INTRODUCING: The Speake-Marin x Watches of Switzerland One & Two Dual Time
Fergus NashWhen you think of a GMT watch with a blue dial, your mind probably goes to one of many sports watch classics. Having almost nothing in common with those is the new Speake-Marin collaboration with Watches of Switzerland — the One & Two Dual Time Limited Editions. Produced to pay tribute to the London origins of both companies, these watches are a proud example of Speake-Marin’s phenomenal execution and the sophisticated atmosphere of Watches of Switzerland.
The first link that Speake-Marin and Watches of Switzerland have chosen to focus on is water. We’ve seen Speake-Marin release their One & Two Dual Time watch in both mint and lime colours before, but those vivid and untextured colours were very much to be worn occasionally, when the summer mood hit. This edition, with its uni-directional brushed surface, is said to represent the choppy surface of fast-flowing water with quick streaks of varying blues. The second watch, with a roughed-up coppery salmon dial, evokes the sandy deserts surrounding Las Vegas where the brands have their third cooperating dealer.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Speake-Marin One & Two Dual Time concept, the openworked dial can be explained quite simply. The main hands, with their shape inspired by the hands of Big Ben, can be read as normal with the bolded hour and minute markers around the outer chapter ring. To the left at 9 o’clock is the Dual-Time display, which acts as a 24-hour GMT hand. Between 2 and 3 o’clock is a running seconds subdial, which is bordered by a retrograde date display and small white block as a pointer.
The date can be advanced via the hidden pusher on the left side of the Piccadilly case, which is Speake-Marin’s iconic case shape that merges antique and modern design elements deftly. It’s 42mm across, with a height of just 12.5mm, and the lugs stretch across to 53mm that may limit the audience to those with larger wrists. The use of titanium keeps the watch light, which is helpful when balanced against the thick yet supple blue rubber strap.
The SMA02 Calibre is a staple of Speake-Marine’s catalogue now, with luxurious hand-finishing visible both on the openworked elements of the dial and through the sapphire display caseback. Running at 21,600 vibrations per hour with a power reserve of 48 hours, the One & Two Dual Time is kept ticking thanks to an automatic-winding micro-rotor, which sits beneath a printing of The Watches of Switzerland Group’s logo on the caseback.
The Speake-Marin x Watches of Switzerland One & Two Dual Time pricing and availability:
The Speake-Marin x Watches of Switzerland One & Two Dual Time is strictly limited to 10 pieces of each reference, and is now available to be purchased from Watches of Switzerland here. Price: US$35,900
| Brand | Speake-Marin |
| Model | One & Two Dual Time Watches Of Switzerland Group Exclusive Limited Edition |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm x 12.5mm x 53mm |
| Case Material | Titanium |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Blue openworked / Salmon openworked |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Strap | Rubber |
| Movement | SMA02 |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours |
| Availability | Limited to 10 pieces, exclusively available from Watches of Switzerland |
| Price | US$35,900 |