Soberly named “Spirit”, this daring new collection demonstrates Speake-Marin’s will to further explore its own history and DNA. Succeeding its predecessor, the military inspired collection paves the way for new aesthetics and designs taking Speake-Marin into a new era. 

A little history

Long before founding his own brand in 2002, English master watchmaker Peter Speake-Marin acquired a solid foundation in watchmaking in the world of restoration of antique timepieces in Piccadilly, London. One fine day, a considerably worn military wristwatch from the late 30’s was to cross Peter’s path. This enchanted encounter between high-class British savoir-faire and pure “form and function” eventually gave birth, a decade later, to the Spirit Pioneer: a subtle blend of true horological values and utilitarian design. 

Introducing the Spirit Mk II DLC

A raw Spirit.

Today, Speake-Marin introduces a new addition to the Spirit collection: The Spirit Mk II DLC. Dressed in a magnificent and contrasting matt black coating, The Spirit Mk II DLC’s robes are a contrast to the white enamel, found in other collections and explores the darker side of Speake-Marin’s DNA. The spirit of adventure that led its creator to its original design, finally appeared in the guise of a time measuring instrument with bold charisma. 

True to its name, the Spirit Mark II DLC retains the Pioneer’s rousing – and resonant – call to action through the inspirational motto “Fight, Love & Persevere” engraved on the case-back.

A complex three-dimensional dial 

The Spirit Mark II DLC’s three-dimensional, one-piece dial features refined numerals and hour markers in white Super-LumiNova that contrasts superbly against the light-absorbing matt black finished case. The resulting indications are eminently legible and present a fresh new level of sophistication.

The resine dial is as demanding to produce as an enamel dial, involving a cutting-edge technique. The first step is to create a three-dimensional mould of the multi-level dial elements including hour and minute markers, numerals, railroad chapter ring, Speake-Marin logo and topping-tool motif, as well as the Spirit title.

This mould is used to make a negative mould in which lacquer and Super-LumiNova masks are successively applied, ensuring the right materials and colours are in the correct places. When set, the one-piece dial face is removed from the mould and bonded to a traditional dial plate.

The powerful TT738 Caliber

The Spirit Mark 2 DLC retains an exceptional power reserve – five days – thanks to the use of a unidirectional, automatic-winding movement and the addition of a second barrel.

New case and bezel 

The dial of the Spirit Mark 2 DLC is beautifully framed by a hand finished circular grained bezel. This finishing enhances the casual, contemporary style for which the Spirit has become known, as does the slim 42mm sandblasted stainless steel case and coated with anthracite DLC. The case-back is solid and slightly domed – a combination that provides considerable strength and protection for the movement within.

An inspirational message  

On the case-back, the centrally engraved Speake-Marin ‘topping tool’ motif catches the eye. However, it is the engraved inspirational rallying cry – “Fight, Love & Persevere” – that steals the attention, upholds the Spirit Collection’s name and confirms its credentials as the perfect talisman.