Craftsmanship: Interview with Roger W. Smith, horologist

Abstract

In contemporary terms, luxury has come to mean many things to many people. It is no longer commonly defined within the confines of true meaning and understanding of skill, craftsmanship, heritage and provenance. Materials do not necessarily have to be the best; the maker no longer needs to have an understanding of the full process of manufacture; they can be skilled in one operation thus removing them from the ‘heart’ of the product. In this interview with master horologist Roger W. Smith, we explore the true meaning of craftsmanship from a mastercraftsman, one of the few people in the world who can make a watch from start to finish. For a master horologist like Roger W. Smith, the fundamental definition of luxury is unchanging.