Independents

English watches that remain 'Man - made': Interviewing Roger Smith and George Daniels. [George Daniels and Roger Smith at work in Daniel's workshop] At the time of the tea salons of London being the hive of business and academic endeavour, the area around...  

I had the pleasure of meeting Roger Smith a couple of years ago in Singapore. His passion and knowledge was so apparent to me that it really sparked my interest in learning more about independent watchmakers. Sadly, I was (and sometimes continue to be) to... 

wait for the reason that it is created for you. Talk to Roger, if there are changes, or differences you want incorporated, he will certainly hear you out. Even though I do not have pictures of it, there is also a Series 2 with no dial. Looks fantastic. Go... 

A great insight into Daniels and Smith with great photography. Not enough shots with the fish eye lens though, hard to tell it's an AndrewH work without them. ;-) - SJX

photos with the fisheye in the article - but alas, it did not work. Andrew H

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of a dream just being there.... Andrew H

Thanks for taking the time to put all of this down on "paper" for us! A

Andrew H

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I deeply envy you 219, I would give a limb to meet these gentlemen and speak with them. I may someday meet Rodger, but Mr. Daniels I fear I will not. Like F.P. Journe and so many other unnamed folk, myself in the unnamed category, we poured over and learn... 

will be interested to know the regard with which their watchmaking is held across the world. Thank you for leaving a note. Trust me when I say that I felt fortunate and lucky to be invited to talk to both Roger and George. It was a fantastic weekend on th... 

Thanks Andrew for the interviews. Brings a tear to my eye with the best of British pride. But, Master Daniels's workshop looks too neat. As I recall, it was messier in years gone by! MTF

work bench that were a lot more 'busy' than the one I photographed. Some gems for the watchmaking world that I will not mention here. Andrew H

A fantastic post. George Daniels and Roger Smith are two of my favorite watchmakers. Definitely a post to bookmark.

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an Ode to the work of two Englishmen. Great pictures too. George Daniels with his books has been an inspiration for many, myself included. Roger had the luck to be the one who got to work the closest with him. Now he is honouring his tradition. Bravo! Don

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at the FPJ dinner in London? Douglas said he was on the list but could not go. So, with one of the very first Series 2, when are you adding a Daniels to your collection? Andrew H

In its purest form...... This is one of the nicest posts I have read in the 6 years I Have frequented this forum. Thank you! I will return and read it again many times and enjoy your wonderful photographs and touching report of the greatest watchmaker ali... 

meet both gentlemen. Thanks for leaving a note. Andrew H

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The writing, the photography, the whole plot....fantastic work.

was a reflection of Roger's and George's. Unique watches and unique individuals. Andrew H

Could kindly any of you stop bothering Mr. Smith so he can start working on my watch? Why I couldn't see as what you saw when I traveled there? Nice pictures and superbly written report..... so I must forgive you for bothering Mr. Smith . cen@jkt

your watch, and everyone else's for that matter. Even Mr Smith is allowed the odd day off, and he used that day to help show me around the Isle and chat with George. It will all be worth it when you have that Roger Smith strapped to your wrist! Thanks for... 

that I was there with George Daniels and Roger Smith and we talked about the co-axial escapement and watches from past and future of both. it was a great dream.

chatting with Roger and George. Hopefully that was conveyed in the article. Glad you enjoyed the read Andrew H

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This was a great read and pictures to match! One of the best posts on the purists in some time! So, its just irking me........ Journe and this George Daniels Mentor thing...... Can someone confirm yes or no to the following? 1. Did Journe ever study with ... 

5 I dont know. I think that George was something of a mentor in the french translation. George showed that you could go alone, be independent, and survive as a watchmaker. As we go through life there are role models for each and everyone of us. Some are d... 

as well as lesson in philosophy, watchmaking and human tenacity toped with leitmotif of importance to be true to yourself no matter what I enjoyed reading it tremendously Salute Mr. Daniels & Smith Thank you from all my heart Andrew Damian

as I enjoyed writing it. Andrew H

...great photos... ...Great watchmakers! Thanks, 219 ! Met Roger Smith at Basel this year, and what a humble gentleman he is. Have read many articles and books by George Daniels, would love to meet him too one day!

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I loved reading it! I have a lot of admiration for both men, and feel RWS' watches are very much to my taste. It is always a pleasure to see people taking pride in upholding the positive traditions of their homeland, in this case "English" type watches. B... 

produce and have produced. If it was not for them, this quintessential English style might be consigned to the horological history books. Thanks for reading Andrew H

the watch in question?? Cheers Andrew H

in the back of your mind. Good luck Andrew H

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It was nice to read about two of Britains finest watchmakers.

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survive, that the single watchmaker could exist as a manufacturer by themselves, and I think Journe must have taken inspiration from that. Andrew H

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I always enjoy seeing inside the workshops like this - a chance to peek behind the curtain. Interesting to see what look like red and white Omega material packages in the one of the workbench photos. The photograph above the tin of discarded parts. Perhap... 

from the Millenium series. Thanks for reading Andrew H

Hi Andrew In the 9th picture where you see Daniels and Smith, it looks like Daniels is wearing two watches on the same wrist??? I tried to zoom inbut the resoultion made it not possible to see? Is it just an illusion and what is he wearing? Smith seems to... 

the Daniels Millenium in the pictures. Roger's everyday watch is not one of his own, but from a watch company set up in London last century. I think that is about as much as I can say! Thanks for reading Andrew H

Thanks Andrew for your reply Amusing how Daniels wears both on one wrist - but he is THE MAN and can get away with it in style Also interesting that that the other "mr handmade" ;-) wears a watch that has become a completely industrialised product as his ... 

think of one who does not highly rank the watch with the crown! And some even own one or two - including GD! Andrew H

Thank you so much for the beautiful post. The opportunity to spend time with these two, especially in the workshop itself, is as good as it gets in this wonderful hobby. Thank you for bringing us with you!

enjoyable one. Hopefully that came out in the description. Thanks for reading. Andrew H

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It is very rewarding to learn of men who are still artisans and working to produce devices like these. It gives me hope that all is not lost.

yourself - they are wonderous things to behold. Andrew H

thks fr sharing...and your references to Adam Smith is just excellent!!

was required bedtime reading for all of us! Became fascinated with the arguments and Hume's theories for the state of human action. With the philosophy and manufacture of Smith and Daniel's watches being from the same era, it seemed appropriate to couch t...