Wristcheck, the global watch platform for watch sales and a finely curated collection of timepieces has just announced a unique opportunity for watch collectors worldwide.
For the very first time on the open market, Wristcheck is offering an exceedingly rare rendition of the Roger W. Smith Series 2 Open Dial Watch, cased in a prototype 40mm white-gold case
In recent years, Mr Smith’s eminence among watch collectors has soared, firmly establishing him as one of the most coveted independent watchmakers of our time. Recognising his monumental contributions to the industry, he was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2018.
Notably, Mr Smith’s Pocket Watch Number Two set a world record for a British watch, achieving a remarkable $4.9 million at a Phillips auction in 2023.
The Roger W. Smith Series 2 Open Dial Watch ref. 02-OD stands as a testament to the British horologist’s extraordinary craftsmanship and horological expertise.
The timepiece contains a meticulously hand-finished, hand-wound mechanical movement – the latest iteration of the Daniels Co-axial escapement, featuring a free-sprung Quadrajust balance, oscillating at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour.
Of particular significance is the fact that this watch is Mr Smith’s second Open Dial creation and the first to be fashioned in white gold – marking a momentous milestone in the evolution of his masterpieces.
Among a handful of watches showcasing a distinctive minute chapter and one of just five white-gold Open Dials with Mark 1 movements, the 02-OD was delivered in 2010 and continues to occupy a place of profound importance in the annals of horological history.
Mr Smith himself has remarked, “This Series 2 Open Dial watch holds particular significance to me as the first of my Open Dial watches to feature a 40mm case. Notably, the watch houses the inaugural version of my co-axial escapement, known as ‘Mark 1’.
“This escapement stands as one of the pivotal achievements in my continuous quest to refine George Daniels’ original concept. Only 10 of my Open Dials in existence bear this particular escapement, and the opportunity to experience it once more is truly gratifying. It invokes a multitude of cherished memories.”
For the past 13 years, Phillip Pon has been the proud owner of this Roger W. Smith timepiece. However, after cherishing it for over a decade, Mr Pon has decided to entrust this horological gem to a new owner, affording a collector the opportunity to possess a piece of horological history.
The narrative surrounding the watch is quite extraordinary. Thirteen years ago, Phillip Pon had the privilege of attending a dinner with some of the world’s foremost independent watchmakers, including Kari Voutilainen, Romain Gauthier, Ludovic Ballouard, and, of course, Roger Smith.
At the time, Mr Pon owned a watch from each of the attending watchmakers, with one notable exception – Roger Smith. Mr Pon expressed his deep admiration for Mr Smith’s work and his fervent desire to own one of his timepieces. To Mr Pon’s delight, Mr Smith took from his pocket a watch that he had crafted, and promptly offered it to him.
On the sale, Mr Pon says, “This watch has always been my grail timepiece, and after over a decade of cherishing it, it brings me great joy to share it with another passionate enthusiast who will truly appreciate it for the horological marvel that it is.”
The impending sale is slated to take place on wristcheck.com, commencing with a starting price of US$1.15 million. Representing a rare opportunity in the realm of horology, the watch is sure to capture the attention of discerning collectors around the globe.
