Zero West launches two railway-inspired watches that pay homage to a world-famous locomotive
Mitchell BarberWhat do two new British watches, a steam train and a Scottish gynaecologist all have in common? Well, the first two are easy. The last one, however, may take some explanation. But before we dive in to that gem of a story, let’s take a look at a couple of special edition watches from the Brits that deserve your attention. British company Zero West, makers of the Spitfire S4-P9427 and H1 Hurricane, has just launched two new, limited-edition pieces that celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the Flying Scotsman, a famous steam train designed and built in 1923. The watches, the FS-1 and FS-2 Flying Scotsmen, take the slightly overdone “limited edition” concept of adapting an existing model and turn it on its head. With both pieces being a detail-rich love letter to British railway history and limited to 100 pieces each, this isn’t your average special edition.
The Case
ZW’s distinctive British/steampunk style is present in these new models. With 316L stainless-steel billet machined cases and a unique lug system attached with four screws that, to me, evoke the riveting pattern on the metalwork of trains from the early 19th century – a fitting, yet perhaps unintentional detail that I really love. The FS-1 and FS-2 come in at a wearable 41 mm in either polished or black PVD-coated finishes, respectively.
Speaking of metalwork, on the back of each watch and behind a sapphire disc, you will find an actual section of the steel boiler from the original Flying Scotsman, removed during scheduled maintenance by the National Railway Museum. Each steel plate is cleaned, cut and laser engraved with the Scotsman’s original serial number ’1472’. If you’re a train nut, this is a wonderful way to own a piece of railway history.
The Dials
In true Zero West fashion, the dials of the FS-1 and FS-2 are well-thought-out and packed with interesting detail. Like with all of their watches, longitude and latitude are printed at 6 o’clock. In this case, they point to Doncaster Works, where the Flying Scotsman was designed and built. Jolly good. The FS-1 dial takes inspiration from the gauges found inside the cab of the Scotsman, and steers the watch in a more utilitarian direction than its FS-2 brother. With its black numerals, red seconds hand and silver plated dial, it’s stealthy and would be my pick of the two.
The FS-2, however, borrows its design from a famous clock on platform 8 at Kings Cross station in London. With its applied chrome Roman numerals over the deep black dial, it’s a much more grown up, monochromatic offering. One that you could easily wear dressed up in a suit and tie.
The movement
Powering both variants is the SW200-1. A premium offering from Sellita that boasts a 41- hour power reserve, 28,800vph beat rate and 26 jewels. It’s a workhorse movement and one that I think suits the watch well. You can’t see it through the caseback, but to be honest, I think it’s better that way. The SW200-1 is a movement that just gets on with business and doesn’t need to shout about it. This is fitting, especially since these pieces were made to pay homage to such a hardworking locomotive. If the Flying Scotsman had a movement, it would have to be an SW200-1.
Ok, Mitch, tell me about the gynaecologist.
In my research for this article, I was curious to find out why the train was named the Flying Scotsman. So naturally, I looked into the man who designed it. Maybe he was Scottish and he named it after himself? A humblebrag, if you will. The locomotive was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, who was Chief Mechanical Engineer of the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) from 1923 until his death in 1941. He was, in fact, born in Edinburgh, however, the circumstances of his birth are a little odd. His mother, of British nationality, was visiting Scotland for a routine visit to her gynaecologist, it just so happened that little Nigel was born on that very same trip. Perhaps the name “Flying Scotsman” referred to his intercontinental entrance into this world?
Sadly not. The Flying Scotsman is named after the express passenger train it was designed to haul, which bore the same name. The train operated between London and Edinburgh. The name “Flying” reflected the train’s speed (it was the fastest of its time) and the fact that it was a non-stop service between the two cities, while “Scotsman” referred to its destination in Scotland. I like my theory better.
Overall, the FS-1 and the FS-2 are an impressive offering from an even more impressive brand. If you want something unique, limited and uniquely British, Zero West can’t be ignored. And with the FS-1 and FS-2, they’re onto something that very few brands offer, limited editions with substance. My pick, the FS-1, would look right at home on your wrist as you rev your Triumph Bonneville or Aston Martin through a country lane, perhaps with the gentle puff of a steam engine chugging away in the distance. What a dream!
Zero West FS-1 and FS-2 pricing and availability:
The Zero West FS-1 and FS-2 are available now as limited editions of 100 piece each. Check out the FS-1 and FS-2 on their website. Price: £3,000.00 excluding VAT
| Brand | Zero West |
| Model | FS-1 FS-2 |
| Case Dimensions | 41mm (D) x 13.1mm (T) |
| Case Material | Black PVD stainless steel (FS-1) Stainless steel (FS-2) |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Dial | Plated brass |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Strap | Fluoroelastomer rubber |
| Lug Width | 22mm |
| Movement | Sellita SW200-1, top grade, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 41 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Now, limited to 100 pieces each |
| Price | £3,000.00 excluding VAT |