Rushwarp
18
Finishing
Hi Tim,
Just coming back to the aspect of finishing within horological history for a moment:
The 'frosted' type finishing you see in English watches was also used in Switzerland (and Germany and France for that matter) during the 18th and 19th centuries quite extensively.
Check out any Breguet or similar in a catalogue and you will see what I mean.
Only later, with the arrival of newer machines (I don't know the exact date) do Geneva stripes, perlage etc. make their way into a kind of definitive visual identity of Swiss watchmaking tradition.
Since the English held on to this earlier way of finishing plates. etc. after the Swiss changed, we perceive it today as being 'rather 'English' ;-0)
I believe Gruebel & Forsey and Loiseau are the only ones in the Swiss scene today making more regular use of the same frosted finish.
Regarding Swiss vs. English watchmaking: Swiss watches as a commodity were not very highly rated compared to the products of the golden age of English and French watchmaking for quite a while. It is only quite late (end of 19th early 20th century ?) that the concept of Swiss watches being synonymous with high quality was really firmly established in the public's mind.
This, despite the fact that the Swiss tradition of watchmaking already started up in the 17th century....
Cheers,
Rushwarp
Roger Smith Series 2 in SS -- Photos
Greetings to all! My friends have been on a generous streak lately, giving me the opportunity to handle and photograph a number of dream watches. I certainly think that in the independent realm, this one fits the bill -- the Roger Smith Series 2, here in ...
gorgeous watch, gorgeous pics... thanks Gary!
I've never handled a SS Smith watch... and with your post I understand why... if it is the unique piece made of SS... Fx
Great report
I don't think I will ever see one of these so really appreciate the report. I love that the production date is engraved in the movement. The dial, and the thickness of the case remind me of Greubel Forsey watches. It is funny how the hands do evoque "Brit...
Production date
I also applaud this engraving. Very important in the decades and centuries to come. Lovely addition for the historians amongst us. Place (Isle of Man), time (Jan 2007) and maker (R W Smith) all there to see. Nice. Andrew
It's practically a museum piece...
... what a remarkable looking watch. I love the hands and the stainless steel. The shots are flawless. And in regards to the finish of the watch, do you know if Roger has some particular reason for this approach? I wonder if part of it is about being deli...
It is traditional "English finishing"....
Scott, One of the often unknown facts about Roger, is that he has never worked in the watchmaking world in Switzerland. Quite rare even in today's Independent world. Marco Lang might also be the other fellow I know who has not. Originally taught in Manche...
Finishing
Hi Tim, Just coming back to the aspect of finishing within horological history for a moment: The 'frosted' type finishing you see in English watches was also used in Switzerland (and Germany and France for that matter) during the 18th and 19th centuries q...
Timely post Gary on the eve of the day America celebrates it's birth from England
As allways your photos do Roger's work a great service. This piece is stunning, and I have to agree with you, that the hands are terribly compelling. I remember handling a Series 1 many moons ago, and loving the hands. Back them they were a slightly bit m...
Beautiful watch...
and I don't need to say it... but wonderful photos again Gary, they really do show off the piece in its best light. Congrats! Cheers Andrew
Tiny imperferctions are sometimes distinguish the really handmade ones versus the machines
not the absolute truth, but to some degree. think the gentlemen owner was wearing this piece when we were in Geneva for SIHH...and he was going thru a stainless steel "phase"? :)- thanks for sharing. best, Horo
You know the owner, of course!
And he is still in his "stainless" phase, as evidenced by his new KV Chronograph, among others. Best, Gary
As Vianney tried to explain
in the documentary "Timepiece" his watches have many tiny mechanical imperfections that he can adjust in such a way, and bring into harmony, not for making "the perfect watch" - but a "pure watch". Let's hail his and other valiant attempts! amerix This me...
I love the style of Roger Smith watches...
and for me his watches are like a dream. this one is a bit cheaper than his watches with gold case?
Not sure on pricing
...but as this was a one-off (vs. having, say, 10 SS cases made) I suspect that it might have cost even more than the precious metal versions! Best, Gary
I've examined this one in detail and compared it to others
For whatever reason, this particular piece does show more of the handmade aspect that any other RWS watch I've had the pleasure of seeing in person. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful watch, but it has some finishing inconsistencies that I found surpris...
