Value Proposition: Speake-Marin One & Two Openworked Ti

Veteran watchmakers don’t come more likable than Peter Speake-Marin. The manufacture bearing his name has created wild flying tourbillons, highly finished ETAs, technotime mods, and everything in-between. What makes this independent special is the highly-specialized design and proportion. The Piccadilly case with its three-piece design and stout lugs are instantly recognizable to those who know their watchmakers. This One & Two LE realized in titanium brings an air technicality to a traditional design and, dare I say it, value.

Peter departed Speake-Marin in early 2018 to pursue a further career as a watchmaking educator. Most of us who grew into watches in a certain era remember his thorough dissections and indispensable insights from thenakedwatchmaker.com. That era has passed, but he still seeks to give himself wholly to instilling passion and knowledge to the next generation. Top man.

The One & Two openworked celebrates a new COSC-certified in-house caliber SMA01. It is a thing worthy of its display. This technical, partially skeletonized dial works very well in its somewhat Victorian case through a charming contrast. The reveals display the micro-rotor, mainspring barrel, wheel train, and bridges. Everything is finished to nines. The dial incorporates a radial sunburst-striping as opposed to the standard Geneva style. Good to still see England taking its own unique approach.

This example is perfect. It’s perfect across a few axes. First, there’s the insane value. This 1 of 38 LE does not come up for sale ever. One might expect such a rare and reputable independent to above or at the very least near retail given that Submariners are still over. No so. The private seller is offering this example at just over half of initial retail. Secondly its condition: perfect. It has hardly been worn. This is the 42mm production (was also available in a 38). It comes with a full set from a private party.

Find this Openworked One & Two Ti here on Chrono24 for 14200 USD.