Famed as one of the best living watchmakers, Roger Smith’s position in watchmaking has grown from his humble beginnings as a fledging watchmaker in 1990 to create his own pocketwatch at the age of 22 by using instructions from famed watchmaker George Daniels' book “Watchmaking.” Tasked with creating another pocketwatch as his first looked “handmade” and not “created” Smith spend 5 more years creating his second pocketwatch, which earned Smith his place in Daniel’s workshop to work with him on the ‘Daniels Millennium’ series. Following this, Smith created his own eponymous brand in 2001 and launched the Series 1. In 2006, Smith launched his Series 2 collection, which is what we have here.

Crafted with exquisite precision, the Roger Smith Series 2 is a masterpiece of horology, exemplifying the finest traditions of British watchmaking. Designed and meticulously handcrafted on the enchanting Isle of Man, the Series 2 stands as one of the world's most diminutive "production watches," with just 61 example meticulously fashioned over a decade. Offered in either 38mm or 40mm , this example is the larger of the two and offered in an 18kt yellow gold case that has aged to include a stunning and unique patina across its surfaces. Boasting straight lugs and a fluted crown, along with a sub-seconds dial at 6 o'clock and a power reserve indicator at 10 o'clock, the Series 2 is a horological masterpiece. Featuring a hand-engraved silver dial inspired by Breguet’s original work, the Series 2 boasts black minute and Roman numeral hour markers on a brushed silver ring, creating an extraordinary depth. The central basket-work pattern, along with the unique spade-tipped yellow gold hour and minute hands, showcases Roger W. Smith's exceptional craftsmanship. Turning the watch over reveals the heart of this British masterpiece. The movement boasts a three-quarter main plate with English-style frosting and gilding, and is individually numbered, dated, and signed and employs Roger's single-wheel co-axial escapement version of George Daniel’s iconic co-axial escapement ensuring longevity and lubricant-free operation.

Watch is in near-mint condition, with only minor signs of wear. As the watch has been seldomly worn, the case has developed a warm rainbow toned patina along the case surfaces. The hallmarks and engravings along the caseback are crisp and well defined, with no noteworthy issues. Guilloched dial in near-mint condition, with no marks or damage. The movement is engraved MMXIV, indicating its production in 2014. The production date is further confirmed by the "P" letter London gold hallmark stamped along the edge of the caseback. According to correspondence with the Roger Smith Workshop, the watch was delivered in January of 2015 to the consignor.

Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.

As expertly crafted as they come, Roger Smith's timepieces have begun to rival the desirability of those from his mentor, George Daniels, thanks to Smith's incredible talents and how incredibly well-executed his timepieces are, and one doesn't have to look much further than this example to see how that is the case. With a waiting list now closed for new prospective buyers, this auction represents a remarkable opportunity to acquire a masterpiece from the Roger Smith workshop.

Special thanks goes to Roger Smith and his team for being generous with their time and giving us further information about this piece.