Part 1 - The World's Best Watchmaker - Roger W Smith OBE

Hi Guys,
This one is really long and geeky!
Roger Smith, arguably the world's best watchmaker, invited me to his workshop on the Isle of Man. His method of watchmaking is very different from what everyone else is doing and it's really quite amazing. His watches are better than Patek, Lange and of course Rolex! Although he does wear a Rolex Explorer 114270.
If you want to support the Bark & Jack channel, or just want a kick-ass fabric Strap, then pop over to www.barkandjack.com
Cheers,
Adrian
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Tags:
#rogersmith #watchmaking #rolex
the world's best watchmaker, the best watch brand, the best watch, roger w smith, watch making, watch maker, who is the best watchmaker?, what is the best watch brand?, who makes the best watches?, are swiss watches the best?, which are better swiss or german watches?,

[@samyoo1678]

At first when I subscribed to your channel, I thought you were one of many many many guys who just sit in his room, rant about watches they don't own but videos like these really shows your authentic enthusiasm. thank you and cheers

[@BarkandJack]

Thanks so much, Sam. I appreciate that. Have a great weekend.

[@sergeyzerkin8029]

Same, in all honesty I thought you were just another loser worh no skill and bad paid job so that you are trying to capitalize on the growing market and bored people by being another youtuber with no character or brains .. but now I see you have a passion for watches...who knows maybe one day you will become a master ( meaning of kung fu - being a master ) in watch making and you will start living for watches

[@joshuavong4827]

Long and geeky you say? That was the quickest 12 minutes of my life! Top marks Adrian!

[@BarkandJack]

Thanks so much Joshua. I’m really glad you liked it. This took so much work to edit, so I’m glad it’s appreciated. 👍🏻

[@f1mikeyboy]

I watched a video on Roger Smith a few years back. Pretty much a self trained watch maker, until taken under the wing of George Daniels. Being a Dental Technologist, I fully under stand what attention to detail is, but this is a whole different level. What an amazing guy. I have always been fascinated by watches, and when my father was in the Military, he bought a Rolex Oyster Perpetual, in the early 60’s when he was on tour in the Middle East. I always loved that watch as a kid. When he died I was given the watch, and have cherished the watch, and still do, and wear it, to this day. I have a small collection, and have just recently purchased my second Rolex. Love your channel, thanks so much for the time you put into your videos. Cheers from Canada.

[@darrencain1092]

Lovely to see in this day and age of automation urgency and cost efficiencies, that there still exist technically skilled blokes like this.

[@David-nk7pv]

Automation urgency and cost efficiencies require a mountain of technical skill... inefficiency is easy to achieve.

[@minnowpanda304]

Gives me a better appreciation of technical skills

[@j.burgess4459]

This is the apprentice of that old master sorcerer who invented the co-axial escapement, isn't it? Epic. Maybe B&J's best video yet.

[@BarkandJack]

Yeah he’s that guy Jay. His stories are pretty cool. I’m glad you liked it.

[@j.burgess4459]

@@BarkandJack We'll look forward to the rest of the series.

[@nickkendall3764]

George and roger are my hero's i completely understand the mentality of ill figure it out myself iv done this my whole life i make most things i use and now im learning how to make a watch these guys are the inspiration the drive me to keep going so thanks Adrienne for the video i cant wait for the rest of the series

[@jimbegin6554]

Your best video Adrian, and Roger Smith is the best, and so humble! He doesn’t worry about guarding his methods and ideas, unlike the big manufacturers. They can learn from him. Humble Explorer on the wrist! You did say audio was a problem, slightly out of sync, but didn’t detract. Thanks, can’t wait for the next instalment!

[@neelsengupta662]

What a humble man! Been looking forward to this for such a long time! Worth the wait

[@marcosmcc2562]

Great video again Adrian, love how a lot of the watchmaker wear a Rolex explorer. Just class

[@UGA.D]

Thank you from the bottom of my horological heart for taking the time to plan this trip and create (and edit!) this video. What an absolute treat. Easily one of my most positive KZbin experiences, ever.

[@BarkandJack]

Haha. Thanks so much for watching Dean. I’m so glad you liked it.

[@puncturedlung8227]

Absolutely brilliant video, every time I see Roger being interviewed he's always such a humble Gent. Looking forward to the next video.

[@billbochnak2898]

Thanks for investing so much time and effort in creating/working with Sir Smith, really great stuff Adrian, looking forward to all the episodes, keep up the great work.

[@antonhartman7972]

Wow stunning watches! Hats off to Roger Smith... true watch maker and artist. Thanks Adrian, wonderful content and quality presentation. Appreciate all your efforts, it shows!

[@diegoog3654]

wow! An interview with the Jedi of Watchmaking! What an experience, great vid Adrian!

[@2handstony935]

Well done Adrian, as an engineer and watch lover you've visited my grail workshop. Don't mind admitting I'm very jealous, cannot wait for part 2!

[@paulstevenson200]

Brilliant. You lucky bugger - what an honour. A pleasure to watch and the film work was superb. Congrats.

[@phmwu7368]

Isle of Man watchmaker Roger Smith wearing a Rolex 114270 Explorer ... nice touch as Rolex had roots in Great Britain.

[@BarkandJack]

The story behind it is pretty cool. When he graduated watchmaking school he saved up and bought himself a Rolex OP to mark the occasion. When he stared making his own watches he quickly ran out of money, so he sold his OP to fund the watchmaking. When he started making good money, his wife surprised him with a watch she recognised to be similar to his OP that he wore when they met.

[@evanowen7153]

Great Part 1! One of the highlights of my watch journey was meeting Roger Smith at Salon QP in 2012. A real gentleman!

[@danchapman5944]

Now this is what we were waiting for ! Thank you Adrian and thank you Roger. Epic. Part 2 please....

[@hrabanus]

There you are, back at the PASSION that watches bring instead of talking about hyped and/or undervalued watches that "have gone up in price". Good work, looking forward to seeing the follow-ups!

[@npmp3913]

Excellent, thank you Adrian. Very interesting and extremely insightful. Looking forward to Pt.2

[@neilwade9870]

Cool. Nice video and nice to see Roger is so down to earth. What a set of watches.

[@pete2neat]

This is great content bro. Getting out and about and interviewing amazing watch makers. Keep it up

[@3KAlexander]

Love these field trips of yours, Adrian. Not only do they provide insight, but they reinforce my decision to purchase mechanical movements. Thanks

[@BarkandJack]

Thanks a lot mate. It really was a treat to visit Roger.

[@markplayford5836]

Fantastic video Adrian. Pat yourself on the back for that one my friend. I own a Omega Planet Ocean with a coaxial escapement which I knew was invented by G. Daniels who was an Englishman I believe. However I just assumed this was so long ago before I was born, turns out there is the man himself with Roger. Therefore Mr. Smith gets even more respect from me and the watches are beautiful too. Bring on Part 2, 3 or however many you like, loved that one. 😍

[@BarkandJack]

Thanks so much for watching Mark. George Daniels died not long ago. He pretty much devoted his life to the coaxial escapement only for Omega to take it. I’m really glad you liked the video buddy. 👍🏻

[@kanemillard3315]

@@BarkandJack when you say only for omega to take it are you saying they pretty much stole it or they where the only ones interested in the design?

[@markplayford5836]

Hell fire I do hope that Omega paid him and the family handsomely for it! Thanks for your reply Adrian and might I add what a lovely guy Roger is too.

[@mt24Carson]

Another PO Co-axial owner here. I believe that I read about his association w/George Daniels, although had forgotten about it. Well done Adrian, look forward to the future content.

[@markplayford5836]

Thank you Will for that information and that superb article. I will watch the GD video later too.

[@RamSkirata]

thank you so much for doing the trip and creating this series!

[@miccont09]

Roger Smith is an absolute hero of mine and it's great to be able to watch him talk about his work. Thank you for putting in the time, energy and effort to make this for us. Very much appreciated. Can't wait for part 2. And hey, 12:47s ain't long if the subject matter is interesting. I'd gladly watch something a lot longer. Hey, this is one of the few videos I've watched on normal speed. Keep up the good work =)

[@sparky191]

Great video. Super fascinating. Well produced. Something beautiful about watching and listening to a master at work. Beautiful watches

[@AdilSoudagar]

Great Video Adrian! Your channel is getting better and better 👍🏽

[@jeanlefranc3817]

Thank you for opening R Smith workshop doors for us viewers.

[@jakemoeller7850]

Mr. Smith's timepieces are astonishing objects of art. Beautiful! 👍

[@barryerskine3053]

Really wonderful video. I have so much respect for Roger Smith and George Daniels. Thanks so much, Adrian.

[@Rob-ys6ot]

Excellent and very informative!!! Really enjoyed the whole film. Thanks both.

[@antonchigurh4125]

Wow. Interviewing Roger Smith! Unbelievable scenes.. Who would have thought this would have happened when you were under 5k subs (and I was a sub back then!) Roger Smith: such a humble guy.

[@furrygrasshopper]

Brilliant!! Pure bliss on this end. Thanks Adrian!!

[@jonnisalvin8780]

Loved watching all the stuff on Roger absolute genius and so down to earth. Wow those dials are out of this world!!

[@raymondelliott8786]

Great insight to the man himself...well done Adrian, & also many thanks to Roger for giving up his time for the channel .. keep up the great work ...really enjoy the videos, great channel....well done

[@ChrisBeckman]

Knock it out of the park Adrian.... your production has stepped up 10 fold with this video. Keep up the great work! Really enjoyed this one.

[@chrislowe5462]

This is a great video Adrian , i have seen a few interviews with Roger and i am always amazed at how humble the man is , a true craftsman and gentleman , The moonphase watch is jaw dropping !! absolutely gorgeous .

[@gilliebrand]

My favourite video you have done, looking forward to part 2.

[@danielcavatorta3007]

Beautiful video Adrian, never seen something like this on YT. Looking forward the next one! Cheers from Italy

[@ibdam1]

Mr. Roger Smith's watches are incredible. Thanks for this GREAT video.

[@MrVoayer]

Some really marvelous specimens were shown in this video demonstrating really astonishing level of artistry and craftsmanship of Roger W Smith. Fascinating ! And beautiful !

[@BarkandJack]

So glad you liked the watches. They really were amazing.

[@robertschmidt9584]

Great video. Roger Smith is continuing a long history of a complete skills set that would otherwise be lost. The coaxial escapement is a marvel to look at. Looking forward to the next few videos.

[@rayau17]

Roger Smith is amazing. He's a real throwback to traditional watchmaking in a modern world. Good to know there are still artisans like Roger in the world. I'm surprised he hasn't made an automatic watch yet. I'm sure he'll come up with some innovation that makes it better when he does. This is your best videos yet! I can't wait for part 2. Your time spent editing was totally worth it. Keep up the good work! Now you'll excuse me while I figure out how to buy one of Roger's watches.

[@jamespeters5043]

Brilliant video Adrian. What a clever and interesting man Roger is. Looking forward to the next part. Keep up the good work.

[@roamy3605]

Thanks for coming through with some really good content featuring Roger Smith. It looks like you had to do a lot of work and logistics to make this video series. And we really appreciate your efforts. I know subscriptions to channels like yours are king but you seem to really work for yours whereas others doing similar content seem only to be trying to give us entertainment in the guise of watch content while mainly only caring about how fast their subscriptions rise and how much stuff they can sell on Amazon. I'm mainly talking about one watch reviewer based in L.A. (figures). So congratulations to you and your channel. You've earned it! Looking forward to parts 2 and 3.

[@frazzlefresh]

Sunday morning breakfast, coffee in hand and this gem of a video before work. Think I’m all geared up now. Great stuff Adrian, looking forward to part 2. Would be great if you can hustle some more visits to watchmakers/factories. Maybe Nicholas over at fears could be an interesting one, with his revitalising a bit of his british heritage? Anyway I’m sure you’ve got plenty of ideas under your belt. Look forward to enjoying them in the future 👌

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Excellent video. Best one yet! Well done.

[@reedgrabowski8314]

Awesome video Adrian! Well worth the wait.

[@BarkandJack]

Thanks a lot Reed.

[@watchguy79]

What an absolute treat to speak with him.

[@sixcylinders6346]

What an absolute pleasure to sit and watch a video so different to all the other “same old, same old” stuff out there on KZbin about watches. You seem to have, for me, the perfect way of presenting what you do without falling into the trap of making it all about yourself, like so many others seem to do. I’ve really enjoyed all the stuff you’ve put out so far Adrian so keep it up mate and I’m sure you will get to where you want to go. I’ve just subscribed so I hope that helps you along the way.

[@michaelwalton470]

What a wonderful video Adrian. He appears to be such a humble man with enthusiasm in spades for watchmaking past and present. Really can't wait to see the next one. Great job mate.

[@edjustice7755]

Great video again! Thank you! Any RWS video is a must watch, can't wait for the next installment.

[@BorisPjanic]

Just wonderful to watch and listen, even though it takes a deep understanding of movements when he is explaining things. Such a humble man with so much knowledge to share.

[@Andy-ih5kh]

Awesome video Adrian.. Looking forward to the next installment.

[@philipallen2730]

BRILLIANT cant wait for the next part you are a lucky lucky man

[@richardm2661]

Superb content and unique insight into something special. Nice work.

[@hendragouw451]

Ur channel have becoming top notch Adrian... This kind of in-depth interview with person or brands really differentiate from other common watch channel.... Only watches TV do like this!

[@BarkandJack]

Thanks so much buddy. I’m really glad you can see the channel improving. Cheers, Adrian

[@fredysiregar9180]

At last.. been waiting for this video to happen. RWS is a great man in the watchmaking world. Always enjoy his story. And very glad this one is coming from you. Congratulations!

[@CesarGamezT]

Great video. As an optimization engineer, I can relate better watchmaking to less moving parts, less friction, less force, less wear and tear (less maintenance for final user), keeping accuracy the same (the original function). I rather put and wind the watch as a ritual than put it on and forget about it if auto-winds. Exciting wait for next video.

[@BarkandJack]

I’m glad you liked that part. I really liked that section too. He made it seem so logical.

[@stefanocecchini3260]

You are the man! Congratulation. Smiths is a Legend.

[@litestuf]

There is a man from France, Zimmerman MOF, who made his watches by hand one to two years wait time. I bought two from him and they are the jewels in the crown of my collection. MOF means 'Meilleur ouvrier de France' a great honor in France where watchmaking goes back further than the Swiss.

[@hockingham7160]

Awesome video.... Really looking forward to the next one! 👌

[@faisalingalong]

Really looking forward to the next one!

[@strapped2time]

Great vid Adrian. Can’t wait to see the rest of this series. Admire the hell out of Mr Smith! 👍🔥🔥👌

[@rockon21ful]

Amazing video of a true Master Watchmaker! Great job Adrian & thanks for sharing, not often someone gets to spend that much time with Roger Smith and looking forward to more videos! Think 🤔 60 Minutes Sunday evening news show here in the USA 🇺🇸 did a piece on him and it was fabulous, 90% sure it was 60 Minutes but I’ll need to look into that to make sure I’ve got my facts straight. Thanks again 😉👍

[@JeromeTriplett]

Well done. I can't wait for the next one!

[@bowservr6]

well done buddy ,very interesting and looking forward to the next episodes keep up the good work !!!

[@ruilacerdamagalhaes4976]

What an amazing vídeo. Thank you so much! I am very gratefull for your work. Cheers!

[@GregSherlock]

Wonderful video Adrian. Roger is a true horological hero.

[@geirarnesen6531]

Amazing revelation Adrian. Well done to you both.

[@kcrehkopf]

We met Mr. Smith on the ferry from IOM to Liverpool quite by accident. His identity became known through relaxed friendly chitchat as we shared a a table with him and family. He is generous with his time and his process as is stated in this video. He is soft-spoken, thoughtful, and a delightful human being. We feel lucky to have conversed with him. A true gentleman and an artisan of the highest caliber apparently.

[@markmaier2503]

Your content keeps getting better. This is the first bell icon I’ve ever clicked. Can’t wait to see part 2. I’ll post this to some of the groups now.

[@watchlover8297]

Brilliant video. Roger is a legend so thank you to both of you for creating it.

[@johncampbell3258]

Well done Adrian, great to see you taking the channel to the next level. Roger seems an incredibly humble guy given his achievements, I wonder if he has a protege in the workshop to carry on the tradition of British watchmaking? I certainly hope so. Back in 2000 I took the plunge on the first Omega Co-Axial, it was the Daniels backstory that convinced me to go for it. Loved the watch but had no end of trouble with it which goes to show that even with all of the Swatch group wherewithal it took them a long time to perfect Daniels invention.

[@WhatIsItReallyAbout]

Great work here. A joy to watch. You know how to let your subject talk.

[@cecedabo]

Amazing project Adrian! Will defo enjoy the episodes to come

[@jimscopa8685]

Awesome Adrian! So appreciate your content and your enthusiasm.

[@ThePhilandPam]

Absolutely fascinating, one of your best videos and the stereo definitely adds to the quality 👍

[@timgreen6952]

Fascinating stuff, a great video. Those things are different gravy!

[@JustWatchreviews]

Great info and amazing craftsmanship, thanks for the video Adrian!

[@barrycolmer324]

Most enjoyable episode yet, great viewing

[@fredweiner2]

This was a great interview...can't wait to see part 2. Going back to re-watch the film "The Watchmaker's Apprentice". Thanks for the good work.

[@federhaus3224]

Great video... can't wait for the next episodes 🤗

[@dkonsto]

Well worth the wait. Look forward to seeing the next part. Enjoying the new nato strap. Definitely a better feel to it than my other straps.

[@TheRunningManZ]

Interesting stuff! Looking forward to the next one.

[@TheRunningManZ]

@@hamtiger837 lol u liked ur own message!

[@TheRunningManZ]

lol! and then when u got caught u unliked it. I’d delete your low level trolling and move on mate!

[@tods.9947]

Beautiful designs! Thanks for your great work

[@ATW-zz4qb]

Great insight Adrian, looking forward to the next one!

[@drwindsurf]

Absolutely brilliant Adrian...I can't wait for the rest of the series :)

[@mathewrolfe4081]

A lovely vid my friend - a real treat

[@BarkandJack]

Thanks a lot Mathew. It was a real treat to visit him.

[@steveaarons4751]

Great, absolutely great, I was so engrossed and then it finnished 😞and now I can not wait for the next episode.

[@carpathiawatches6778]

Great informational video well done keep it up! Its nice to see the watchmakers and their work

[@LondonLex]

Great stuff 🤓 roll on Friday! Loving the passion from both sides. Thanks.

[@richardostafin3835]

Loving this. Can’t wait to see the rest. Well done!

[@patpatterson9018]

Well done. Great job getting that interview!

[@nmbvideos]

Excellent video - great subject, very inspiring content. Great stuff Adrian!

[@Bugster987]

Very interesting video. Look forward to the next one

[@celestialfix]

Excellent video......truly handmade timepieces.

[@mrdisco99]

Wow... that's quite a watch nerd fantasy to score an interview with Roger Smith. Thanks for taking us with you!