Peter Speake Debuts PS Horology
THE LATEST Chapter in Independent Watchmaking
PRESS RELEASE | 543 WORDS | 3 MIN READ
15th January, 2025: Peter Speake has reemerged onto the independent watchmaking scene with the debut of two new timepieces by his brand, PS Horology. A renowned figure in the independent watchmaking community with over 35 years of experience, Peter co-founded Speake-Marin in 2002 after honing his craft at Renaud & Papi in Le Locle, Switzerland.
Speake-Marin gained recognition for its signature Piccadilly case design, named after the London district, where Peter began his career by restoring vintage watches. The Piccadilly case, while perhaps an acquired taste for some, represents a time when small-batch, handcrafted watches were less in demand. Today's flourishing independent watchmaking scene owes much to pioneers like Peter, and it's exciting to see him back in action.
The Tsuba timepieces, inspired by the ornamental guard of the same name found at the end of a Japanese sword grip, mark the first of several projects set for release by the brand in 2025. Inspired by Peter’s early travels to Japan and Vietnam, the Tsuba Blue and Tsuba Dong Son, beautifully blend Asian culture and heritage with the high art of watchmaking to reflect a deep curiosity about the culture, history and artistry of Asia.
THE TSUBA CASE: A BLEND OF TRADITION AND INNOVATION
During the Edo Period, these guards evolved into intricate works of art, crafted by skilled artisans. Today, Tsubas are treasured heirlooms, often passed down through generations, symbolizing family heritage. The Tsuba Case draws inspiration from this tradition, incorporating quince and octagonal shapes, representing prosperity and stability, respectively, Designed with comfort and style in mind, particularly for the Asian market, the case underwent a rigorous year-long development process, with the decoration requiring a meticulous five-stage finishing process, resulting in a slim and ergonomic design perfect for small and medium wrist sizes.
TSUBA BLUE: A TRIBUTE TO VINTAGE ELEGANCE
The Tsuba Blue timepiece marries vintage influences with modern materials. Its classic index and hand design, combined with innovative sapphire printing techniques, create a striking visual depth. The blue hue, reminiscent of traditional blued steel, pays homage to antique watchmaking.
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Case: 316L stainless steel, water-resistant to three atmospheres, measuring 38.3mm x 8.91mm.
Movement: Vaucher Manufacture's calibre 5401 with a micro-rotor automatic mechanism, under 3mm in thickness.
Power Reserve: 48 hours, with a free-sprung balance frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 A/h).
Dial: Sapphire center with anodized metal frame, integrated bracelet with butterfly deployment buckle.
Price: CHF 19,500 (excluding tax and shipping), with a 30% reservation deposit.
TSUBA DONG SON: CELEBRATING CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Tsuba Dong Son timepiece reflects a rich cultural tapestry, influenced by Vietnamese and Japanese artistry. Its design incorporates symbols from ancient Vietnamese ceremonial Bronze Age drums, representing Peter's fascination with Asian culture.
The Tsuba Dong Son timepiece commemorates significant anniversaries in 2025: 100 years since the discovery of the Dong Son civilization and the 80th anniversary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
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Case: 316L stainless steel, water-resistant to three atmospheres, measuring 38.3mm x 8.91mm.
Movement: Vaucher Manufacture's calibre 5401, similar to Tsuba Blue.
Dial: 18K gold, hand-finished, with ultramarine and slate colour options.
Price and Availability: For details, contact Vietnam, Miluxe.
THE DONG SON DIAL: A WINDOW INTO HISTORY
The dial features concentric symbols from Dong Son drums, paired with hands designed to resemble ancient weapons. The Dong Son civilization, flourishing from 1000 BC to the first century AD, was known for its exquisite bronze craftsmanship.
Historically, Peter had created many Dong Son wristwatches, but the symbols for this new model were meticulously redesigned and reduced in size, with the smallest symbol measuring just 1.54 mm in height. The delicate production process involves hand-sanding the dial after applying coloured PVD, revealing the gold underneath to create a striking contrast.
LIMITED EDITIONS
Peter Speake's PS Horology is set to captivate watch enthusiasts with the Tsuba collection, featuring innovative designs and rich cultural inspirations. Limited to 100 pieces for the Tsuba Blue, and 80 pieces for the Tsuba Dong Son, these timepieces promise to be highly sought after. Stay tuned for their release in 2025 and experience the elegance and history they embody.
To learn more, visit www.ps-horology.com