Tag Archives: UNITAS

My (o)Pinion

You might have noticed on instagram that I now have my own Pinion, An Axis Pure with a dark green dial, The green dial previously on the Gunmetal Green version of this watch.

My Pinion

My Pinion

My first impression when compared to my previous English watch, the Smiths Deluxe, was big and heavy. But clearly that is compared to a 1950’s 35mm steel watch. You might remember that I have been suggesting for some time that cases over 40mm were getting a little large for my taste.  Maybe I should re-consider this as my other regular wear is a Speedmaster Pro which is also 42mm.

With it’s 42mm case and wide (22 mm) strap the Pure is actually re-assuringly solid. The manual wound Unitas movement reinforces that sense of dependability.  The last feature making this the perfect weekend/holiday (and maybe Friday) watch for me is the 100m water resistance rating.

Finally, there is the bronze case. Pinion now feel this material is becoming too mainstream. Coming from the generation that appreciated how materials such as denim and leather become more personal with age I am very happy to have a watch that will do the same.

I will keep you updated on how the patina develops.

Garrick Regulator Update

As promised I contacted Garrick to see if they could give me more information about their new Regualtor model.


They are using a base Unitas but adding their own gear train, free-sprung balance and winding barrel. In reality is there not much left of the original movement.

They have been working on this for some time and mainly to show what they can do with standard movements.It’s to showcase their watchmaking.

They are only releasing a limited number because it takes some time to build. Remember they are not mass producing watches and everything is assembled and finished by hand or in-house including the hands, balance and gears.

Garrick is extremely busy right now and they have to have plans to produce realistic numbers. They also think it’s a truly unique watch and want customers to have something truly limited.

Garrick Shaftesbury now on sale

THE HAND-WOUND SHAFTESBURY SM301 WILL BE THE FIRST WATCH TO BEAR THE GARRICK NAME.

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Some of the key elements of this fascinating timepiece include a machined brass dial, featuring an enamel coating and polished stainless steel, leaf shaped hour and minute hands, designed to look resplendent in ambient light. In addition, a small seconds display, with a slender red hand, resides adjacent 6 o’clock.

There is a delightful depth to the dial, courtesy of raised stainless steel chapter rings, mounted on steel pillars. The chapter rings are held in position with thermally blued screws, adding a flourish of colour with their vibrant bluish-purple hue, differentiating this watch from those which are mass-produced.

A sense of tasteful restraint is the order of the day. The case is constructed of stainless steel 316L, arguably one of the finest materials available for this purpose, measuring a highly agreeable 42mm in diameter, conferring ubiquitous appeal. The surface of the case features Garrick’s unique scratch resistant treatment, helping to preserve the factory-fresh appearance of the Shaftesbury sm301 for many years to come.

The incorporation of an onion-shaped crown will proffer ease of operation, as well as an elegant aesthetic, cohesively complementing the exterior of this handsome Garrick timepiece.

A talented team of English-based, Swiss-trained, watchmakers use an existing vintage Unitas 6498.1 base movement and enhance it to Garrick’s exacting standards. The specification includes an in-house free sprung balance, open spring barrel and thermally blued screws. Adding the free sprung balance means that the Shaftesbury is an extremely accurate timepiece and performs well above expectations.

The artisans based at Garrick’s workshop, further enhance the movement by adding in-house open bridges with hand bevelled edges, evincing a traditional mien.

The Shaftesbury sm301 is set to be a fine English watch with impeccable breeding.

The price of the Shaftesbury sm301 is £3995

SPECIFICATION

CASE

  • 316L Stainless Steel.
  • 42mm Case
  • Sapphire Crystal with AR coating
  • 20mm Lugs
  • Sapphire Crystal Exhibition Caseback

DIAL

  • Machined Brass Dial with a choice of rhodium plating or enamel coating
  • Stainless Steel chapter rings
  • Chapter Rings are raised on steel pillars
  • Thermally Blued screws hold the Chapter Rings in place

MOVEMENT

  • Manual Wind NOS Unitas 6498.1 base movement
  • In-House Free Sprung Balance
  • In-House Open Bridges with beveled edges
  • Thermally Blued Screws

FUNCTIONS

  • Hours and Minutes displayed on the off-centre dial
  • Seconds displayed on sub dial at 6 o’ clock
  • Power Reserve: 42 hours
  • Frequency: 18000 vph

HANDS

  • Rhodium Plated Hours & Minutes
  • Red Sub Seconds

BUCKLE

  • 316L Stainless Steel pin buckle

STRAP

  • Alligator or Premium Leather