Roger W. Smith
Roger W. Smith OBE is recognised as one of the greatest watchmakers of the modern era. The only apprentice and collaborator of the late Dr. George Daniels, they worked on a number of projects together, from the Millennium series to tourbillon wristwatches. Roger W. Smith has since become the flag bearer for English watchmaking, building on the work of his mentor, but also on past luminaries like Tompion, Graham, and Arnold.
Roger W. Smith
Roger W. Smith OBE is recognised as one of the greatest watchmakers of the modern era. The only apprentice and collaborator of the late Dr. George Daniels, they worked on a number of projects together, from the Millennium series to tourbillon wristwatches. Roger W. Smith has since become the flag bearer for English watchmaking, building on the work of his mentor, but also on past luminaries like Tompion, Graham, and Arnold.
What makes a transitional watch?
Evolutions in watchmaking are rarely quick or abrupt. Things evolve gradually, shifting from one state to another over an extended period of time. Because of this, it's sometimes possible to pinpoint watches that are arguably transitional in nature, marking those changes, in a subtle, but noticeable way.
A Collector’s Guide to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 14790
We have long been fascinated with mid-size executions of iconic designs, notably the Nautilus and the Royal Oak. Having recently had the opportunity to visit the archives at Audemars Piguet in Le Brassus, we thought this was the perfect opportunity for an in-depth Collector's Guide on the most distinctive of the mid-size Royal Oak references - the 14790.