Roger W Smith

Roger W Smith, born in Bolton, England in 1970, stands as a significant figure in modern horology, renowned for his contributions to traditional watchmaking. Smith’s fascination with timepieces began at an early age, stemming from his father's interest in repairing clocks. This early exposure set Smith on a path that would lead to an apprenticeship with George Daniels, a luminary in the watchmaking world known for inventing the co-axial escapement.

Smith’s apprenticeship under Daniels, which began in 1998, was a pivotal phase that profoundly influenced his craftsmanship. Daniels, who held the philosophy of making watches entirely by hand, imparted this ethos to Smith. After completing a six-year apprenticeship, Smith achieved the capability of crafting a wristwatch featuring Daniels' co-axial escapement. This mastery is encapsulated in Smith's Series 1, his first commercial watch, launched in 2001.

Roger W Smith Ltd was established on the Isle of Man, where Smith dedicated himself to perpetuating traditional British watchmaking techniques. The Isle of Man serves as a tranquil environment conducive to the meticulous labor required in producing high-caliber timepieces. Each watch is painstakingly handcrafted, a painstaking process that often takes many months, reflecting Smith’s unwavering commitment to quality and detail.

Smith’s Series 2, introduced in 2006, underscores his innovative spirit, featuring a unique approach to movement architecture and finish. This series has garnered considerable acclaim from horological connoisseurs for its intricate design and superior craftsmanship. Beyond creating new watches, Smith has restored several historically significant timepieces, further cementing his reputation as a guardian of horological heritage.

Smith’s role extends into horological education and advocacy. He has openly championed the cause of preserving traditional handmade craftsmanship in an industry increasingly dominated by automation. His dedication to the craft earned him a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2018, recognizing his services to British watchmaking.

Roger W Smith continues to innovate while staying rooted in the values imparted by Daniels, merging historical reverence with contemporary excellence.