I arrived at the fair around 10am, a little later than some, earlier than others, to buy my tickets and head over to the Palace, a tented location outside the main exhibition halls, where with the exception of the AHCI and close by it in Hall 2.0, the exciting watchmaking is occurring. Peter moved out here several years ago now, in order to have a bigger space. He is next to Max Busser & Friends, across from Christophe Claret and Uhrwerk. As is the way with Peter, he has assembled a team of helpers, to fend off the hordes of press who seem to have their attention on the Englishman making watches in Switzerland. I'd like to take a little bit of credit for helping him on his way, when back in 2005 I asked him to speak in front of 40 clients, he was ashen faced and rather apprehensive as he took the floor. Now look at him, quietly confident and an eloquent passionate speaker for his work and Independent Watchmaking.
First up with a great iPad demo was the Triad. I was eager to see his new serially made Triad, having seen the hand made prototype last year. Also there are usually a few one off pieces that he has lurking around during this fair and this is the only time one has a chance to see or hear about them. It's where I found a unique completely hand made and finished Marin Three prototype piece that a very fortunate friend if mine now owns. This is one of the reasons I view attending Baselworld every year, a hugely important part exercise.
A closeup of the lovely scrolled hand engraving on the movt. bridge.
I love this superlative enamel dialed 38mm Piccadilly Renaissance cased in 18K RG, with the stunning blued steel Foundation style hands.
The Triad was explained by Peter in detail and the reasoning why he is making it. This is the first in a new series for him, named "Mechanical Art". Going forward the watches that he designs will represent to him more of the artistry aspect of mechanical watchmaking and be his showcase for what moves him. This Mechanical Art #1.
Many people have asked me and hoped that it was a triple timezone watch. Well, no it isn't and won't ever be. Peter could have made it a multiple timezone watch and I'm sure many would love that, but this design is all about something completely different. Three is a powerful number and represents many very important aspects of human life and existence. It is essentially a philosophical watch.
The back of the Triad, showing off the automatic double barrelled caliber with Peter's signature topping tool motif oscillating weight for the selfwinding.
Being made with a steel case together with a rose gold bezel, it's dial is quite detailed with the three time telling hand setups all running off the center pinion, with it's beautifully hand finished "Speake-Marin topping tool" motif wheels. As usual the classic Speake-Marin "Foundation" style blued steel hands are utilized.
An edition of 88 pieces will be made.
I also got to see several of the original enamel dialed Piccadilly pieces that are all that remains of the his past few years designs. These are to my mind iconic watches that I happen to love. The bigger volume cases that house the FW2012 original caliber.
The 42mm PVD Steel Piccadilly Star dial Perpetual Calendar with 18K RG lug screws and crown.
I bought the final 42mm steel cased white enamel with black arabic numerals, which I think is a stunning looking piece and I'm thrilled to be able to offer it for my clients.
Peter was in good spirits and seems to have turned a corner business wise, having had a couple of rough years since the crisis. I am very happy for him and his family and continue to support him in his endeavors. These relationships that one develops in this end of the business are close and quite personal. It is one of the main reasons why I do this. It's been 9 years since we first met and agreed to join forces to build something which at the time I believed in, but had no idea of what it could or would become. I'm honored that Peter took the plunge with me back then and I am thrilled to still be working with him all these years later and representing his wonderful work.
Cheers,
Tim