The British-Made Garrick Regulator with Engine-Turned Dial

British watchmaker Garrick has just unveiled a new version of its popular Regulator timepiece, complete with gorgeous engine-turned dials. Launched in 2016, the initial run of Regulator watches was limited to just 15 pieces. Since then, it has proven itself to be one of this independent brand’s most popular models. Now, it seems Garrick has finally bowed to the pressure of repeated requests for more watches to be made, much to the delight of the brand’s devoted followers.

Regulators take their name from the fact that they were historically used as reference clocks for setting other clocks and watches. To best serve this purpose, these clocks (and later watches) displayed the hours, minutes and seconds on three separate sub-dials. This allowed them to be read easily and accurately, which is particularly useful when you’re using one as a reference to set the time on another clock or watch.

The Garrick Regulator follows this same principle. Minutes are displayed on the largest of the three sub-dials at 3 o’clock, seconds are indicated on the small sub-dial at 12 o’clock (red seconds hand) and hours are shown on the sub-dial at 6 o’clock. At 10 o’clock, a cut-out in the dial gives a bird’s eye view of Garrick’s in-house developed free sprung balance. The steel hands are handmade and are available in frosted, polished or heat-blued finishes.

None of this is news, of course. The dial layout is identical to the original and the Regulator uses the same Unitas 6497 movement, which has been extensively modified in-house with a screwed balance and unique gear train. Not that it’s not beautiful work mind you, but we have seen it before.

Where things get really interesting is back on the dial side. On the initial model, the dial was a rather sombre frosted grey dial with a matte finish. It suited the watch well and gave it something of an industrial feel. It looked like an instrument you would use to regulate other watches and clocks. The dials on the new version, however, are far more elaborate. As you can see in the photos, it is adorned with an intricate motif formed using a rose engine lathe.

It’s a labour-intensive process, whereby different cams are used to influence the behaviour of the cutting head. In the hands of an expert, the result is a series of visually-arresting patterns. A circular barleycorn motif emanates from the centre, steadily increasing in size. Rotating the wheel of the lathe is all done by hand and there is no room for error. All work is performed in the UK by a skilled artisan, reflecting Garrick’s commitment to promoting British-made.

Offered in a 42mm stainless steel case in a choice of finishes, each watch is handcrafted in Norfolk by master watchmaker Craig Baird. Pricing is set at GBP 6,662.50 (excl. VAT.)

For more information, please visit www.garrick.co.uk.