Roger W. Smith Series 2 Open Dial, White Gold

The Series 2 Open Dial itself represents a transitional point in the English watchmaker's work. First produced in 2010, its layout bears a strong resemblance to the watches Smith creates today, even while many of the examples possess characteristics typical of early Series 2 pieces. Within the 12 open dial examples that have been produced, there is a world of variation, with certain details serving to place an example in the chronology of this family of pieces. It merits noting at this point that some open dial Series 2 were later sold under the designation of the Series 5. 

This example bears the serial number 4 and wears a 40mm white gold case. While earlier Series 2 cases are marked by shorter lugs and more rounded cases, referred to as Mk 1 examples, this features a more transitional version. The lugs are marginally longer, while the three-part case is less rounded in profile. It was the sixth open dial Series 2 made.

The dial – with its frosted and gilded plates, gold chatons and heat-hued screws – features a host of transitional features chief among which is the cartouche that bears the brand mark. While earlier examples featured the brand mark engraved directly onto the baseplate visible on the dial side, typically between 12 and 1 o’clock, this particular example wears it on a cartouche suspended from the satiné circulaire chapter of minutes. No more than three examples of the Series 2 Open Dial, including this one, wear this layout. Enthusiasts will recognise that this cartouche would later be placed in top half the of the dial, independent of the chapter. The serial number, also often engraved on the baseplate on the dial side in earlier pieces, is between 8 and 9 o’clock; in later examples this number ceases to appear on the dial side.

The wide chapter of minutes is itself of note. It features engraved minutes and Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals. Some early examples also feature a thinner chapter, with floating Arabic minutes at 10-minute intervals while later examples wear floating Roman hour markers, more in line with the manufacture’s current aesthetic. In fact, Roger Smith notes that this example was the last one made before the transition to floating Roman numerals.

Both scalloped hour and minute hands, as well as the subsidiary seconds hand, are heat-blued, as is the one that indicates the power-reserve at the 10 o'clock position.  The large, sub-seconds register at 6 o'clock is encircled within a grained silver seconds chapter with drilled dots to mark the seconds.

Visible through the display caseback is a suitably traditional-looking manual-wind calibre featuring the very earliest variant of the Mk I single-wheel Co-Axial escapement, Smith’s first advancement on his mentor, George W. Smith’s invention. It is understated and typically English, wearing frosted finishing in a gilt shade, visually punctuated by heat-blued screws. A raised barrel bridge and balance cock add depth to the movement.

It’s transitional quality finds expression in the movement decoration as well. Same as those on the dial, the engravings on the three-quarter plate are also the work of master engraver Charles Scarr, who worked closely with Daniels. Engraved on the plate affixed to the three-quarter plate are the brand mark, “Isle of Man” and the year of manufacture in Roman numerals while the serial number is engraved directly onto the three-quarter plate.

This is different from earlier examples which featured these details applied directly onto the three-quarter plate, with the raised plate reserved often for intricate floral engravings. In latter examples, such details, as well as the triskelion motif of the Isle of Man, were engraved on raised cartouches screwed on to the movement. This is typical of movements featuring the Mk II version of Smith's single-wheel variant of the Co-Axial escapement.

All in all, this represents a significant chapter in Roger W. Smith’s early work and should be of interest to anyone who has followed his illustrious career to becoming the flag-bearer for British high horology. Says Smith of this piece: “Back then we were formulating ideas for what an open dial Series 2 would look like. We tried different approaches and this example, with the full chapter of Arabic numerals, was one of the earliest iterations. While since then the floating Arabic numeral has become closely associated with the Series 2 Open Dial, it is reassuring to look back on an early example like this one and know that what we did in those early days still holds up”.

This example comes from the original owner and includes its Linley presentation box, crafted from English oak, as well as a specification sheet. The piece has been serviced by the watchmaker in the recent past.

Closer look

Condition

This Roger W. Smith Series 2 Open Dial is in very good condition throughout. Light scratches and scuffs are found throughout the case, bezel, and lugs, consistent with relative wear over time. 

The frosted and gilded plates, gold chatons, and heat-hued screws on the dial are free from any imperfections, as are the heat-blue scalloped hour and minute hands. Similarly on the caseback, the frosted finishing, heat-blued, and rose gold accents are free from any imperfections. On the crown side of the caseback, light oxidation is present on the frosted movement just above the hand-engraved, unique individual watch number. The rose gold detailing behind the balance wheel shows attractive signs of oxidation. The watch is mechanically sound and has been serviced by Roger W. Smith in the recent past. 

The set includes its handcrafted Linley box, topped with a hallmarked silver plaque denoting the manufacturer, model, and unique number of the watch. Inside is the key, an unused branded cloth and an unused black alligator Roger W Smith leather strap. The paperwork includes two A4-sized sheets of paper; one a sheet of specifications and the other is an anonymised copy of the insurance valuation for the watch, dated October 2012.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.