Collaborating with exceptional artisans practicing crafts allied to watchmaking has always been incredibly important to the Struthers, and the approach to this project was no different. Traditionally, British watchmakers focus on the movements and work in a network of engravers, enamellers, goldsmiths to recreate their “own” in practice. In a nod to Watches of Switzerland’s philanthropic work, one of the aims for this project was to bring together artisans, small workshops and industry experts whilst also introducing new people to the craft for this project.
Extensive research went into investigating fonts that were used at the time of Watches of Switzerland inception; the Struthers compared fonts from the original G. M. Lane dials, the name Watches of Switzerland founded under, to recreate the logo as it would have looked a century ago. The process was all documented with the intention of promoting and expanding British watchmaking, and the craftspeople who support it, on the Watches of Switzerland channels.
The design inspiration behind the timepiece is linked to the Struthers’ love of vintage dials, the nostalgia and history behind them. The watch is a fusion of different crafts and draws on eras of heritage watch design, which combine the styles and values that the Struthers have become known for. It was a crucial part of the process to create a timepiece that reflected their values whilst commemorating this incredibly special anniversary, a true investment in the craft of watchmaking.
"Having the opportunity to create a Watches of Switzerland timepiece to commemorate our 100-year anniversary is a new milestone for the business and adds to the legacy of Watches of Switzerland. We are honoured that esteemed independent watchmakers Craig and Rebecca Struthers were able to create this unique piece for the business. They have created a timepiece that reflects our shared values to preserve the rich heritage of watchmaking, unifying traditional techniques with modern innovation. One lucky client will be able to purchase a piece of our history, courtesy of two of the best British watchmakers of our generation"
"It instantly appealed to us as collaboration has always been at the heart of our practice. We’ve always loved a challenge, so we set about creating a watch that would stay true to our values and be a tribute to the historic retailer/watchmaker partnerships that have created so many inspirational dial designs"
"We would like to thank Watches of Switzerland for using their centenary as an opportunity to showcase British watchmaking."
The Logo
The Watches of Switzerland logo font was designed and developed by font designer Tommy Morrison, who based it on an original early GM Lane watch sourced and restored by Struthers. The team worked to recreate what they believe the Watches of Switzerland logo would have looked like in 1924, based on archives and the typography at the time, had the company existed under that name.
The Dial
Bedford Dials printed the dial, with applied 18ct yellow gold pip markers handmade by the Struthers in their workshop. The dial is a triple calendar with a moon phase indication.
Moon phase - 24ct gold inlaid in steel by Wiltshire-based gun engraver Sam Faraway, who has been in the trade for 22 years and began his career as an apprentice at Holland & Holland. The traditional technique used is typically applied to shotguns, this is the first time that Sam has applied his craft to a timepiece, which speaks to the unique craft of this timepiece.
The Movement
The movement is a modified Valjoux 90 base movement, selected with bespoke balance wheel and Breguet hairspring. Originally released in 1945, it has iconic status within the industry and amongst collectors. Having previously been used by Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, it was the perfect choice to work with the Kingsley case design.
The engraving on the movement was inspired by 19th century English watch engraving, and was hand engraved by Sam Faraway.
The Case
The 36mm 18ct yellow gold case has been crafted by the Struthers using traditional boxwood turning. This is an endangered skill, learned by Craig Struthers during a QEST scholarship from one of the last traditional case makers in Britain.
The Presentation Case
Handmade in London, the case is made from quilted maple with a suede lining, featuring a concealed drawer with a hidden catch that contains a unique build book documenting the creation of the watch. The Day/Date/Month and Moon Setting pin is made from matching 18ct yellow gold and set in a maple stylus.
Unique piece
RRP £72,000
