Peter Speake-Marin who left his namesake independent watchmaking company (now named Speake-Marin) early 2017, has resurfaced not only as The Naked Watchmaker, but now with a new company making watches. He is the key partner to the new venture which is called Stoic World. Offering watches at entry level. The first three watches range from US$290 to US$490 with free shipping inclusive. The official launch of the site is 11am Geneva Time on 18th June 2018, but we got a sneak preview of what is to come, and present you with with early information.
Stoic World watches, Press Release
STOIC, more than a watchmaking approach, a philosophy to life
“Nothing is ours, except time.” -Seneca
Lucius Annaeus Seneca (c. 4 BC – AD 65), also known as Seneca the Younger and also known simply as Seneca, was a Roman Stoic philosopher, statesman, dramatist, and satirist of the Silver Age of Latin literature.
Stoicism, a way of thinking, a philosophical view founded in Greece 300 BC. The principle? Individual happiness based on temperance and detachment achieved through reason.
“Everything is opinion. And opinion depends on you “, Marcus Aurelius’.
This is the inspiration that becomes today the name of a watch brand.
A brand whose watches will always be thought through and developed in a rational, practical and robust manor, for everyday use. Simple to read, effective, watches that go with all lifestyles. The high quality of their manufacture enhances their classic, elegant and timeless design. Their aesthetic resonates with the timeless codes of the iconic watches of Swiss watchmaking.
A brand whose founders – amongst whom is Peter Speake-Marin – master all stages of the watchmaking process, from design and technical development, to production and international distribution.
Only three models will encapsulate the technical know-how of the creators of STOIC watches at the starting line.
The Chronograph is reminiscent of a time when racing cars reigned in the collective imagination, with its iconic legendary chronographs “Panda” dial. Also, the steel bracelet allows for comfort worthy of any of the greatest chronographs.
The Pilots watch combines readability and aesthetic simplicity. Its Arabic numerals and “sword” shaped hands recall the legibility of the watches intended for civilian and military pilots.
The Sports watch takes the aesthetics and codes of diving watches from the 50s and 60s.
From 18th June, pre-orders are accepted on www.stoicworld.com
STOIC, a philosophy to life
Stoicism is a Western philosophy, born in Athens circa 300 BC. Its purpose is individual happiness, which can only be achieved through reason. This philosophy allows for an important, even primordial, place for the rational forces of the mind. Philosophy and more importantly Stoicism, are the best examples of self-control to achieve a high level of enlightenment and perfection. This is the inspiration that has guided the creators and designers of STOIC watches.
STOIC watches are inspired primarily by the philosophy of stoicism, they are rationally thought-through, for everyday use. Simple to read and effective, they are suitable for any type of event, and any lifestyle. Faithful to Stoic thought, the designers of the STOIC watches have respected the most demanding specifications: to create a watch for ” Everyday Heroes “.
Who are these everyday heroes? It’s you, it’s your neighbour, it’s the astronomer who advances science, it’s the nurse that eases the pain, it’s the teacher who raises awareness, and the student who represents the future. At all levels, you represent a part of humanity that makes you a daily hero. And it is you that we had in mind when we created STOIC watches. Irrespective of age, 18, 30, 50 or older, irrespective of gender, it’s the state of mind that counts. It’s your curiosity, your quest for purpose, your desire to experience, contribute, and this crosses all generations, it is this that matters. STOIC is not a watch brand like any other. STOIC is a state of mind.
STOIC time pieces, historical codes and iconic aesthetics
Style does not follow fashion; it transcends it. And when it comes to watchmaking, very often, the origins of a well-defined style are dictated by function. However, all these features inherited from 400 years of watchmaking history would not have been able to stand up to “the power of the digital age”, if it had not also been about beauty and style. It is for this reason that STOIC world has drawn on the history of watchmaking to draw from its quintessence, to bring you iconic watches with a level of quality worthy of the best standards of luxury watchmaking.
STOIC watches are authentic and sincere, their design and proportions mean they go with any style and are highly desirable watches. Each model offers the very best of that which defines its category.
The Chronograph (US$290 with free shipping)is reminiscent of an era when racing cars reigned in the collective imagination, with its iconic legendary chronographs “Panda” dial counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. The Tachymeter bezel highlights the elegant aesthetics of the chronograph. And the steel bracelet allows for comfort that is worthy of any high-end collectors chronograph.
The Pilot Watch (US$390 with free shipping) watch combines readability and aesthetic simplicity. Its Arabic numerals with “sword” shaped hands recall the design of watches for civilian and military pilots. Its sleek style will appeal to both women and men.
The Sports Watch (US$490 with free shipping) watch takes its aesthetics and inspiration from the diving watches of the 50s and 60s. Large hands pointing to luminescent indexes recall the need for perfect visibility in the dark. The unidirectional rotating bezel is topped at noon with a luminescent ball characteristic of the icons of the depths. And its embossed dial tames the gaze of the admirer that is found in each of us.
These historical reminders and all these aesthetic details should not, however, overshadow the great strength of STOIC watches: their quality.
Attention to detail
Never before have we seen such a level of quality at such a competitive price. Throughout the creative process, the founders of STOIC watches have respected the philosophy that drives them to offer you the best of watchmaking.
An example of this being the steel used for STOIC timepieces, which is surgical grade steel: 316 L, stainless and hypoallergenic. All dial-side and movement-side glasses (Pilot and Sport) are Sapphire crystal. The dial side is treated with an anti-reflective coating (watches in this price range are mostly equipped with mineral glasses that scratch easily). The indexes on the Chronograph and Sports dials are applied, just like the logo and the brand name on each of the watches (again, at this price range, it is more often than not printed).
We find this attention to detail through to the winding crown where the company logo is etched.
The case back is screwed on to ensure a depth of 10 ATM (equivalent to 100 meters) and reveals the philosophical message of the brand, “Nothing is ours, except time.” Etched on the Chronograph case back and applied to the sapphire of the Pilots and Sports watch. On the latter models, the sapphire crystal reveals the automatic movement winding rotor with a Geneva stripe finish. All steel cases and the steel bracelet of the Chronograph are manufactured with great thought and care by alternating mirror finish and (except for the pilots watch)a brushed effect for a beautiful look and real comfort. The sculptured edges of the Chronograph case and its bracelet give it a beautifully smooth ergonomic feel. Finally, each strap, is genuine Italian leather carefully selected by us, and the stainless steel bracelet as on the Chronograph model, will be delivered with a double-hinged deployment clasp also called “butterfly” clasp. A rapid strap change system to allow the easy exchange of the leather straps, change the colour to match your mood or the occasion.
Finally, Stoic Wolrd wishes to address the widest possible audience to deliver a message stemming from ancient philosophers and an introduction to a passion. This reasoning is reflected in the choice of designs presented, in the quality of manufacture and the finish of every component found in STOIC watches.
It is also manifested by a desire to offer the very highest quality timepiece at a very competitive price. And for the experience to be complete, the STOIC watch will be delivered in a presentation case that can be adapted for everyday use to protect other items.
About Stoicworld
Born from a deeply felt desire of true friends who have come together to found Stoic World, STOIC watches, is an amalgamation of reason and passion. Reason stemming from classic and timeless design supported by quality manufacture. Passion belonging to the founders of Stoic World wishing to share a philosophy of life. This idea buried deep in the mind of Peter Speake-Marin, Watchmaker, founder and face of STOIC, is nothing less than the fruit of the coming together of men and women of different backgrounds and cultures but united by common values. These human and philosophical shared values from Hong Kong, London and Paris can be found in Stoic products that are true, honest and good quality. Our customers are the centre of our concerns, our objective is to serve them. This is the Stoic World commitment and that of its founders.
Specifications
Model Name The Chronograph (#1)
Reference MC1
Functions Hour, minute, central seconds, date and 24 hour indication at 3 o’clock sub dial. Chronograph seconds at 6 o’clock subdial, minute recorder at 9 o’clock subdial
Price $290.00
Movement Type Quartz
Movement Reference VD53
Case Material 316L Stainless steel
Case Diameter (2-8hr) 38mm
Bezel PVD coated
Distance Between Shoulders 18mm
Case Thickness 11.5mm
Caseback Solid stainless steel with quote
Bezel Glass Sapphire with 3 layers of anti-reflective coating
Water Resistant 100m
Strap/Bracelet 316L Stainless steel
Buckle Double-hinged deployment
Warranty 2 years
Model Name The Pilots Watch (#1)
Reference MP1
Functions Hour, minute, central seconds, date
Price $390.00
Movement Type Automatic
Movement Reference NH35
Special Movement Details Rotor with Geneva stripes
Case Material 316L Stainless steel
Case Diameter (3-9hr) 38mm
Distance Between Shoulders 20mm
Case Thickness 13mm
Caseback Sapphire with printed quote
Bezel Glass Sapphire with 3 layers of anti-reflective coating
Water Resistant 100m
Strap/Bracelet Leather (quick release)
Strap Length 75mm x 116mm
Buckle Double-hinged deployment
Warranty 2 years
Model Name The Sports Watch(#1)
Reference MS1
Functions Hour, minute, central seconds, date and 24 hour indication
Price $490.00
Movement Type Automatic
Movement Reference NH37
Special Movement Details Rotor with Geneva stripes
Case Material 316L Stainless steel
Case Diameter (2-8hr) 43.50mm
Bezel Rotating anti-clockwise
Distance Between Shoulders 22mm
Case Thickness 14.5mm
Caseback Sapphire with printed quote
Bezel Glass Sapphire with 3 layers of anti-reflective coating
Water Resistant 100m
Strap/Bracelet Leather (quick release)
Strap Length 75mm x 116mm
Buckle Double-hinged deployment
Warranty 2 years
4 Comments
is this some weird `british humor`…monty python?….dont get it…
The pilots watch is okay if predictable, but the others are pretty tacky.
Sad day ☹️
Shameless cash grab, anyone?
These are copy cat design watches Mr Chong. Frankenstein of watch design stolen from currently-in watch aesthetics and stitched together in a collection that what you Singaporeans might term “rojak”. And to do an entire write up about Stocism and what not greek philosophy coupled with “important and unique” details such as a presentation case that can protect other items. You wrote an entire long copy ad in guise of an honest journalistic look at a product! You simply skip details about what movements these watches house. What you should have wrote: “The chronograph is reminicent of a Rolex Daytona of a bygone era, coupled with some design cues of vintage Heuer Carerra”, ” The pilot’s watch is a blatant rip off of IWC’s Pilot watch”. ” the Sports watch timely picks up on the two tone trend that is currently in again, thanks to Tudor Black Bays and by putting the iconic AP grande tapisserie dial on it. Damn man… these watches are bad. Shame on both Peters.