Charles Frodsham Watch Review

sham1 · 2018-05-15T05:53:45Z

Candid review of the Charles Frodsham watch: 42mm size, double impulse escapement, £60k price. Insights on finishing, wearability, and market position.

sham1

WPS member · Independents forum

97 replies19076 views7 photos

sham1 provides a rare, candid review of the Charles Frodsham watch, a piece few collectors have seen firsthand. His detailed observations on wearability, finishing, and pricing offer crucial insights into this independent brand's debut wristwatch. The post sparks a discussion on the challenges and unique appeal of emerging independent watchmakers in a competitive market.

I had the opportunity to visit Charles Frodsham during my recent trip to London and had the pleasure of having a very long chat with Philip Whyte and Richard Stenning, the owners of the company. To those of you who have never heard of this brand, Charles Frodsham is the world's oldest producers of chronometers and have been mainly indulging in the production of pocket watches, clocks and ship chronometers. A visit to the understated shop in London's opulent St. James area is a must for lovers of carriage clocks and standing clocks, some of which are for sale.

This year, the company decided to launch a watch based on Daniels' double impulse escapement movement measuring 42mm with small curved lugs which makes the watch wearable. Only ten to twelve watches will be produced annually so not too different from the production figures of the esteemed and highly regarded watch maker in the Isle of Man, Roger W. Smith.

I felt that the watch completely filled up my wrist as shown on the photo. I would have preferred a slightly smaller watch size as I feel a dress watch should not fill up the wearer's wrist. The edges of the lugs were rather sharp while the grooves of the crown were not smooth enough when winding. I mentioned these observations to Philip and Richard who were most receptive to my observations. The movement was sublime and from the case back, one can conclude that a smaller case size would have been almost impossible. Perhaps the biggest criticism of the watch is its price that starts at £60,000 (excluding tax) for the stainless steel version to £65,500 for the yellow gold model which will be produced in 22 carat gold. Yes, this is a bargain next to a RW Smith but Mr Smith is an established and renowned watchmaker. Stiff competition is likely to come from Kari Voutlainen's Vingt 8, Rexhep Rexhepi's Chronometre Contemporain, Romain Gauthier's Insight Micro Rotor, Credor's Eichi II and the Gronefeld's Remontoire. It would take a very brave and shrewd collector in my opinion to opt for the Charles Frodsham over any of these other brands where movement construction and finishing are exemplary. Please also note that Charles Frodsham watches can only be bought and serviced at its St James shop. Of course, if one already owns all the above mentioned watches and appreciates exclusitivity, a Charles Frodsham watch would definitely be a welcome addition.

The dial is in porcelain while the hands are three dimensional. This is my preferred stainless steel model.

I need to grow my wrist for future wrist shots!!

The 22 carat yellow gold model

Key Points from the Discussion

The Charles Frodsham watch, at 42mm, might feel large on smaller wrists despite its curved lugs, suggesting a preference for slightly smaller dress watch dimensions.
The movement's architecture in the Frodsham watch is praised for equally prioritizing engineering and artistic design, with a highly stylized balance structure and a double-impulse escapement visible without a loupe.
While the Frodsham's 10.5mm height is reasonable for a 42.2mm watch, the author notes that even Roger W. Smith's Series 2, at 13.5mm, could benefit from being thinner for a dress watch.
The price point of the Charles Frodsham, starting at £60,000 for stainless steel, is a significant barrier, especially for a new independent brand competing with established names like Kari Voutilainen, Rexhep Rexhepi, and Credor.
The limited production of 10-12 watches annually and exclusive sales/service at their St. James shop contribute to the brand's exclusivity but also pose challenges for broader market acceptance.
British finishing, while different from Swiss aesthetics, involves no less work and contributes to the unique character of watches like the Frodsham.

The Discussion

TheMadDruid

May 15, 2018

But I don't buy chronometers, looking like historical chronometers, as dress watches. I think of them as expensive (in some cases very expensive) (pun intended) tool watches. They can look handsome or attractive; and they can be worn in any situation or for any occasion. But then so can chronographs and dive watches. The latter two are not dress watches. As for the Frodsham, I think you're right that this piece is more for the person who has several other high-end/exclusive independents, and is

Gelato Monster

May 15, 2018

But like you said at that price there are numbers of more extraordinary watch

VMM

May 15, 2018

Beautiful movement. Thanks for sharing. Vte

Tim_M

May 15, 2018

Not too many folks have had a chance to see this piece firsthand, and I appreciate your earnest feedback. One feature that recommends the watch is the fashion in which the caliber architecture has been chosen to give equal precedence to engineering and art design. The bridges, drive train, and the highly-stylized balance structure are mote than the result of CAD/CAM work to assemble the parts in the most expedient manner. "Finishing" a watch caliber is one method of imparting aesthetic excellenc

Watchonthewrist

May 15, 2018

But like you said , there are some great other watches for sale at that price point too . Thanks for the post and pictures my friend 👍🏻🤗

Spangles - Dr. Tabby

May 15, 2018

As I understand, if the watch even runs out of power, the movement can be damaged. This is why the pr is cut off at 35 hr. This seems like the idea of an English gentleman's watch, not the dress watch concept. It's supposed to be distinguished by being big or thick (I was told that's why RWS watches are so thick), but not show off with extra finishing or something... Not sure if it's for me, but I do like RWS and this as well. And may I say again, thanks for sharing, Sham!

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