series II, therefore, houses Roger Smith's earliest take on the Co-Axial escapement, most similar to that developed by Daniels himself.
The Set
This yellow gold Series II is accompanied by its original booklet and letter of authenticity from Roger Smith. It comes on one of our Istanbul nubuck watch strap, and is also accompanied by a black alligator strap and yellow gold tang buckle from Roger W. Smith.
A Collected Man is the exclusively approved seller of pre-owned Roger W. Smith watches. Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
