One act that we unequivocally support at HODINKEE is the sharing of honest, substantive, and well-considered opinion. This is even more relevant within the sometimes insular industry of watchmaking because, ideally, opinion leads to introspection, which can lead to change. To that end, we have the privilege of sharing with you a letter from Roger W. Smith – an independent master watchmaker who studied under one of the all-time horological greats, George Daniels . In this letter, Smith shares his opinion on the current state of British watchmaking, which he considers to be lacking an ethos of authenticity. His points, from a purist's perspective, are thought-provoking to say the least. Read the full letter and watch an interview with Smith after the jump.

Over the last few years I have observed a renewed interest in British watchmaking with varying degrees of encouragement and dismay.

For the last twenty-five years, I have absorbed myself in designing and making complete and original pieces of horology in keeping with our great history of British watchmaking. As apprentice to the last great British watchmaker, Dr George Daniels, I had the honour of witnessing such history at first hand.

My reputation and methods are entirely founded on being a British watchmaker in the truest sense of the claim; by making watches in their entirety in our studio including, most importantly, the movements.

Today I am encouraged that much is happening with investment and job creation in watchmaking, as well as renewed interest in our rich horological heritage.

But I am dismayed by the current direction and ethos (or lack of it).