Horological Meandering

AndrewD
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Special Guest POTW – Peter Speake-Marin

Hi All,

I spent time with Peter during his recent visit to Australia and put to him some of the questions we ask our POTW. Peter was more than happy to share his passion. He is a true Purist and I am delighted to include him in this series.

Andrew

Ps. Look out for an extended interview on the AHCI Forum where Peter discusses his philosophy of watchmaking and the process of developing his new in-house movement.

The Marin 1 (Mark 1), Cal. SM2 automatic, Titanium case, 42mm

2. How do you usually choose a watch to wear?

“I tend to wear the watch that I am currently prototyping. Partly to get a feeling for it, but also to live with the piece, because it is something which I have made. If I am mucking around, climbing in the trees, I even put it on a NATO strap.

I don’t currently wear the Thalassa (The Marin 2) because this is the only example and it is being photographed everywhere. When I get back to Switzerland I will be wearing it more, because there are other pieces that are being finished.”

The Thalassa, Cal. SM2 manual, WG case, 42mm

3. Is there one element in a watch that is most important to you, and why?

“There is not just one – everything has to be congruent, balanced and complete. You can’t isolate just one element; any weak link in the chain is going to ‘break’ at some point.

From a philosophical point of view my watches are designed more for function. The design itself comes second to the function.”

4. If you could keep only one watch in your collection, which would it be?

“Oh God … I really adore the Marin 1; I think its sublime. But … (hesitating) … can I have two?

I would have the Marin 1 because it was the turning point. I love the design of it, the fact that it was the first one, I got through all the steps and here it is. Even though the Thalassa is a much stronger watch, the Marin 1 was the turning point.

The second watch would be one of the pieces from the original collection. It shows where I began. Regardless of all the comments about the movement, those watches are more accurate, reliable and original than many so-called ‘quality’ watches from larger brands. I would have one of the 38mm simple timepieces. I see them on people’s wrists today and they strike me. I can separate myself from the fact that I designed it and see that it looks great.”

5. Which watch has most recently captured your attention and why?

“This changes every month, but …

… when I saw the Breguet La Tradition Tourbillon I though it was (pardon the English expression) the dogs bollocks. I loved it because it was reminiscent of where I come from and if Breguet himself was going to make a wristwatch, that is what he would have made. Big balance, lovely proportions, incredible appearance.

The other is JLC’s version of the Gyrotourbillon in the Reverso case. The helical balance spring speaks to me and the animation of the tourbillon in that case is wonderful.

Very little touches me from the large companies, but these two watches are special.”

Jaeger-LeCoultre Gyrotourbillon II  (Image: Bruno.M1)

6. How do you balance family life with work commitments?

“At my age I am sensitive to how quickly time passes. In the last couple of years I have pulled back from collaborations and am concentrating on my own company and my family. Ironically I am probably working harder today than I have in my entire life, but I am growing the business and concentrating on what only I can do such as the design and prototyping of new watches.”

7. What hobbies or interests do you have outside of watchmaking?

“I work out in the Gym when I can. I spend time with my wife and kids. Every Friday night we have a “carpet picnic” – we sit on the floor with the kids and watch a DVD. My work is my passion, but that time with my family is priceless.”