R.W. Smith Series 2 & MB&F LM1 Dubai Edition

sham1 · 2019-09-09T07:53:55Z

Visit Phillips' Perpetual boutique in London. Hands-on review of R.W. Smith Series 2 and MB&F LM1 Dubai Edition. Insights on independent watchmaking and service.

sham1

WPS member · Independents forum

88 replies21086 views5 photos

Sham1 recounts his visit to Phillips' new Perpetual watch boutique in London, offering a rare opportunity to try on an R.W. Smith Series 2 and an MB&F LM1 Dubai Edition. His post provides invaluable insights into the tactile experience of these highly sought-after independent watches, sparking a community discussion on dimensions, wearability, and the critical importance of after-sales service for high-end independents.

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I am in London for a few days to attend a Patek event and took the opportunity this morning to drop by at the newly launched Philips' watch boutique called Perpetual based at 30 Berkeley Square. I had the pleasure to meet James Marks, a renowned specialist and a director at Philips who graciously spent a lot of time explaining to me about the two watches I chose to view. Now some of you here might know that I have actually ordered a RW Smith Series 2 but I had not really tried it on before ordering it simply because one would be hard pushed to see a RW Smith anywhere to try on. So I was pretty excited to finally try on the Series 2 even though the latest version might have a slightly more rounded case around the edges,. The Series 2 at Philips is from 2006 and is one of the first made, hence spotting the first generation co axial escapement. As James Marks emphasized today, it was largely hand made whereas the later watches had more machine content in them. The 38mm diameter of the Series 2 suited me fine and so did the the weight but I am a little concerned over the 13mm height of the watch or is 13.5mm!

I also noticed an attractive Dubai Edition MB&F LM1 which I particularly like due to the lovely dial and the titanium case. Those who know me will know I tend to favour light watches so this watch ticked all the right boxes. Philips is the only MB&F authorised used dealer in the UK.

May I highly recommend any purist visiting London to drop by at Philips to view the Perpetual boutique. There are about 30 watches on show including Pateks, a FP Journe Tourbillon and some other quite exquisite delights so really, something for everyone!

Finally! The Series 2 on my wrist.

Too thick possibly?

I love the way the movement fills up the case back

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder but I love this dial!

Just wow!

Key Points from the Discussion

The R.W. Smith Series 2, particularly an early 2006 model, features a first-generation co-axial escapement and was largely handmade, with later versions incorporating more machine content.
While the 38mm diameter of the Series 2 is well-suited, its 13-13.5mm height can be a concern for some collectors, despite the overall allure of the watch.
The MB&F LM1 Dubai Edition, with its unique dial and titanium case, is appealing for collectors who favor lighter watches.
After-sales service is crucial for independent watches; issues with timekeeping and lengthy repair times, even for highly regarded brands like Dufour, can lead to dissatisfaction and resale.
Servicing high-end watches, even a Patek Philippe time-only model, can be a full work week for a watchmaker, involving meticulous adjustments and part replacements, making the cost of $2k-$5k reasonable.
Independent watchmakers like Kari Voutilainen and Roger W. Smith prioritize watches seldom returning for service, highlighting their commitment to reliability.

The Discussion

rnaden

Sep 9, 2019

Thanks for the little snapshot

The Series 2 is just amazing. The amount of detail and work on both sides of the watch is not something you get every where is is very special. The thickness is surprising though, especially for a manual winding watch. How did it feel on the wrist. I realize that on the wrist feel is all that matters, as at the end of the day, the numbers don't quite mean anything as it needs to be cohesive. The MB&F is very nice, though that domed sapphire is a matter of taste. For me, I think I'd end up bumpin

sham1

Sep 9, 2019

Thank for your reply Richard.

I think with the MB&F, I half expect it to bump into things as it is 16mm plus high so I would be extra careful when wearing it eg only to purists GTGs! But to bump the RW Smith into something would be heart breaking - at least with the MB&F, it is the glass that is making contact with an object but with the RW Smith, it is the actual rose gold case!!

aris d

Sep 9, 2019

The dial of RW Smith is amazing but I truly think that it's thicker than it should be. [nt]

sham1

Sep 9, 2019

I think so too!

Roger stressed that he would like to make a robust product but I noticed that Kari Voutilainen also offers a three dimensional view of his movement in a case 2 to 3mm slimmer. Yes 13mm will still fit under a shirt cuff but part of the elegance of watch to me is its height in relation to its diameter.

Spangles - Dr. Tabby

Sep 9, 2019

Thanks so much for sharing, the RWS is amazing.

Yes, the thickness is a concern, but I think you will quickly become used to it for yours (which is coming soon, right?). Also, I don't think the KV is so much thinner! It's 12mm, right? These are gentleman's watches, after all, not dress watches.

sham1

Sep 9, 2019

I guess one might argue

that the RW Smith also has power reserve indicator. I think the Vingt 8 is 11mm but I might be wrong. I know Kari would make a 37mm Vingt 8 with a height of just over 10mm. And thank you for your reply. I think I will 'get used' to the thickness. I just feel when spending so much on a watch, it would be good if there were zero shortcomings.

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R.W. Smith Series 2 & MB&F LM1 Dubai Edition

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