Roger W. Smith Series 2 - Edition 3, White Gold

The Series 2 remains one of the smallest series of production watches in the world. Even within this exclusive group, the Edition 3 stands apart. Just five examples were designated “Series 2 – Edition 3”. Devoid of client personalisation, these five watches represent Smith’s vision of the ideal Series 2 as he envisioned it. An early example from 2010, the characteristics of this watch make it a particularly sought-after piece. It's one of only five examples produced in this rare iteration of the Series 2.

Looking at the 38mm white gold case, we see that it was created in the Mark 1 style, which is no longer produced. It possesses rounded edges and shorter lugs compared to current pieces and indeed, even with slightly later examples of the Series 2, which have a slimmer form. The flat midcase is framed by a rounded bezel and display caseback. All parts are evenly high polished. The rim around the sapphire caseback is engraved with details such as "SERIES 2" - “EDITION 3” and also features the precious metal and maker’s hallmarks. The 19mm lugs wear a black alligator-style leather strap secured by the original white gold hand engraved pin buckle.

The dial is furnished with a drilled outer chapter of minutes, separated from a brushed chapter of engraved Roman hour numerals by a patterned rim. The central part of the dial wears engine turning in a basket weave, interrupted only by the up-down power reserve indicator, crafted from silver. The subsidiary seconds register has a drilled chapter with a centre of hobnail style engine turning. The hours and minutes hands feature spade ends, scalloped manually, while the seconds hand is a simple pointer, with a prominent counterweight. All hands are heat blued.  

These early Series 2 pieces were all hand engraved on both the dial and movement by the celebrated horological engraver Charles Scarr, who also engraved Daniels' watches. Notably, the engravings are done directly on the movement. More recent Smith pieces have integrated the engravings differently, in a demonstration of how the watchmaker's style has evolved through the years.

Visible through the sapphire caseback is the manual wind calibre, designed in the tradition of pocketwatches by greats such as Tompion, Graham and Arnold._ _The movement benefits from one of Smith’s earliest iterations of the single-wheel variant of George Daniels’ Co-Axial escapement. It represents a continuity of Daniel’s legacy, which as his sole apprentice, Smith has carried on.

The movement is dominated by the three-quarter plate and the large, free sprung Quadrajust balance. Most parts of the movement wear a frosted golden finish typical to traditional English watchmaking. The heat-blued screws and the jewels in chaton add visual relief.

This watch is a rarity even within the small family of Series 2 production watches. As one of just five Edition 3 pieces, it represents the watchmaker’s vision of the aesthetic for the watch, unadulterated by any customisation. It could just as well be the perfect entry-point into the world of Roger W. Smith, as it could be a fine addition to a collection sitting beside a customised Series 2.

Closer look

Condition

This early Roger W. Smith Series 2 in white gold is in very good condition, displaying a warmth and character throughout consistent with many of Smith's earliest pieces.

The MK 1-style case is very good condition, with light superficial marks visible with the naked eye. There are also a few more noticeable scuffs on the polished case side at 9 o'clock and the outside of the lug at 1 o'clock. The hand engravings and hallmarks on the case remain crisp and well defined. Both the dial and hands are free of any signs of imperfection.

Warranty

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