If not rare enough, it also features one of the first examples of Roger's single-wheel
Co-Axial Escapement. To set it in its wider context, the hand-made
Roger W. Smith Series 2 is one of the smallest "production watches" in the world, with fewer than ninety pieces created to date.
The round, rose gold case measures 38 mm in diameter, excluding the fluted crown. It is engraved "SERIES 2" and "No. 18-C” on the reverse, along with the traditional, as well as the maker's own hallmarks The case number was chosen by the original owner, as they're not sequential.
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 centre 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, rose 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 rose 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, centring around a slim, rose gold seconds' hand, counter-balanced at one end.
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. Back in 2006 Roger equipped the watch with his own interpretation of George’s escapement, made by combining two wheels. Later, alongside other refinements, the escapement was updated with
one of the earliest versions of Roger’s single-wheel design - the first major development of Daniels’ design by Smith. The watch is accompanied by a note from Roger which details that this change, while the original double-wheel escapement is also enclosed.
Despite further refining the escapement since, this early iteration of Roger’s single wheel version marks a key step in his long-standing journey to carry forward Daniels’s legacy. In Roger’s own words,
"Horology isn’t about standing still and accepting things as they are. It’s about pushing things forward and making small improvements wherever we can."
A Collected Man is the
exclusively approved seller of pre-owned Roger W. Smith watches. Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment. Given value, please note that this watch is not subject to our returns policy.
