In recent years, many watchmakers have gone to great lengths to showcase (and thereby preserve) traditional watchmaking techniques.
Perhaps it's a romantic mindset, but we shouldn't forget where this industry began and how watches were made in the old days. No CNC machining, no computational calculations, no advanced materials or mechanisms, just pure, honest handmade watch production. In a sense, this is exactly what the independent watch company Garrick from Norfolk is doing - reviving traditional British watchmaking with handcrafted dials, hands, and movements. To experience this firsthand, I got up close with one of the brand's latest models - the delightful Garrick S2 Deadbeat Seconds.
There is nothing new in the design and style of the Garrick S2 Deadbeat Seconds. The dial is still handmade with a matte or guilloché finish. Handcrafted hands and a time indicator. The watch still houses a beautiful hand-wound movement. Nothing unusual so far, right? However, things start to change dramatically once you apply some energy to the movement by winding the crown!
Grasping the bulbous winding crown and winding the movement sets the exposed Trinity balance wheel and the central seconds hand in motion. And it is at this moment that the 'secret' of why these S2s are different from other Garrick watches, such as the S5 Moon Phase, Regulator MK2, or S6 shown above, is revealed. Joking aside, the clue is, of course, in the name, but when you first see these watches come to life, you experience genuine satisfaction.
The Garrick company has come a long way since its inception, especially in those days when watches like the Shaftesbury and Norfolk were equipped with ETA or Unitas movements with decorative elements. Since then, most watches have used an in-house hand-wound movement. In the case of the S2, it's the DB-G06 caliber, made in Garrick's workshop. This hand-wound movement operates at a frequency of 18,000 per hour and has a 45-hour power reserve.
In terms of construction, it is executed in a typically British style - with a three-quarter plate and stepped bridges. This gives the movement a lot of visual depth and allows for the discovery of many details. From the engraved balance cock, the unique click spring, and the visible anchor movement to the wheels and spring that make the central seconds hand jump once per second, and the open Trinity balance at the front - there's a lot to admire! As for accuracy, Garrick has adjusted this movement to run within a deviation of +3 seconds per day. The Garrick watches are housed in a dark rhodium case, but the company offers various color and finish options for the movement to make it truly individual.
Craftsmanship at 100%
This craftsmanship continues in other elements, such as the dial and hands. The S2 Deadbeat Seconds model comes with either the so-called MK1 dial with a skeletonized chapter ring or the MK2 dial with a more restrained dot chapter ring. The S2 model we had in hand for some time is equipped with an MK2 dial with a handmade guilloché pattern and a finish in a splendid champagne tone. Surprisingly, in changing light, it can slightly shift towards a silvery or even rose-gold hue. The chapter ring is marked with lacquered dots for the minutes and hours - all done by hand. Alternatively, you can choose a matte finish or various guilloché patterns. The Lancine hour and minute hands are polished, and the central seconds hand is thermally lacquered. Notably, the hands are quite thick, so the bevels stand out more. Naturally, other combinations are possible, as each Garrick is custom-made.
All of this is done in-house, which not many brands can say. Making a dial or hands is a very delicate craft, especially when it comes to guilloché, beveling, or thermally bluing the hands. One tiny mistake - and the part is defective, it has to be discarded, and the craftsman has to start over. A lot of effort goes into each Garrick, and it shows. For example, the design of the balance bridge is neatly integrated into the dial and secured with polished screws. Thick bevels rise above the straight spokes of the bridge, adding even more detail.
The 42mm wide and 10mm thick 904L stainless steel case, fully polished in this instance, houses all this craftsmanship. Some might find it a bit large, but at least it leaves enough room for the beautiful dial. The winding crown is easy to grip and is adorned with a black 'G'. Naturally, sapphire glass covers both sides. It is also worth mentioning that the water resistance of these S2s is 100m, which is admirable for such stylish and essentially classic watches.
Price and Availability
The Garrick S2 Deadbeat Seconds watches come on various leather straps, from modest calfskin to more exotic alligator or ostrich leather. For this model, Garrick chose a gray lizard strap, which works surprisingly well, though I wouldn't have chosen it if I'd been given the option initially.
The price is set at £19,000 excluding VAT, which is approximately €22,500 or $23,750 (both options excluding taxes).
However, I wouldn't want to dash anyone's hopes, but there's a slight issue with Garrick and the S2 that you should be aware of. Garrick still produces only 50-70 watches a year, and given the brand's popularity, this means that assembly slots for each model are fully booked for 2024, and some even for 2025. If you want to place an order now, for example, for this S2 Deadbeat Seconds model, the lead time is 16 months. This means that if you order now, you'll receive your watch at the end of 2025.
Honestly, while waiting over a year for a watch is a long time, there is a perfectly logical explanation for this. On one hand, it's the limited production capacity, and on the other, Garrick's unwillingness to cut corners. I commend Garrick's conscious approach, aiming for the highest level of watchmaking craftsmanship rather than simply increasing production to release more watches. If you can't support this approach or its commitment to traditional British watchmaking, perhaps Garrick is not the brand for you.
For more information, visit Garrick.co.uk.