This is a recent example of the Roger W. Smith Series 1*, with a 40mm white gold case and a silver dial with engraved Roman hours and heat-blued hands. The watchmaker has offered to create an additional dial and hands for the new owner. This Series 1 is one of the smallest series produced watches and the waitlist for it is now closed.

The new Series 1 was created in 2013, the result of popular client enthusiasm for a time-only watch from Roger W. Smith. This was after the watchmaker showcased the GREAT Britain unique piece as part of a travelling exhibition designed to showcase the best of British watchmaking around the world. The Series 1 encapsulates Smiths philosophy, inspired by the age-old traditions of English watchmaking as well as his master, Dr George Daniels.

This example, that was delivered in 2022, wears a white gold case that is distinctly modern in its proportions. It measures 40mm across and stands 13.5mm tall. Its three-part construction is marked by a rounded bezel that meets the subtle curvature of the midcase in a lip. Similarly, the rim of the display caseback is also rounded, featuring the six screws that hold it in place, as well as the makers mark and precious metal hallmarks. The fluted crown is substantial and unsigned, true to the classical inspirations that guide Smiths craft. The straight lugs bear the profile typical of the watchmaker's MkII cases they are longer and curve down at a sharper angle, terminating in a squared off detail. Their 20mm distance is furnished with a black, Saffiano grained leather strap secured by a substantial, signed white gold pin buckle.

The silver dial bears the watchmakers visual hallmarks. The outer chapter has engraved black minute markers, with a trench separating it from a second chapter of brushed silver with engraved Roman hour markers. Further in, the dial is adorned with engine-turned basket-weave.

The chapter of hours overlaps with a subsidiary seconds register adorned with a hobnail pattern. It is framed by a brushed chapter furnished with drilled dots marking the seconds. This register is plied by a slim, heat-blued seconds hand with a pronounced counterbalance. The hours and minutes hands, also heat-hued, are much more sculptural. They have a rounded form ending in spade tips scalloped by hand.

The movement, seen through the sapphire caseback, is very much of the British school, visually centred around the three-quarter main plate. The hand finishing, inspired by the kind on pocket watches of Tompion, Graham and Arnold, shows why Smith is viewed as the flag-bearer of British watchmaking. It is understated, finished with English frosting in a warm, golden tone, with the heat-blued screws and working rubies offering visual contrast. The three-quarter bridge is topped with a plate with hand engraving in a floral pattern. This decoration finds its way to the cock of the raised balance bridge as well. Cartouches with the Roger W. Smith mark, the serial number as well as the triskelion motif of the Isle of Man complete the view of the three-quarter bridge. Another cartouche, affixed to the baseplate, bears the year the watch was created in Roman numerals. The manually wound calibre features the second iteration of Smiths lightweight take on the Co-Axial escapement.

The watch comes with its set of outer and inner boxes as well as the certificate of authenticity.

A Collected Man is the only approved seller of pre-owned Roger W. Smith watches, a relationship which has spanned several years and stems from our appreciation for Smith's work and its contribution to British watchmaking heritage. Notably, Smith has offered to create an additional dial as well as hands for the new owner of this watch. While this is a service available when buying a new watch from the brand, it is a rare opportunity considering that the waiting list for the Series 1 is now closed.

Closer look

Condition

This Roger W. Smith Series 1 remains unworn and in the same exceptional condition as it did when it originally left the workshop.

This watch additionally comes with the opportunity to order an additional dial and handset, of the buyer's choice.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.