Why Peter Speake-Marin, The Naked Watchmaker, Founded Affordably Priced Stoic World Watches

In the world of haute horology, a host of independent watch brands have arisen in the past few decades that are continually capturing the eyes and hearts of collectors. These brands are recognized for their incredible high-end horology – with creative new movements, innovative time displays, or final timepieces that rival three-dimensional space ships, in many instances. British watchmaker Peter Speake-Marin was one of those independent brands that garnered attention around the world thanks to the updated – sometimes quirky take – on classical watchmaking he developed. For nearly a decade and a half, Peter Speake-Marin unveiled tourbillons, double tourbillons, chronographs and other innovations in his eponymous brand that kept collectors watching for more.

Then, two years ago, he bowed out of his own brand (leaving it in the hands of investors and current owners, who have left his first name out of the brand name, calling it simply “Speake-Marin”). He started an online platform, The Naked Watchmaker, to introduce intricate movements and watchmaking concepts to the world via videos and full explanations. Then, earlier this year, he surprised the world with the introduction of Stoic World Watches. While collectors and followers were waiting for his newest creations, no one was exactly prepared for this. Having sold timepieces for prices that were in the high-five- and six-digit numbers, Speake-Marin unveils Stoic World watches that retail for $290 to $490. There was a collective gasp in the watch world.

Stoic World timepieces, available for sale on line,  are designed by Speake-Marin to represent more of a concept than a collection of unique watches.  A fan of the early Greek philosophy of Stoicism, Speake-Marin wanted to underscore the idea of utilitarian watches designed for people of today who have found happiness in their own way, by coming to terms with the world around them. You can find  a much more complete explanation of this philosophy and Stoic World here. As such, the Stoic World watches are the essence of three classic styles in watchmaking: a panda chronograph, a 1940’s-inspired pilot watch and a bold and timeless sports watch. These three timepieces that comprise the initial Stoic World watch collection, are all top-quality, made to Speake-Marin’s specifications.

Movements, both quartz and automatics, are built by Seiko Instruments, and are finished according to Stoic World instructions. The watches, which are all sold with a two-year warranty, are made of top-quality 316L stainless steel, features sapphire crystals with three layers of anti-reflective coating on them, and carry a case-back engraving derived from the Stoicism teachings of Seneca: “Nothing is ours except time.”

The project is incredibly different from what Speake-Marin has done in the past, but it is also a representation of his own way of thinking, a concept he believes many people today embrace.

“A few years ago I started reading the American Tim Ferriss's books and listening to his podcasts. One of his subjects was of Stoicism, he would often recite part of 'Letters from a Stoic' by Seneca, which I found refreshing, and grounding amongst the constant bombardment of information we experience in the digital age,” says Speake-Marin. “Stoic timepieces were born because of words, and in part because of this introduction to Seneca. Most brands are born from an innovative technology or design concept. This one is born from a combination of a philosophy and a desire to share a passion for watchmaking.”

While many watch lovers did not embrace the watches, they didn’t seem to understand the concept. Of course, the question remains: Will the watches sell? Speake-Marin believes that those who love fine quality at a good price, and who embrace a watch with a true concept behind it, will be of interest to thousands around the world. If not, the investment in a watch of this caliber versus the watches of the caliber he used to create is relatively low.

“It was a new adventure, another way to express myself for today’s everyday heroes,” says Speake-Marin. “I love watchmaking, probably too much; I love life, probably not enough, but I’m still learning and hopefully, will never stop.”