Greg D
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Peter Speake-Marin and Me - Part 1
One of the odd aspects of the internet is how much of our lives remains online.
As a very long term Purists member this is true of my interest in watches - and particularly my interest in Peter Speake Marin!
I first learn of Peter from a post here - which wonderfully is still online with all it's pictures.
You can find it here:-
ahci.watchprosite.com
Here is a picture from that article
From that thread here is a wonderful picture of the movement of the pre-production Piccadilly prototype
For me the next step was a trip organised by Ron DeCourt which a number of Purists attended. I loved seeing Peter's workshop - and have a picture of a rather young looking Peter opening a bottle of wine for the mixture of watchmakers and collectors who attended that trip. I took this back in 2003.
After I returned that point I ordered a Piccadilly, amazed to find I was the first to place a firm order.
So the next chapter(and my next post) was the delivery of the watch.
Peter Speake-Marin and Me - Part 1
One of the odd aspects of the internet is how much of our lives remains online. As a very long term Purists member this is true of my interest in watches - and particularly my interest in Peter Speake Marin! I first learn of Peter from a post here - which...
Peter Speake-Marin and Me - Part 2
The next step was in late 2003 when Peter was in London and was kind enough to deliver my watch in person. My post is here, but the pictures have expired - so I hope you'll excuse me re-posting and adding the pictures again. ahci.watchprosite.com A Speake...
Very interesting reading, Greg
It must be great to receive your own watch from its creator's hands! During our Purist Gathering in London, last June, we had the chance to meet him, and it was an unforgettable experience, indeed, to be able to spea with him, to share this moment with hi...
Sadly couldn't make the GTG
Sadly I couldn't get away from work the day of the GTG - but I did meet Peter that evening for dinner - and saw the fantastic tintanium two tone QP 1in20 that was beautifully photographed at the GTG. Four of us had dinner at my local pub - fantastic to se...
Great post, Greg!
I admire Peter Speake-Marin's work very much, and I think his designs are so romantic. His entire collection is easily recognizable upon the wrist and just has a wonderful presence. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for him. Thanks for sharing yo...
Thanks Greg, and it's because of seeing your watch
That I ended up with one of Peter's creations as welll
Glad to have played a part...
Of course part of the reason I have a Panerai is you...
Thanks for post
Great story.I was lucky to meet Peter last saturday over dinner with a group of about 16-18 watch "nuts" .Love his watches .All of them were pink or yellow gold bar one prototype in poilished titanium.I have read about him and his watches but first time a...
Hope to post another part later
But my Piccadilly is in Stainless Steel, and my 1 in 20 in Red Gold. I think Peter is planning to replace Steel in his collection with Tintanium going forward. - Greg
Peter Speake-Marin and Me - Part 3
In March 2007, Peter sent me an interesting email:- "1in20 is a special edition which represent the first 20 watches to be made with a SPEAKE-MARIN in-house movement." The document described Peter's idea to take orders for the first 20 watches to help fin...
Peter Speake-Marin and Me - Part 4
So by June the watch was ready for me to see - and what great timing. One of my college friends and I had planned a weeks trip driving through the French Alps - and it would be very easy to detour via Peter's workshop in Rolle. Peter would be travelling -...
Greg, thanks for completing the tale.
How exciting that must have been to finally have it on your wrist. Your smile says it all. Best, Jed
Greg, thanks so much for sharing this journey
Love this post. And I have to say that Peter's 1/20 watches are very special, as will be his "regular" series with new PSM in-house movement. Also great that you have highlighted some watches other than yours, which also are quite beautiful. A question--a...
I believe all the 1in20s are in 40.6mm cases...
I found this on Peter's website:- "The 1in20 series is a collection of Speake-Marin Piccadilly's marking the first watches to incorporate the SM2 calibre. They have been influenced by various collectors around the world and are a combination of simple tim...
thx Greg...
for this wonderful series of posts. an excellent tale of acquisition n journey. enjoy your lovely psms in the best of health. cheers raph
Thanks for the additional chapters to your story!
You've got such a nice timepiece in your new Speake-Marin! The more I see his watches, the more I love them. I really enjoyed my experience with another independent watchmaker, and it seems you similarly had a great independent experience with Peter Speak...
Thanks for post
You have a real beauty with some of your design input.Congratulations.
Wonderful post Greg
Thanks for taking us back in time with you on your first experience with Peter