Roger W. Smith Series 1-6 Overview

quattro · 2025-11-27T15:28:06Z

Explore Roger W. Smith's iconic Series 1-6 watches. This WatchProSite guide details each model, from the time-only Series 1 to the complex Series 6, with collector insights.

quattro

WPS member · Independents forum

76 replies5324 views55 photos

Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, provides an invaluable overview of Roger W. Smith's iconic Series 1 through 6 watches. This article serves as an essential guide for collectors and enthusiasts seeking to understand the distinct characteristics and horological significance of each series from the Isle of Man's master watchmaker. Emmanuel's detailed presentation, enriched with high-quality imagery, lays the groundwork for a deeper appreciation of Smith's craft.

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Based on the Isle of Man and the sole apprentice to the late and great George Daniels, Roger W. Smith is a not so well-known master watchmaker.

So, let's have a look at some of his watches, especially his Series 1 to 6.

If you want more detail and information, an in-depth article has been written by Russell Sheldrake for A Collected Man: THE WATCHMAKING JOURNEY OF ROGER W. SMITH.

Best, Emmanuel

A/ SERIES 1

First delivered in 2018, the Series One is a time-only piece.

Inspiration was taken from The GREAT Britain, which was the first time-only watch Roger W. Smith designed.

Commissioned by the British government itself (by order of David Cameron) The GREAT Britain watch debuted back in 2012 during the “GREAT Britain” exhibition that represented the best of English products during the 2012 London Olympic games.

The GREAT Britain

40 mm platinum case

On the movement, the small three-legged icon on a shield (know as the “Triskelion”) is the symbol for the Isle of Man, where Roger W. Smith lives and works.

“Isle of Man” in full is also engraved into the movement plate under Roger W. Smith’s name.

credit: Hodinkee & A Blog to Watch

The Series One

It is housed in a 38 or 40 mm case.

Below is a special variant with a platinum case, Eastern-Arabic numerals and leaf decorations

credit: Roger W. Smith, A Collected Man (photos 2-3) & @relogioserelogiosbr (two last photos only)

B/ SERIES 2

It features a power reserve complication and was Roger W. Smith’s first wristwatch to be designed and created in-house using the George Daniels Method.

credit: @take_fktk18

Open dial variant

credit: Wristcheck

C/ SERIES 3

It features a retrograde calendar complication and a symmetrical display.

credit: A Collected Man

credit: Roger W. Smith

A Series 3 (left) and a Series 1 (right)

credit: @bacausewatch

D/ SERIES 4

It features an instantaneous triple calendar and moon phase, and a travelling date aperture, which solves the legibility issue created by some traditional date hands.

On the moon phase, the night sky is captured in a signature purple-blue hue, with bleached silver moons and riveted gold stars.

credit: A Blog to Watch (1-2), Roger W. Smith & Quill & Pad (tow last photos)

E/ SERIES 5

It is the Mark 2 version of the Series 2 Open Dial.

Its time and power reserve dials float above the movement, revealing the depth of the mechanism, its intricate detail and traditional hand finishing.

credit: Lunar Oyster (1-7) & The Time Production

F/ SERIES 6

With its instantaneous date complication, it's a celebration of the travelling date aperture invented by Roger W. Smith.

The watch displays hours, minutes, and seconds on a floating dial centre, with the date indicated on a lower level.

credit: Roger W. Smith

THREE BONUSES

a/ Series 1 "Onely Theo Fennell"

This watch is part of the “ONELY” series commissioned by celebrated London jeweler Theo Fennell.

The Fennell logo is placed at 12 and had his name engraved on the main plate.

This particular example is the only one in white gold (28.5 x 35.5 mm excluding lugs).

credit: Phillips

b/ Grande Date Flying Tourbillon No. 1, Red Gold

According to A Collected Man: "This entirely unique, 42 mm, red-gold, Roger W. Smith, Grande-Date Flying-Tourbillon with guilloché dial, represents a special chapter in British watchmaking, as this is the only flying tourbillon to have ever been designed and made within Great Britain."

credit: A Collected Man

c/ The man at work (with a Rolex Explorer on the wrist!)

credit: Hodinkee

About the De Bethune DB25 Ref. DB25

De Bethune DB25 Reference DB25

The DB25 represents De Bethune's entry in the 44.5mm manual-wind category, distinguished by its silver dial configuration within the DB25 series. This reference launched in 2006 and continues the brand's approach to contemporary haute horlogerie complications.

The 44.5mm case is crafted from 18k white gold with a fixed bezel and sapphire crystal. Water resistance extends to 30 meters. The manual-winding caliber DB2105 movement provides a substantial 120-hour power reserve. The watch features a leather strap attachment.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking De Bethune's technical approach to timekeeping in a precious metal case. The extended power reserve and manual-wind operation position it for enthusiasts who appreciate hands-on interaction with their timepieces. The 44.5mm sizing places it in contemporary proportions within the independent watchmaking segment.

Specifications

Caliber: DB2105

Case: 18k White Gold

Diameter: 44.5 mm

Dial: Silver

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

Early Roger W. Smith watches exhibited visible finishing flaws, which some collectors interpret as authentic signs of the creator's hand, aligning with the George Daniels mythology and offering a unique, handmade appeal.
A counter-argument suggests that many modern 'handmade' watches, including some Roger W. Smith pieces, are not entirely handmade and can display finishing flaws attributed to either laziness or ineptitude, advocating for vintage watches if true handmade craftsmanship without CNC is desired.
Roger W. Smith's workshop is open to visitors, allowing enthusiasts to observe his team employing traditional George Daniels methods and understand the specific, sensible uses of CNC for precision tasks like gasket hole punching, which enhances durability and extends service intervals to 15-18 years.
There is a perceived distinction between 'old RWS' and 'new RWS' in terms of production methods and pricing, with concerns that current pricing, influenced by past auction results, may not reflect the evolving value proposition as production processes have changed.
Some collectors argue that for watches in Roger W. Smith's price range, the quality should be flawless, especially when compared to other high-end independent watchmakers like Greubel Forsey or Haldimann, whose pieces are often cited as being impeccable under macro examination.
Given the extremely limited production of Roger W. Smith watches, the expectation for superior Quality Control (QC) is higher compared to mass-produced brands, as there is ample opportunity for meticulous attention to detail and correction of any visible flaws before delivery.
Despite his horological dedication and humility, some collectors express a desire for thinner cases and more refined hands, finding the current dimensions of Roger W. Smith watches to be somewhat bulky.

The Discussion

Ichiran

Nov 27, 2025

Wow thanks for this fantastic write-up!

Here's my Series 5.

quattro

Nov 27, 2025

Impressive! And great shot! Thanks for sharing this beauty!

Best, Emmanuel

J K

Nov 27, 2025

A superb write up! Thanks.