Roger W. Smith Independent Watchmaker Overview

Key Points from the Discussion

• Despite widespread publicity, many collectors have yet to experience a Roger W. Smith watch in person, leading to a desire for more horological news beyond auction results, such as updates on the upcoming Series 6.
• Roger W. Smith's watches, once priced around £40k in 2009, have seen significant appreciation, with current market values often exceeding what some collectors are willing to rationalize, despite acknowledging the brand's unique origin story and build philosophy.
• Despite high pricing, some collectors are compelled by the watches' allure, with one member having placed an order for a Series 5 through an authorized dealer, acknowledging the long queue and uncertain delivery date.
• A critical observation from an early correspondent with Roger W. Smith notes that while highly desirable, some references are considered too thick to achieve 'perfection' in their design.
• The extremely low annual output of approximately 12 watches per year is a point of perplexity for some, who question if this limited production is an artificial constraint rather than a necessity of the craft.
• Other community members shared additional images of Roger W. Smith timepieces, further enriching the visual appreciation of the brand's distinct aesthetic and craftsmanship.