sham1
9725
Here is the Series 1 with my Murakumo, my definition of the perfect watch
Here is what I like and dislike about the Series 1 and the Murakumo
Series 1 Likes
1. Beautifully made
2. 38mm case which enables wearability
3. Engraved movement
4. Rarity
5. Seconds counter and seconds hand
6. Three dimensional hour and minute hands
7. Guilloche dial
8. Accuracy
9. Not too heavy for a rose gold watch
10. Smooth winding crown
Dislikes
1. Thickness of 13.5mm which is quite thick for a dress watch
2. Poor strap quality. One would have expected at least an alligator or calf strap
Murakumo Likes
1. Extensive black polishing
2. Gorgeous hands
3. Raised Breguet numerals
4. Wearability - 36.8mm in diameter and 8.5mm thick (5mm thinner than a Series 1)
5. Amazing strap quality
6. Smooth winding crown
7. Ivory dial colour
8. Rarity - only eight watches are produced annually
Dislikes
1. Closed movement. It would have been to see the Vaucher 5401 movement with black polishing.
No photo can quite capture the brilliance of this watch!
Two weeks ago, after seventy months of waiting (yep, that is 70), I finally received a watch from a horological legend, Roger W. Smith. I had ordered a Series 2 way back in November 2016 and decided to change that order to a Series 1 in early 2020. The 38...
Many thanks!
I would like to think that this watch would not be susceptible to trends and hypes and will always represent the epitome of watch making.
Thank you for the vote of confidence!
A well made two or three handed watch always sways it for me.
Congrats, Sham. Very happy for you.
The prolonged waiting definitely pays off by this gorgeous piece of art. Enjoy! Best, Henry
Thank you Henry
No matter how prepared one is to receive a Smith, I discovered while opening the packaging that the excitement and anticipation needs to be experienced to be understood. A monumental watch by any standards. A different way of finishing a movement compared...
Congratulations - that's a beauty!
Roger came along to a Purists event in London in 2008/9. He seemed a great guy, and his work speaks for itself. All the best, Jon
I had the privilege of meeting Roger once at Salon QP
in 2016 just before placing my order. I remember being quite forward and asking him 'if I decided to place an order, what would happen if something had happened to him' to which he reassured me that he had trained his small team to carry on his work to th...
Thank you Nico!
It is not easy to get excited with any other watch purchase after receiving a Smith so I think my watch collecting days may be in its twilight. Maybe another two or three more and I am done
Somehow when you say it my friend, it sounds like a curse!! :-)
Well I am a firm believer of quality over quantity and helped (or not helped!) by a small wallet, I think even two or three more might be sounding optimistic!
Perhaps a Voutilainen 28E or a Frodsham
or possibly Liverpool winning the Champions League again!
So true!
I was even impressed with all the hallmarks, something I usually do not focus on much but these ones looked impressive!
Major congrats - this is the holy grail of watches
Can't wait to receive my RW Smith, hopefully still this year.
Agreed on all counts
especially the fact that Roger has made improvements to the co-axial escapement.
✅✅
I inquired about one last year. His wife said 5 year wait . I said, I’m 70 and could be dead by the time my watch is ready. Lol 😂
True but we only live once and
as many of us these days I believe will live over 85 years, that would easily give you ten years of bliss with a Smith!
And may you remain in great health for decades to come Michael!
Happy watch collecting!
Wow, congratulations!
It looks great and I'm so glad you are finding joy in wearing it. Best wishes!
To be honest,
I am still a little nervous whenever I strap it on but it is a pleasure to look at it on and off the wrist. I am guilty at placing the watch next to me at times while I am watching TV! This beats wearing it as I can flip the watch easily and view the move...
Quite sad really
but it brings a smile to my face whenever I see it next to me (back or front!) -)
I love cats
and spend every night feeding the strays in my area. But I think I would get too attached to a cat if it lived with me and besides I have a lovely wife - so the wife on one side and the Series ! on the other!
You are a wise person to love cats.
Good for you to feed strays, that is a real act of charity. I get the feeling that your wife, like many of the spouses of collectors, is a very patient person!
She is the best!
My car boot is packed with cat food so sometimes I also drive into underground car parks to feed the strays. Unfortunately not everyone loves cats but I do and arguably too much. I intend to include in my will that all my watches (but one to my wife) shou...
Thank you for the generous compliment!
We all do things to please ourselves. I seem to get a huge amount of satisfaction feeding our feline friends. I am sure many contribute more significantly to society.
🌈
P.S. Are you near Singapore? My future in-laws 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼 are in southernmost Malaysia. Will probably visit them sometime!
Your in laws must be in the state of Johor!
I am not in Singapore but In am in Kuala Lumpur so if you happen to be in Johor, do drop by in KL. Not only will I show you my Smith but I will arrange a special get together so that the collectors and purists can meet you! And congratulations on your imp...
Don't wait too long!
Because these Malaysian girls get snapped up like a good watch! And I hope he loves cats too!
Actually, the wait (for us on the sidelines) didn't seem that long
I and others who were watching and listening to your decision-making process congratulate you! Since we weren't really having to stress out about it, it seems like "only last year" you were making those decisions on color of metal and style of watch! Just...
Thanks Mike for sharing the photos with us!
It does help, I must admit, if one gets distracted by other watches during those seventy months. And there have been plenty of distractions!
Thank you Fabrizio!
It is indeed the most significant piece I haver ever owned and probably that I will ever own! It will not be a daily wear (although it could serve as one easily) but for me, it will be reserved for special occasions.
Fantastic Sham.
Perfect size, and the thickness bothers me not at all. Look forward to seeing you share more pictures of this one. Congratulations, and I commend your patience! 😂
Thanks Jay!
I think these days patience is almost necessary if we are to obtain a special watch. Some brands including Roger Smith has closed its order books for new customers. Others may not have followed suit but their waiting lists have extended to 8 to 10 years w...
Thank you for your generous compliment!
My taste is generally quite conservative I think with a penchant for time only two or three handed watches. For the uninitiated, many of my watches may look fairly similar - Breguet numerals, seconds counter, 37 or 38mm. This is one of my few watches with...
Thank you very much!
It a major purchase and it has lived up to its expectations., i have seen and tried on two Series 2 previously but never a Series 1 which I do prefer due to its simplicity.
Thank you Pat!
I know that Roger did not engrave the movement of his earlier watches but I am so glad that he has done so with such artistry!
Wow! 🤩🤩 Huge congratulations, Sham!
Obviously this piece is a game changer for any collection. I known you will have many years of enjoyment from this very special piece. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Smith a few years ago. Such a humble gentleman as well as being a talented and devoted...
Huge Congratulations!
What a beauty! Thank you for sharing. That’s a rare gem as you well know. Enjoy!
Thank you for your kind comments!
Merely owning it is an honour, looking at it is a joy and wearing it provides the ultimate feel good factor.
Oh wow my friend 😱.
Huuuuuuge congrats, what a gorgeous masterpiece . Like you said a true piece of art 🤩👌🏻. Just incredible, wear it and enjoy it to the max
Thank you very much my friend!
This is a definite candidate for a one watch collection if there ever was one!
Okay, I am impressed! 🙌
I confess to prefer white metal, but RS's timepieces are one of the few exceptions. The rose compliments the style and beauty of this wristwatch, not to mention timeless/classical magnificence. There are special watches and there are special watches. This...
I will take some photos with my other watches soon just for you!
And yes I too prefer white metal and as you correctly stated, this is one of the few exceptions.
No I did not
as I had wanted the watch to be delivered to me in Malaysia whereas if I had collected it from the Isle of Man, I would have had to pay UK VAT. Yes I know, one should not be so calculative but any saving during my retirement would never go amiss. But I do...
As someone from the UK I forget our forum is global. ;))
I had a chance to visit a few times when I was in Wales, but yes, to visit RS's factory alone will be a reason. The views and area is of course majestic and is another reason even if I dont get an invite at the workshop. 😆. Yes, certainly if you are to or...
A few more of his timepieces?!
Ordering one took me 70 months to decide and another 70 months to arrive! So I am happy with my one Saying that, I do know of one purist who has ordered all five - Series 1 to 5, and has just taken delivery of a Series 2.
I love Wales by the way
having lived in the UK for 35 years and having graduated from Cardiff University many moons ago.
It is a beautiful place (rain or shine), and always reminds of the Shire.
35 years is amazing!
Here is the Series 1 with my Murakumo, my definition of the perfect watch
Here is what I like and dislike about the Series 1 and the Murakumo Series 1 Likes 1. Beautifully made 2. 38mm case which enables wearability 3. Engraved movement 4. Rarity 5. Seconds counter and seconds hand 6. Three dimensional hour and minute hands 7. ...
Thank you so much for this and what a comparison!
Two ends of the World. A perfect contrast! The Murakumo itself is an amazing and very special timepiece, and is wonderful to see it next to the Roger Smith. Such different watches. To return to your RS, just magnificent to look at, and the way he designs ...
You are most welcome
I love my dress watches and am quite happy with the few that I am fortunate enough to own. The Patek 7200R London Edition limited to 80 pieces The Patek 3878J - an incoming for my 60th birthday next year! The Atum 37 piece unique to commemorate the 10th a...
Thank you for your kind words!
How would it compare against the hands of my Kikuchi Nakagawa?! ...
The wait would be too long for many but I believe in waiting
What many do not realise is that I had waited 70 months before placing an order for the watch. Yes, I am somewhat a slow coach but that's just me when it comes to watches. It took me 3 years after viewing a Frodsham before placing and order which will tak...
Definitely a rare beauty
I shall be honest - there was a temptation to part with it initially before receiving it but this is more than just a watch (to me at least!)
A 70 month wait might seem like an eternity
but few know that I had waited approximately 70 months before placing my order for the watch. But it was not as if I was not doing anything but waiting during the entire period - I was too busy indulging myself in our passion again and again
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