Roger Smith - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII Geneva Friday, November 3, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Roger Smith
    Year: 2008
    Movement No: N°1
    Case No: N°1
    Model Name: Series 2 Edition 2
    Material: 18kt pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, in-house caliber with single wheel co-axial escapement, 28 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold pin buckle signed R.W. Smith
    Dimensions: 38mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Roger Smith fitted wooden box, Ownership and Service History booklet, leather pouch, card holder.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Smith discovered his passion for watchmaking at 16 while studying at the British School of Watchmaking and eventually became a Bronze Medallist of the Horological Institute upon graduating in 1989. Recognised as the most exceptional student of his class, Roger met the late Dr. George Daniels around that time— the man who would forever alter the course of his life and lead him to become the flag-bearer of British timekeeping. For a while, the young apprentice found himself unfulfilled after starting his career at the TAG Heuer repairs department. With the desire to push for excellence, he approached Daniels, offering his apprenticeship, but was bitterly turned down. Daniels’ refusal pushed Smith to resign from TAG Heuer and set out to build his first fully handcrafted tourbillon pocket watch with detent escapement in his parents’ garage. Despite 18 months' of painstaking labor, Daniels was not satisfied with his creation, which forced him to return his workbench for another five and a half years, working on his second creation, a tourbillon with detent escapement pocket watch with a perpetual calendar (sold by Phillips New York June 2023 for close to US$ 5 million). 

    This time, Smith’s presentation of his completely self-made timepiece made an impression on the English icon. With these heartening words, “Congratulations, you are now a watchmaker”, he became Daniels’ only apprentice and colleague in 1998, as the pair worked on ground-breaking projects such as the Millenium and Anniversary series together.  

    In 2001, after having worked with Daniels for over a decade, Smith set out on his own and created his own wristwatch. The result was the rectangular Series 1. In 2006, he presented the Series 2, a round watch displaying perfect proportions, featuring Smith’s first fully in-house developed and made caliber using the Daniels co-axial escapement.

    According to Roger Smith, the Series 2 “is probably the most important watch in the history of the company. The original Series 2 was the first watch to be completely made in-house. It was a huge step forward for us from the Series 1 and was also the first production watch by a British watchmaker in modern times. From a personal perspective the Series 2 came during a very difficult time for the business; its genesis didn’t just result in a watch - it re-invented the studio and assured our future.”

    Early on and after having delivered a few Series 2 models, Smith decided to create the “Editions” concept whereby the Series 2 would be made in a limited edition of 90 pieces with 30 watches in each gold color: Edition 1 in yellow gold, Edition 2 in pink gold and Edition 3 in white gold. Smith also offered custom versions of the Series 2, which were also available in a platinum case.

    Shortly after Smith abandoned the “Editions” concept after having made 5 in each Edition. The present example being the first example of the pink gold Edition 2.

    The present Series 2 in pink gold features a caliber with typical English finish, with frosted and gilded plates, gold chatons and heat colored screws.

    The present Series 2’s ultimate rarity and historical value cannot be highlighted enough as not only does it bear number 1 but it is part of only 5 pink gold Edition 2 models ever made.

    This horological marvel merges technical prowess, craftsmanship and art is a superlative timepiece in every aspect.

149

An exceptionally rare and important pink gold wristwatch with power reserve indication, engine-turned dial, certificate and presentation box, number 1 of only 5 made

2008
38mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF250,000 - 500,000 
€260,000-519,000
$275,000-550,000

Sold for CHF508,000

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

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The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII

Geneva Auction 3 - 4 November 2023