The beautiful stamps from the Isle of Man Post Office dedicated to the Master Watchmakers

Nov 28, 2020,14:59 PM
 

This is great news for watchmaking enthusiasts. The Isle of Man Post Office published last August a set of stamps dedicated to 3 watchmakers whose lives and careers have contributed, in varying degrees, to the history of the island. This series, which dedicates personalities from different generations, reminds us the link between the island and watchmaking. It recalls the work of John Harwood (1893-1964) who opened his repair workshop at the end of the First World War in Douglas, the capital. It was in this workshop that John Harwood developed the first self-winding wristwatch, which was patented in 1924.


The set of stamps also evokes the joint work of George Daniels and Roger Smith. The latter can today be considered as the spiritual son of Daniels and as the standard-bearer of the revival of English watchmaking. He can even be seen as one of the island's most famous ambassadors since he set up his workshop there in 2001 after working with George Daniels on the Millennium watches. His creations express all the influence of his mentor and of course the Isle of Man Post Office could not publish this set without a stamp representing the two watchmakers working on the same project. It is the story of their lives, it is also a piece of English watchmaking history that is being revived in the wake of George Daniels' work. Past, present, future, beyond the Isle of Man alone, these 6 stamps are a beautiful tribute to English watchmaking and its contribution since the 20th century.

These stamps are also very beautiful, which does not spoil anything. What a pleasure to find mythical watches such as the Space Traveller by Georges Daniels or the now famous "The Blue Tourbillon", one of the 4 copies of which was recently sold at the price of one million pounds via the "A Collected Man" website. It is the "The Great Britain" watch that illustrates the stamps dedicated to Roger Smith, both on the dial and movement sides. And I must admit that I have rarely seen a stamp featuring a wristwatch mechanism.


In any case, I find these stamps, sold with or without the accompanying booklet, an excellent gift idea for any watch fan. Indeed, it is a delicate and original way to pay tribute to the passion for watchmaking that the person receiving them lives. All this for a modest price.

The stamps can be ordered via the Isle of Man Post Office website:
www.iompost.com

 If you like them, don't lose time! I have no idea how long they will be available. So don't miss this opportunity... I'm not sure an other Post Office will have a similar idea anytime in a short timeframe.

Fr.Xavier



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Wow, how interesting

 
 By: Chronometer (aka yacomino) : November 28th, 2020-15:02

Fascinating

 
 By: JTCL : November 29th, 2020-01:42
Something I also find interesting is the values that these stamps are denominated. I wonder why shipping fees are so specific down to the pence?