Speake Marin 1in20 - my story

As some of you know - I've been a fan of Peter's work for many years since I first met him on a tour to Switzerland back in 2002. I actually found a picture of Peter opening a bottle of wine to share with a few enthusiasts when we visited his workshop. At this point Peter was still working out how to make the winding weight of the Piccadilly and has some experimental prototypes - but the movement and hand designs were still to be finalised. Our own Curtis had a hand in organising the visit! As you can see watchmaking is a stressful business and Peter had more hair in those days!


I loved the Piccadilly with the roman dial very much, and eventually decided I had to have one. After all the dicusions and admiration this watch recerived on one of the online forums, I was amazed to find I was the first firm order. I believe my Piccadilly was the first to be made, although I'd have to dig the certificate out of storage to confirm this.

Anyhow, a few months later Peter was making a trip to London, and delivered the watch personally. We arranged to meet in the George Somlo's antique watch shop just off Piccadilly. This was very appropriate since Peter named the watch after the period of his career when he was running George's workshop, restoring the antique English pocket watches that influenced the design of the Piccadilly. I have a picture of the watch being delivered, as you can see I look really happy - although Peter doesn't look his best! I can't remember who took the picture, but it may even have been George himself, who was in the shop that afternoon.


Here is a closeup of the box and watch.


And a much better picture of the watch from Peter - although he changed the strap before he delivered it to me.


Since then I've followed Peter's work, and we've met many times. I was very excited to hear in 2007 that he was planning to make his own automatic movement, and for those willing to order in advance, was willing to take each owner's wishes into account in making these initial watches. I placed my order and looked forward to reading the updates as Peter sent drawings and shared a few of the hassles as he developed the movement. The initial drawings were exciting - but they don't do justice to the final movement.

Tracking down my email at the time it said "I had an off the wall idea on the dial - which I wanted to sound you out about. At some point I am keen to own a watch with an engine turned dial in the Breguet/Pratt/Daniels tradition. To my mind these work best on the more complex dials - and an perpetual is perhaps the ideal dial for this technique. I know this isn't something you've done on your wrist watches before- but is it something you'd be prepared to consider? I'm sure this would complement the rest of the movement and case design. What do you think?"

Little did I imagine that this would lead to a dial design, that in my view, is one of the most beautiful series that Peter has ever made. I'm really proud to have played a small part in this.

So this brings us to this year, where I was able to return to Peter's workshop to see my watch in the flesh for the first time, as you can see I'm just as happy as I was the first time!


Here are a few more pictures of the piece. I really love my classic red gold / silver dial version (which I believe may be unique) - although it's also exciting to see the similar white gold / spade hands and the two tone dial / titanium pieces. I particular loved the latter when I saw it when Peter was last in London.




- Greg

Hi Greg,

Thanks for posting your history with Peter - it was great. Your QP is a real stunner. Wear it in good health, buddy!

Cheers,

Curtis

a fitting watch as a finale. Those blue hands and red dial are a stunning combination.

Was 2002 really that long ago? Peter looks like he just left school

Ian Skellern
Greubel Forsey forum and URWERK forum moderator
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What a great story! Personally i really like both your Speake-Marin watches A LOT. Those are my favourites of his collection. Congrats on the new 1in20

Cheers,
Frank
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Thanks Frank - sounds like we have the same taste:-)

it absolutely looks like that Greg! Also my compliment on the choice for these hands... they match perfectly with the dial and complication.

Cheers,
Frank
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/27/2009 05:59AM by Monochrome.