Fastwong
1681
Read the comments in the article?
Jun 16, 2021,03:00 AM
Writer and others seem to say the flaws noted aren't typical of other Roger Smith pieces. I've never seen one in person so no personal opinion one way or another but it sounds like this isn't representative of most of their watches.... Or maybe it is. I guess at these production levels you have to look at each watch on its own merit?
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Roger Smith - I don't get it
By: m2 : June 16th, 2021-01:56
I don't really understand Roger Smith. The watches seem to be pretty basic and even sloppy relative to something like Gauthier, Dufour, etc... in the same price range? quillandpad.com The error mentioned in this article for example, just seems outrigh...
totally unacceptable
By: artp1085 : June 16th, 2021-02:14
When I saw the defects at the. 7 and 8 , I couldn't believe that a watch at that price point would look like that. I'm sure he was aware of it and too lazy to correct it. Pitiful
I was able to see one of his first (I think)...
By: mdg : June 16th, 2021-02:59
...rectangular watches in person waaaay back in the day. That thing haunted me for years...part of the charm was that is was rough in a good way. It looked exactly like something made by one man in his garage. But even at a reasonable price (compared to n...
Read the comments in the article?
By: Fastwong : June 16th, 2021-03:00
Writer and others seem to say the flaws noted aren't typical of other Roger Smith pieces. I've never seen one in person so no personal opinion one way or another but it sounds like this isn't representative of most of their watches.... Or maybe it is. I g...
I own a RWS Series 2
By: GreatPilot@me.com : June 16th, 2021-03:36
And LOVE it, I was like you for many years, could not understand the RWS type independent watchmakers world of 100 watches made over many years. Then as time went on and with the help of some friends I got it, yes you can own lots of independents, and I o...
On the issue of thickness,
By: GreatPilot@me.com : June 16th, 2021-14:55
It is not an issue with my series 2 RWS 40mm, I don’t know what it I like on the 38mm. I can tell you the watch fits fine under a cuff with it’s rounded case and crystal, if fact the watch seems very balanced and one of the reason wearing it is a pleasure...
I believe RWS did attend watchmaking school
By: Cozmopak : June 16th, 2021-04:17
But yes, much of his education comes from Daniels no doubt. I’m very interested to learn more about his frictionless nanotechnology experiments. It’s been tried before, but the process of depositing the material has greatly improved, and a small maker lik...
But...
By: m2 : June 16th, 2021-04:54
Is it any more handmade than what Gauthier or Dufour are doing?
Back in the days
By: tristan.led : June 16th, 2021-07:45
Before he moved workshops and bought the CNC lathe, yes. A couple of years ago he posted a picture on instagram with a new CNC lathe. Before that, the case, pinions, as well as wheels were made by hand, on a regular (or even 3) Schaublin 70. Mainplates an...
Roger Smith
By: Cozmopak : June 16th, 2021-13:35
Has owned a CNC machine since at least 2008
Yes,
By: tristan.led : June 16th, 2021-13:54
I am aware of that, a red kern. This is a CNC mill, and if I recall this one is only 3axis. Only mainplates, bridges and some springs can be done with that. However, (and I just checked on instagram) since may 2019 he now has at least one CNC lathe. This ...
That's a good point
By: Cozmopak : June 16th, 2021-18:17
Which also raises another important point. Roger has significantly modified and improved the coaxial escapement over the years. His current movement requires tolerances that are likely much too great for "traditional" lithes. The use of CNC machines is no...
On a sidenote...
By: Watchcph : June 16th, 2021-19:58
Do you know who makes cases for Dufour? Regarding difference in manufacturing, it is interesting that even George Daniels had Derek Pratt make escape wheel pinions and probably other stuff as well on his spark erosion machine. I actually consider Derek Pr...
Yes, he deserves the credit, and...
By: Watchcph : June 20th, 2021-14:28
I am happy to see it more out in the open so to speak. Personality certainly plays a big role in this, and I feel a bit disappointed about Georges lack of acknowledgement, but I guess that this trait made him have succes at all costs. On a tangent, I pref...
I agree with Jim’s post
By: Cozmopak : June 16th, 2021-04:25
There is a certain purity to his watches that appeals to me. They are a distillation of a perfect (for me) watch that is built to last hundreds of years. But I didn’t always feel that way. And really only recently did it click for me. As an aside, the thi...
Very much the same vision as KV.
By: Watchcph : June 16th, 2021-19:34
Kari values thick plates and screws for long term durability. I like this approach as well. Built to outlive any of us.
The charm of authentic handmade
By: Weems@8 : June 16th, 2021-05:26
Like burning wood. It is a choice. GD learned him to produce perfect finished watches. (made by hand) RS is on his own feet, and can decide which direction he go. I like perfect shiney watches, Swiss school. But i like also the raw and honest presence of ...
FYI - RS has officially closed their order book for now.
By: Jay (Eire) : June 16th, 2021-17:14
For those that have paid a deposit I understand they are unaffected. For anyone else whom had been on the fence about a 5k deposit to secure a place in line then I guess the message may be check back in a few years. Seems like a prudent and sensible appro...
A fair move
By: sham1 : June 17th, 2021-07:10
which will allow Roger to satisfy most of his current orders before taking on new ones but when orders do re open in the next few years, there will be a mad rush for his pieces especially as used prices will probably escalate in the mean time,
Probably
By: Cozmopak : June 17th, 2021-16:37
Especially since he probably won’t make much more than 200 watches in his entire career
I love Kikuno's work
By: Cozmopak : June 17th, 2021-20:57
But I'm not sure I would compare Kikuno or JPV to Smith. Kikuno and JPV are sculptural artists. Smith is a horological scientist whose primary purpose is to perfect the function of the mechanical watch.
Same!!
By: Spencer Karrington : June 17th, 2021-21:07
I dig that!! Maybe in between then? Like maybe a sculptural artist who also makes better watches?
Haha!
By: Cozmopak : June 17th, 2021-21:28
Sure! I just think the focus of Smith is different from those other makers
Agree!
By: Spencer Karrington : June 17th, 2021-22:05
FYI - RS has officially closed their order book for now.
By: Jay (Eire) : July 5th, 2021-14:57
For those that have paid a deposit I understand they are unaffected. For anyone else whom had been on the fence about a 5k deposit to secure a place in line then I guess the message may be check back in a few years. Seems like a prudent and sensible appro...