This unique stainless steel Roger W. Smith Series 2* is an especially early piece that represents a special chapter in the watchmaker's journey, as the only Roger W. Smith watch to have been made from stainless steel. The watch has a number of intriguing characteristics, such as the Mark 1-style case and it being the first Smith watch to feature a "blue ink" dial. It also features the first iteration of the Series 2 movement, integrating the original two-wheel version of the Co-Axial escapement. Additionally, the engravings on the dial and movement were applied by one of Britain's last master horological engravers, who also worked on George Daniels' watches.

This unique stainless steel Roger W. Smith Series 2 is a watch that marks an intriguing period in Smith's watchmaking career. A very early example from 2007, its early characteristics have made it a particularly sought-after piece from the English watchmaker's oeuvre.
 
If we first examine the stainless steel case, we see that this was created in the Mark 1 style, which possesses rounded edges and shorter lugs compared to his current pieces and indeed, even with later pieces of the Series 2, which have a slimmer, more curved form. The case is fitted with sapphire glass on the front and back, with the "SERIES 2" and "No. 06-C" hand engraved on the reverse, along with both traditional and maker's hallmarks.

The dial

Moving to the dial, it has an outer chapter of engraved, blue minute markers, which marked Smith's first use of blue ink on his dials. This chapter ring has 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. All parts are hand-crafted from beginning to end, including the slender, blued steel hour and minute hands, tipped with spades.
 
A cartouche at twelve o'clock references "R. W. SMITH" in blue engraving. The 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.
 
A silver power reserve aperture can be found at 10 o'clock, and has a hand crafted from white gold, an unusual feature for a Series 2 piece, and features an engraved, blue, up and down chapter on a polished silver strip. This is mirrored by a large, sub-seconds register at 6 o'clock, which has a diamond guilloché pattern, surrounded by a polished seconds chapter ring. Blue, drilled dots mark the seconds, centring around a slim, flame-blued steel seconds' hand, with an elegant counter-balance at one end.

The movement

The traditional movement is revealed through the sapphire case-back, and is very much inspired by the British-style of pocket watches from makers such as 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.
 
The format of the movement has evolved over time, with this Series 2 marking the earliest form of Smith’s own interpretation of Co-Axial escapement in it’s original form - as conceived by Daniels - combining two wheels. In 2010, Smith completed the developed his own single-wheel design, which was the first major development of Daniels’ escapement. This early Series 2, therefore, houses a version of the Co-Axial most similar to that developed by Daniels himself, only seen in Roger W. Smith watches made prior to 2010.

In relation to the collection

If we consider this watch within Smith's overall body of work, these earlier watches form a rich area of study for any Smith collector, showcasing a series of minute variations and transitional characteristics that give a glimpse into Smith's progression as a watchmaker and revealing details only visible to the most discerning collector. Smith has previously mentioned that it is very unlikely that he will ever make another watch in steel, while the Mark 1 case has been completely phased out. All factors which highlight the incredible importance of this watch even within the overall collection of truly exceptional pieces that Smith has made.

Closer look

Condition

This Roger W. Smith Series 2 is in very good condition throughout. The case and lugs have light superficial marks consistent with minimal wear over time. Most notably, light marks are found on the bezel between twelve and one o'clock and between the five and six o'clock positions. Light marks are also found at the very end of the lugs, as well as friction marks in between the lugs, likely from contact with the leather strap. The dial hands and movement are free from any signs of imperfection.

Warranty

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