Roger W. Smith Series 1, 2, or Open Dial 38mm

sham1 · 2018-08-19T01:21:33Z

Collector sham1 shares his Roger W. Smith Series 2 order update. With 38mm cases returning, he debates Series 1, Series 2, or Open Dial. Get community insights on this bespoke choice.

sham1

WPS member · Independents forum

103 replies16985 views3 photos

Sham1 provides an exciting update on his highly anticipated R.W. Smith Series 2 order, revealing Roger Smith's decision to reintroduce the 38mm case size across most of his collection. This development presents sham1 with a compelling dilemma: stick with his original Series 2 in 38mm, or consider the Series 1 or the rare Open Dial Series 2, also now available in the smaller size. His post invites the community to weigh in on this significant choice, offering a rare glimpse into the bespoke world of independent watchmaking.

Two years ago I decided to place an order and leave a deposit on a RW Smith Series 2 and managed to secure the last 38mm rose gold case. Roger had decided in 2015 to focus on 40mm cases which were too large for me. I have just been informed over the last week that Roger will once again be offering a 38mm case for his entire collection apart from the Series 4 (41mm due to the movement size) and will continue producing watches in a 40mm case. The new 38mm case although similar in height (13.5mm) is more tapered and has a slimmer profile making it more wearable. Roger will be sending me drawings over the next few months.

But here is where my dilemma lies. Instead of a Series 2, I am now able to change my order to a Series 1 or even an open dial Series 2 watch which now can be made in 38mm. Which would you choose given a choice? Series 1, Series 2 or an Open Dial??!!! Thank you in advance for your feedback.

The simple yet elegant Series 1

My initial target - the Series 2. Photo borrowed from Deployant.

The very rare open dial in rose gold. You are looking at number one! They were made primarily in white gold and platinum in small numbers.

Key Points from the Discussion

The Series 2 is often seen as the more complete and iconic Roger Smith experience compared to the Series 1, which some find too plain and potentially leading to regret over time.
The Open Dial Series 2 receives mixed reactions; some find it visually unappealing, while others appreciate its contemporary aesthetic and the absence of a power reserve indicator disrupting the dial's harmony.
The choice between Series 1, Series 2, and Open Dial reflects different interpretations of Roger Smith's artistic journey: Series 1 as the culmination of apprenticeship, Series 2 as his vision of an English watch, and the Open Dial as a return to emphasizing individual component craftsmanship.
Sham1 notes that the new 38mm case will allow the movement to fill the case back better and will be priced slightly lower than the 40mm versions, though the 'slight' difference might be irrelevant to many collectors.
The Series 2 is considered more distinctive than the Series 1, which faces competition from other independent watchmakers like Kari Voutilainen's Vingt-8, Rexhep Rexhepi's Chronomètre Contemporain, and Charles Frodsham's Double Impulse Chronometer.
The power reserve complication, while useful, significantly adds to the cost of a Roger W. Smith watch, making the decision between a simpler time-only watch and one with this feature a complex one for collectors.

The Discussion

rnaden

Aug 19, 2018

The series 1 looks too plain when compared against it, and the openwork somehow deprives the owner of the beautiful guilloche on that dial. I also think the power reserve on the series 2 is a very useful complication, and is really nicely incorporated into the watch, making the dial look more interesting.

sham1

Aug 19, 2018

Thanks Richard. Yes I agree that the Series 1 looks too simple which is reflected on its 'reasonable' entry level price. A power reserve I also agree is a useful complication even more so than say a perpetual calendar in many instances. However, I must confess that although I love the guilloche dial of the Series 2, there is something about the Open Dial that draws me to it. I feel I could get lost just staring at the various parts and probably never get tired of looking at it. And this is comin

MTF

Aug 19, 2018

sham1, The choice depends on what you "see" as Roger Smith. I am assuming you will only have one watch from him otherwise there would not be a question. Series 1 is Roger Smith at the end of apprenticeship fulfilling his mentor's insistence on hand made execution. It is simply made to look simply hand made. Series 2 is Roger Smith under his own terms to look like what he sees as an English watch. Open work Series 2 is Roger Smith returning to his apprentice days when his mentor asked about each

Watchonthewrist

Aug 19, 2018

Imho the serie 2 is the best looking .

sham1

Aug 19, 2018

You have succeeded in confusing me even further with your thought provoking evaluations!! I guess the Series 2 is more arguably Roger Smith than the other two even though the Breguet 5277 has a certain likeness.

sham1

Aug 19, 2018

I am actually quite surprised by the number of replies partial to the Series 2. I guess the Open Dial would appeal to a more niche audience. I can see the beauty in both!

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Roger W. Smith Series 1, 2, or Open Dial 38mm

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