Roger W. Smith Series II, Steel

The round, stainless steel case measures 38 mm in diameter, excluding the fluted crown. The case has sapphire glass on the front and back - engraved "SERIES 2" and "No. 06-C" on the reverse, along with the traditional and maker's own hallmarks. The case has straight lugs and is fitted with a navy blue alligator strap, supplied by Roger W. Smith. It is debossed with "R. W. SMITH" on the lining, matching the steel tang buckle.

The silver, round dial has an outer chapter of engraved, blue minute markers, with a trench separating it from a second chapter of a polished silver circle and blue (inked) Roman numerals. The centre of the dial occupies yet another, deeper section, with its hand-turned, basket-work pattern. A cartouche at twelve o'clock references "R. W. SMITH" in blue engraving. All parts are hand-crafted from beginning to end; including the slender, blued steel hour and minute hands, tipped with spades.

At ten o'clock is the aperture for the power-reserve indicator, made from silver, adding yet another level of depth to the dial. This simple, yet eloquent display also has a basket-work guilloché, while the hand is made from white-gold, unusually for a Series 2, and features an engraved, blue, up and down chapter on a polished silver strip. 

The large, sub-seconds register is at six o'clock, decorated by a diamond-guilloché pattern and a polished seconds chapter circumnavigating it. Blue, drilled dots mark the seconds, centring around a slim, flame-blued steel seconds' hand, with an elegant counter-balance at one end.

The traditional movement is revealed through the sapphire case-back. Much like the dial, the movement side is equally stunning. This, together with the dominating three-quarter main plate, shows what makes Roger W. Smith, OBE the flag-bearer of British haute-horology. The movement is very-much inspired by the British style of pocket watches of Tompion, Graham and Arnold. It has understated, English frosted finishings in a combination of warm, golden tones, creating a striking backdrop for the blue screws. A raised barrel bridge and balance cock add a revealing depth to the movement.

A Collected Man is the exclusively approved seller of pre-owned Roger W. Smith watches. Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

Closer look

Brand:	Roger W. Smith
Model:	Series II
Movement:	manual-winding hand-made movement
Functions:	time-only: hours, minutes, sub-seconds
Features:	power reserve indicator, display back, blue steel hands, Roman numerals, guilloché dial
Case:	38 mm stainless steel
Crystal:	sapphire front and back
Bracelet:	strap from Roger W. Smith
Box & papers:	full-set with box and papers