Peter Neville Speake founded his watch brand Speake-Marin in 2002, specializing in time-only and complicated watches featuring rare and unique dial types that are a mix between traditional English and Swiss watchmaking. Following his graduation from watchmaking school at Hackney Technical College in London in 1985, he went to Switzerland to study horological complications at the WOSTEP school in Neuchâtel. Upon returning to London, he worked as a restorer for Somlo Antiques, and in 1996, began to work for Renaud & Papi, the famed maker of high-end complicated movements. Speake-Marin’s first timepiece was a tourbillon pocket watch called Foundation, which became the template for his future timepieces.

Today, Speake-Marin is an established independent Swiss brand under new ownership since 2012, manufacturing bold, modern timepieces with impeccable craftsmanship. The present early Piccadilly wristwatch from 2003 was the first wristwatch model offered by the brand. The 42.5mm-diameter white gold case is complemented by the handsome, hand-engraved pink gold dial. As a small atelier in its early years, Speake-Marin offered several series and unique dial types based on the original with white enamel dial. The case name is a tribute to London’s Piccadilly road, where the watchmaker began his career restoring antique watches.

The present watch, with prestigious serial number 1, is well-preserved and accompanied by its certificate of origin dated 2004 and presentation box. The watch is a tribute to the independent spirit of watchmakers and the quest for technical and design excellence.