Few modern watchmakers have the charisma of Peter Speake-Marin, and his watches are jealously collected and guarded by enthusiasts. It is always remarkable when one of his pieces comes up for sale, and especially so when it’s one of the hand-engraved “Collection 2” models decorated by Kees Engelbarts.

Here we have a really amazing early Speake-Marin watch, serial number 1 of the engraved “collection 2” series. It has a white gold case that looks awfully yellow in these photos, but it’s the hand-engraved yellow gold dial that seals the deal. Hand done by Kees Engelbarts, the dial is as much a Speake-Marin signature as the iconic “Piccadilly” case. Check out the web site for lots of great pictures of this dial style!

So what exactly is this thing? Let me back up…

Peter Speake-Marin is a watch technician and designer from England who studied at the WOSTEP school in Neuchâtel and worked at Somlo Antiques and as a complications designer at Renaud & Papi (now part of Audemars Piguet). In 2000 he created his own pocket watch and launched his own brand, Speake-Marin, in 2002.

The initial Speake-Marin watch is known as the Piccadilly (for the location of Somlo) and has a classic design, with a drum-shaped body, large scrolled and screwed lugs, and a large crown. Every Speake-Marin watch features this same basic case, giving them instant recognition from those in the know.

In 2003, Speake-Marin announced a second “collection” of Piccadilly watches, this time with fine engraved dials. This is (apparently) the first of those watches, or at least the first of its specific model. It was recently serviced by the company which, as noted by the seller, supplied replacement lug screws and the correct rose gold crown.

Is this watch worth $16,500? I’ll let you decide, but I know where my money would be (if I was in the market).

Year: 2000's Brand: Speake-Marin Style: Dress watch Case: Gold Country: Europe Source: PuristSPro Tags: 2004 Speake-Marin "Piccadilly" Engraved Original Collection 2