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Art, Craft And Innovation: Speake-Marin’s Timeless Pursuit
Founded in 2002 by British master watchmaker, Speake-Marin have firmly established themselves as a brand that blends artistry and technicality within the world of fine horology. In their early years, the brand focused on crafting bespoke, tailor-made timepieces, catering to individual collectors who sought truly unique watches. This approach laid the foundation for Speake-Marin’s future, where exclusivity, craftsmanship, and creativity became their guiding principles.
A pivotal moment in the brand’s evolution occurred in 2012 when Mrs Christelle Rosnoblet took over as CEO and President. Under her leadership, Speake-Marin began developing their own in-house movements, marking a significant shift in the brand’s trajectory. She also modernised the visual identity of the brand, infusing their designs with contemporary influences from architecture, while maintaining their timeless appeal. The result was the iconic "Piccadilly" case, a nod to the brand’s British heritage that has become a hallmark of Speake-Marin's collections. Today, the brand are known for producing limited-edition timepieces that are powered by exceptional in-house or bespoke movements. Their watches reflect a commitment to both traditional craftsmanship and innovative design, catering to collectors who value exclusivity and artistic expression.
A Closer Look At Speake-Marin’s Iconic Collections
Speake-Marine offer a range of collections, including the One&Two, Art Series, Heritage, Haute Horlogerie, and Academic and Ripples. Each collection is characterised by its unique features, such as:
One&Two Collection
The One&Two collection represents a minimalist yet deeply sophisticated approach to watch design. With a dial that forgoes traditional indexes, this collection puts the movement itself at the heart of the watch's design. The three-dimensional dial plays with light and shadow, offering an ever-changing appearance throughout the day. The design aims to provide a refined, uncluttered aesthetic, showcasing the mechanical beauty of the movement itself.
Art Series Collection
Speake-Marin’s Art Series collection transforms watches into wearable works of art. Known for its engraving expertise, Speake-Marin crafts limited-edition pieces with intricate designs that reflect the brand's commitment to fine detailing. The collection also reflects the brand’s social responsibility, as seen in their collaboration with Save the Rhino International, where proceeds from a limited-edition release supported rhino conservation efforts.
Heritage Collection
The Heritage collection is dedicated to reviving iconic vintage movements, bringing them into the modern era with contemporary design. Each year, Speake-Marin reinterprets a rare, vintage movement, preserving the craftsmanship of the past while infusing it with modern touches. This collection serves as a tribute to the rich history of horology, with each timepiece reflecting the enduring beauty of classic watchmaking techniques. The Heritage collection allows Speake-Marin to honour the legacy of watchmaking while creating timepieces that remain relevant in today’s world.
Haute Horlogerie
Speake-Marin’s Haute Horlogerie collection is where the brand’s technical expertise truly shines. The collection features some of the most complex and innovative timepieces in the world, such as the Minute Repeater housed in a full sapphire case and the Double Vertical Tourbillon with Rate Equaliser. These timepieces break traditional horological boundaries, with openworked movements, intricate engravings, and exceptional finishing.
Academic Collection
Drawing inspiration from the world of academia and the pursuit of knowledge, Academic Collection combines traditional Swiss watchmaking with sophisticated design. Each timepiece in the collection is designed with an emphasis on clarity, functionality, and timeless elegance. The minimalist aesthetic is balanced by the intricate movements inside the case, showcasing Speake-Marin's ability to blend simplicity with technical complexity.
Ripples Collection
The Ripples Collection captures the essence of movement and fluidity, taking inspiration from the ever-changing nature of water. The dials in this collection feature unique wave-like patterns that mimic the ripples created by a stone thrown into the water. The collection showcases Speake-Marin’s ability to translate natural forms into watch design, creating a harmonious balance between art and functionality. The dynamic nature of the dial reflects the brand’s commitment to creating timepieces that evolve throughout the day, offering new perspectives with every glance. As with all Speake-Marin collections, the Ripples Collection is a limited-edition series, ensuring that each piece remains an exclusive and collectible item.