Watches of Switzerland celebrates its centenary with a unique timepiece created in collaboration with independent British watchmakers Craig and Rebecca Struthers. The watch features traditional craftsmanship and a modified Valjoux 90 movement. It is a tribute to the rich heritage of watchmaking and the partnership between retailers and manufacturers. The watch is a one-off piece and will be sold to a customer. Here are the details.
The case of the Struthers x Watches of Switzerland watch is made of 18-carat yellow gold and has a diameter of 36 mm. It is designed in the Kingsley style, a nod to the historical connection between the Struthers and the retailer. The case is crafted using the rare technique of boxwood turning, which Craig Struthers learned during a QEST scholarship.
The dial of the unique piece is inspired by the vintage aesthetics that the Struthers cherish. It features a triple calendar with moon phase and is printed by Bedford Dials. The applied hour markers are made of 18-carat yellow gold and handcrafted by the Struthers. The moon phase is particularly special, as it is made of 24-carat gold inlaid in steel by gun engraver Sam Faraway. This traditional technique, usually used for arms, is being applied to a timepiece for the first time here. The typography on the dial is based on extensive research into the fonts used at the time of the company’s founding and was designed by Tommy Morrison. It reflects what the logo of Watches of Switzerland would have looked like in 1924, had the company existed under that name.
The movement is a modified Valjoux 90, a base movement that was first introduced in 1945. It is known for its robustness and precision and has been used by prestigious brands like Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. The Struthers have equipped the movement with a custom balance wheel and a Breguet hairspring, which enhance its performance. The hand engraving on the movement is inspired by 19th century English watch engraving and was done by Sam Faraway. This attention to detail underscores the watch’s artisanal character.
The watch comes with a brown leather strap that complements the warm tones of the yellow gold case. The strap is equipped with a gold pin buckle, ensuring secure closure and ease of use. An additional strap made of brown suede is also included, providing an alternative that adds to the watch’s vintage appeal.
The Watches of Switzerland Struthers is a unique piece and is sold for 72,000 GBP. It comes in a handcrafted presentation box made of quilted maple wood with a suede lining. The box has a hidden drawer containing a book that documents the creation of the watch. An 18-karat yellow gold and maple wood pen for setting the day, date, month and moon phase is also included.
watchesofswitzerland.com | strutherswatchmakers.co.uk
