WPS member · Independents forum
158 replies31820 views2 photos
In a testament to patience and passion, sham1 shares the culmination of a seventy-month wait: the arrival of his Roger W. Smith Series 1. This article delves into sham1's personal journey with one of horology's most revered independent watchmakers, offering an intimate look at a timepiece many consider a work of art. His initial post, accompanied by stunning photography, sparked a rich discussion among collectors, exploring the nuances of owning such an exclusive creation.
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 38mm watch in rose gold blends well against my skin tone and the 13.5mm thickness (which some may argue is too thick for a dress watch) wears a lot thinner. Rarely does the beauty of a watch movement rival that of its dial and this is as close as it gets to a complete watch. A huge thank you to Roger and his team for leading the way in superlative watchmaking. For me this is more than just a watch - this is a work of art!
Key Points from the Discussion
- The decision-making process for a Roger W. Smith timepiece, including metal and style choices, often feels more recent than the actual multi-year wait, highlighting the emotional investment collectors have in these watches.
- The Roger W. Smith Series 1 is lauded for its beautiful craftsmanship, 38mm wearability, engraved movement, rarity, and guilloché dial, with its 13.5mm thickness being a common point of discussion for a dress watch.
- In contrast, the Murakumo is praised for its extensive black polishing, gorgeous hands, raised Breguet numerals, and superior wearability at 36.8mm diameter and 8.5mm thickness, alongside its exceptional strap quality.
- Roger W. Smith has produced only approximately 100 watches under his name over nearly two decades, in addition to the 35 Daniels Anniversary watches, underscoring the extreme rarity and bespoke nature of his work.
- The long waiting periods for highly sought-after independent watches, often extending to 8-10 years, are seen by collectors as a necessary part of acquiring a 'grail' timepiece, with the wait enhancing the eventual pleasure of ownership.
- The rose gold of the Roger W. Smith Series 1 is noted for complementing the watch's classical magnificence, making it one of the few exceptions where a white metal preference is overridden by the timepiece's inherent beauty.
Advertisement
Continue the conversation
This thread is active on the Independents forum with 158 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
