Roger Smith Series 6 Watch Review – Hodinkee
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Roger Smith’s Series 6: A Deep Dive into Autonomous British Horology
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on September 1, 2025, Roger Smith unveiled the Series 6 wristwatch, the latest expression of his dedication to conventional, handcrafted timepieces. This release isn’t simply a new watch; it represents a continuation of Smith’s lifelong captivation with calendar mechanisms and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of independent British watchmaking.
Smith, a protégé of the late George Daniels – considered by many to be the greatest watchmaker of the 20th century – has spent decades mastering the art of mechanical watchmaking. He is one of only a handful of watchmakers in the world to independently design, build, and finish every component of his watches, a testament to his exceptional skill and unwavering dedication.
A History Rooted in Calendar Complications
Roger Smith’s interest in calendar mechanisms dates back to his early apprenticeship with George Daniels. daniels himself was renowned for his work on calendar complications, and Smith absorbed this passion, developing his own unique approach to their design and execution. He first explored calendar complications with the Series 1,and has continued to refine his skills with each subsequent series.
The Series 6 builds upon this legacy, featuring a meticulously crafted perpetual calendar. Unlike many modern perpetual calendars that rely on complex, mass-produced components, Smith’s version is almost entirely hand-made. This includes the cam system that governs the calendar’s functions, ensuring accuracy and reliability for years to come. The perpetual calendar automatically adjusts for leap years, requiring no manual intervention until 2100, as detailed in Hodinkee’s in-depth review.
The Series 6: Technical Specifications and Design
The Series 6 is housed in a 40mm case,available in rose gold,platinum,or steel. The dial is crafted from solid silver and features a classic layout with clearly legible indications for the time,date,month,and day. The movement, visible through a sapphire caseback, is a hand-wound mechanical caliber with a power reserve of approximately 45 hours. Each movement is individually numbered and signed by Roger Smith himself.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Case Material | Rose Gold, Platinum, or Steel |
| Case Diameter | 40mm |
| Movement | Hand-wound Mechanical |
| Power Reserve | Approximately 45 hours |
| Complication | Perpetual Calendar |
The finishing on the Series 6 is exceptional, with every component meticulously decorated by hand. This includes Geneva stripes, perlage, and hand-polished screws. The attention to detail is evident throughout the watch,reflecting Smith’s unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship. As Monochrome Watches notes in their hands-on review, the finishing rivals that of the most esteemed Swiss manufacturers.
the Future of Independent Watchmaking
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