rnaden recounts a privileged evening with independent watchmaker Peter Speake-Marin, offering a rare glimpse into new novelties and brand developments. This post captures the essence of collector interactions with independent creators, highlighting the personal anecdotes and insights shared during such intimate gatherings.
I had the privilege of being invited to meet Peter Speake-Marin yesterday evening over dinner with some other collectors, and it was a great time of food, watches, and listening to the anecdotes that Peter was sharing - highly entertaining, if I were to sum it up.
Interesting new watches, discussion around current models and some changes with regard to movement and case suppliers to Vaucher were also discussed. The latter being the most interesting to me, as I personally thought that the Technotime movements with its 5 day power reserve was superb. Also more apparent is that as the Speake-Marin brand evolves and grows, some changes are inevitable...the biggest for me was the change of having the word "Switzerland" on the dials replaced with the smaller "Swiss Made" in line with the other brands. IMO, this is less cool, as it takes away something unique and leaves a lot more blank space on the dials, especially for the classic models.
Alas, the conversations and watches were so interesting, I didn't take any photos of the food. It was all pretty good, but the company and the friends present made it perfect!
The Magister tourbillon below...just beautiful. I didn't manage to photograph the other version in Titanium, but this yellow gold one was really magical! The Enamel dial is just so nicely done and the whole design just works so well.
You will notice the "Swiss Made" text now present, and it should only be a matter of time before this is standard across all models. I like that my pieces will soon be unique and will have a different movement, at least for the J-Class and Spirit range of watches.
This watch with the 42mm case always looks too big in pictures, but in reality wears a lot better and doesn't appear oversized. Don't know why that is.
The blued foundation style hands, and the finishing of the cage and the logo is my favorite characteristic of this watch.
Platinum mass micro rotor
This dragon is superbly crafted. My favorite of the entire current collection on display last night. The detail and the finishing doesn't make it appear gaudy, and the white hands contrast very well against the design. The WG case also gives it the heft it needs.
A different iteration with the skull. While some at the table liked it, skulls don't really do it for me. The details, including the raise indices and the "sandblasting" effect on the skull is superb when viewed up close though.
The handwound movement - I love this a lot!
MOP for the seconds dial...everything on this watch comes together very, very nicely.
The detail....
There was a piece unique that was specially built for one of us at the table...Hungry for Time...the engraving on this dial is impeccable, and the colors....wow!! Easily my favorite. One aspect that independents offer that the big brands will never consider.
And of course, yours truly with the man himself! I did feel very small next to him.
It was a great evening, good watches, great company and lighthearted moments. Thanks to the team at Khronos for organizing this.
Thanks for looking.
Richard
