This yellow gold Series 2* from 2008 represents a special, early chapter in Roger Smiths watchmaking story, as one of the earliest Series 2s to be finished. The watch has recently been serviced by Smith, and remains powered by an early version of the Co-Axial escapement, one most similar to that developed by George Daniels himself. This early watch comes with its original English oak Linley box and corresponding paperwork from 2008.

A very early example, the corresponding characteristics of this Series 2 make it a particularly sought-after piece from the English watchmaker's oeuvre, paired with its traditional yellow gold case and style.

If we first examine the case, we see that this was created in the hand-made Mark 1 style, which possesses rounded edges and shorter lugs compared to current production watches and indeed, even examples of the Series 2 produced only a few years later, which have a slimmer, more curved form. The case is fitted with sapphire glass on the front and back, with the "SERIES 2" and and "No. XX-C" on the reverse, along with the traditional, as well as the maker's own hallmarks.

The dial

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. Early Series 2 pieces were all hand engraved by celebrated horological engraver Charles Scarr, who also engraved Daniels' watches.

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, yellowgoldhour 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, yetintuitive display also has a basket-work guilloch 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-guilloch pattern, enclosed within a polished seconds chapter. Drilleddots mark the seconds, centering arounda slim, yellowgold seconds' hand, counter-balanced at one end.

The movement

The traditional movement is revealed through the sapphire case-back, and is very much inspired by the British-style of pocket watches from makers such as 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.

The format of the movement has evolved over time, with this Series 2 marking the earliest form of Smiths own interpretation of Co-Axial escapement in its original form - as conceived by Daniels - combining two wheels.This early Series 2, therefore, housesa version of the Co-Axial most similar to that developed by Daniels himself, only seen in Roger W. Smith watches made prior to 2010.

Its early quality finds expression in the movement decoration as well. Same as those on the dial, the engravings on the three-quarter plate are also the work of master engraver Charles Scarr, who worked closely with Daniels. Engraved on the raised portion of the three-quarter plate are the brand mark, Isle of Man and the date of manufacture, while the serial number is engraved below. Notably, the engravings are done directly on the movement.

In relation to the collection

If we consider this watch within Smith's overall body of work, these earlier watches form a rich area of study for any Smith collector, showcasing a series of minute variations and transitional characteristics that give a glimpse into Smith's progression as a watchmaker and revealing details only visible to the most discerning collector.

Closer look

Condition

This early Series 2 is in very good overall condition. The case is nicely preserved, with mostly light superficial marks visible throughout. Deeper imperfections can be seen on the reverse side of the lugs. Signs of light wear can be seen in the casebacks engravings and hallmarks, though all remain well defined.

Warranty

The watch was recently serviced by Roger W. Smith in March 2025 and thus comes with time remaining on the brand's servicing warranty. The watch also comes with a lifetime guarantee of authenticity from A Collected Man.