George Daniels Millennium, Silver Dial, Yellow Gold

Dr. George Daniels is rightly recognised as one of the greatest watchmakers of the 20th century. In 1981, he received an MBE for his services to horology, along with a CBE in 2010 – the first watchmaker ever to receive such an honour. During his lifetime, Daniels was one of the few makers who created complete watches by hand from his workshop on the Isle of Man.
 
Launched in 1998, the Millennium was originally planned as a series of 10 watches to celebrate the acceptance of the Daniels Co-Axial escapement by the Swiss watch industry, a lifelong ambition of the watchmaker. However, owing to demand, the series was extended. In the end, it is understood that 47 yellow gold and 8 white gold Millenniums were produced. 
 
The series is doubly consequential because to create it, for the first time in his career, Daniels enlisted the help of an apprentice. This was after Roger W. Smith built two pocket watches entirely by hand over the course of several years, hoping to prove himself to Daniels. The young watchmaker’s efforts were rewarded when Daniels invited him to the Isle of Man to work on the Millennium.  
 
It is a thoroughly modern watch, with a self-winding Omega ébauche that was extensively redesigned by Daniels and Smith over the course of three years. At its heart is the Co-Axial escapement. This route was fitting since it was Omega, under the leadership of Nicholas Hayek, that took a chance on Daniels’ innovative escapement.
 
This particular example, featuring a yellow gold case, was completed in the second year of production (1999), as evidenced by the engraving on the rim of the display caseback. Measuring 37mm across, the case is wholly classical, marked by a double stepped and rounded bezel, meeting a curved midcase. The rim of the caseback is rounded too. Originating from the midcase are the slim lugs that are drilled through. Their 19mm distance is furnished with a brown alligator-style leather strap secured by a yellow gold pin buckle. The fluted crown lies on the left flank at the 8 o’clock position, a visual reminder that inside lies a self-winding calibre.
 
The silver dial is replete with different patterns. The outermost section is engine turned, while the portion inside the time display features a basket weave decoration. Inside the date display is hobnail patterning of a smaller scale, to visually distinguish this section.
 
The time display is framed by a gold chapter engraved with minute plots and Roman hours. The date display is similarly delineated, with the Arabic engravings achieved in a Baroque style. In place of the 31st day of the month is a diamond. The gold hands complete the picture – the one indicating the hours has an arrow-tip while the minutes hand has a prominent counterweight.
 
Visible through the caseback is the self-winding calibre with an overall gilded appearance punctuated with blued screws. The winding rotor has a barleycorn pattern, while the bridge around the calibre is adorned with an intricate floral pattern achieved by London-based master engraver Charles Scarr. He had long collaborated with Daniels and is responsible for much of the engravings on the watchmakers pieces over the years. The calibre wears engravings marking it is as a Daniels’ watch and one featuring his Co-Axial escapement.
 
Accompanying this early example is specification and invoice letter handwritten by Daniels as well as its original box. The Millennium is a modern watch from one of the most traditional practitioners in watchmaking, imbued with many hallmarks that have come to define his elevated craft. The watch is currently undergoing a service with Roger W. Smith and will be available for delivery within the coming weeks.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this George Daniels Millennium will be subject to 20% VAT

Closer look

Condition

This Daniels Millennium is in excellent overall condition. The case shows light superficial marks and small blemishes throughout, with deeper imperfections visible under magnification, limited to the bezel portion.

The condition of the dial, hands and movement is consistent with other Millennium watches we've handled. The watch is currently undergoing a service with Roger W. Smith and will be available for delivery within the coming weeks.

The original blue Daniels Millennium box is in very good overall condition, as are the various accompanying documents, photos and materials. The original Daniels alligator strap has relatively light signs of wear and is well preserved, along with the yellow gold buckle which is similar in condition to the case.

Warranty

Once serviced, watch will come with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside R.W Smith's own warranty and a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.