Ed Sheeran's favourite watchmakers
Wondering about popstar Ed Sheeran's obsession with watches - and two particular experts in the craft? This short film clip might help explain…
Ten years ago, Dave Armstrong, Zoe Guilford and I were touring the International film festival circuit with a feature length documentary we made together, right here on the Isle of Man. 'The Watchmaker's Apprentice' was a passion project, featuring the story of two extraordinary residents of our Island home: celebrated watchmaker Dr George Daniels CBE and his then 'apprentice' Roger W Smith. We were, sadly, the last people to interview Dr Daniels before he passed away, but it meant that we were able to tell the story of the two men and their unique working relationship - and friendship - from an insider's perspective.
Now, Dr Roger W. Smith OBE is one of the world's most respected and admired independent watchmakers. He is the only person ever to be mentored by George and he has taken his early education to incredible new heights. His own studio makes just 12 watches a year, entirely by hand, and his craftsmanship and ingenuity has caught the eye of collectors and enthusiasts across the world and from every walk of life.
Ed Sheeran is one of those people. In a recent interview with Hodinkee, he talks about the pair of RW Smith watches that he commissioned for himself and his wife for their wedding day. The video clip features close ups of the stunning, bespoke timepieces, in which you can also clearly see the Isle of Man triskelion symbol, an emblem which Roger continues to include in every timepiece he produces at his studio in the North of Island, just a few miles from where his mentor George once lived and worked.
'The Watchmaker's Apprentice' toured the festival circuit in 2013, was released as limited edition DVD in 2014 and released online in 2015. http://www.thewatchmakersapprentice.com/
It can be viewed in full on Amazon Prime. The traditional Manx song featured in this clip is sung by Christine Collister. Narration by John Rhys Davies.