PS Horology Tsuba En Watch Review
Limited to 10 pieces, the PS Horology Tsuba En is born from the friendship between master watchmaker Peter Speake and Kinya Mishima of Tokyo’s Les Artisans. It unites Shibui, the Japanese concept of aesthetic restraint, with the mechanical rigour of Swiss watchmaking.
Consider, for a moment, a bespoke suit crafted by a master tailor. The casual observer might be drawn to the richness of the material or the vibrancy of the colour. Yet, the true connoisseur knows that the finest details are often hidden from view. Take, for instance, the small silk thread loop sewn onto the reverse side of the left lapel, just beneath the buttonhole. Its sole purpose is to keep the stem of a boutonnière perfectly upright and secure against the chest – a quiet touch of functionality that remains entirely invisible to the outside world. The same philosophy holds true for the traditional Japanese ‘katana’. Its razor-sharp blade rightfully commands fear, but it is the ‘tsuba’ (the shaped metal guard separating the lethal blade from the grip, protecting the swordsman’s hand) that commands ultimate respect.
Over the centuries, the tsuba has evolved from a purely functional feature into an expression of artistry. It has previously inspired Peter Speake to create the striking Tsuba Blue and Tsuba Dong Son, two models released last year. Now, we see the arrival of the PS Horology Tsuba En, a watch born from more than 20 years of friendship between Peter and Kinya Mishima, the Japanese watch dealer and specialist.
Twenty Years of cross-continental friendship
I have long believed that Peter Speake is one of the most remarkably gifted watchmakers of his generation. His horological pedigree is absolutely beyond reproach. After honing his skills at WOSTEP, he went on to master grand complications at the legendary Renaud & Papi in Le Locle. Over the last two decades, Peter has lent his incredible talents to some of the finest names in independent watchmaking, collaborating with the likes of MB&F, Maîtres du Temps and Schwarz Etienne.
Today, he employs his amassed expertise, crafting watches under the PS Horology label. This latest creation, the Tsuba En, is a highly exclusive 10-piece limited edition featuring a gorgeous guilloché dial paired with said distinctive, samurai-inspired case. The timepiece commemorates the 20th anniversary of Les Artisans, the esteemed independent watch specialist in Tokyo, as well as a decades-long friendship between Peter and Les Artisans’ founder, Kinya Mishima, which first began back in 2003. It is a fitting tribute born of mutual respect.
PS Horology Tsuba En – case
Milled from 316L stainless steel, the case measures 38.3 mm in diameter and sits just 8.91 mm high. For those horophiles who appreciate traditional, elegant proportions, these dimensions are absolutely spot on. The watch takes its design cues from the samurai’s tsuba, resulting in lovely scalloped corners and gently sweeping outer lines. The shape plays with light beautifully. Moreover, Peter has juxtaposed highly polished facets against finely brushed surfaces, so the case catches the light from every single angle. Subtle crown guards grace the right flank of the housing, protecting the winding stem from harm without spoiling the case’s clean silhouette.
The tapering links of the integrated bracelet echo the impressive case finishing, alternating between vertical brushed surfaces and gleaming polished edges. Carried over from the initial Tsuba models, the bracelet wonderfully complements the case. The integrated bracelet almost imperceptibly flows from the watch head, its sculptural lines ergonomically wrapping around the wrist. Finally, the bracelet secures with a neatly integrated butterfly deployment clasp.
PS Horology Tsuba En – dial
Protected beneath a gently domed sapphire crystal, the Tsuba En’s dial is a metallic canvas – a solid disc of German silver, lavishly plated in warm, radiant 3N yellow gold that exudes remarkable vintage charm. Look closely and you will discover the centre of the display offers a beautiful slice of traditional Swiss watchmaking – a classic Clous de Paris guilloché dial. Rather than a flat surface, this intricate grid of tiny geometric peaks is the product of painstaking engine-turning, transforming the dial into a landscape of light and shadow. It is a slow, demanding craft that’s compatible with kodawari, the Japanese philosophy of pouring your absolute heart and soul into perfecting the smallest detail, simply for the joy of doing it right.
PS Horology Tsuba En – movement
Turning the watch over reveals a caseback secured by four neat screws framing a beautifully sculpted, ovoid sapphire exhibition window. The steel surround features an elegant, bespoke lacquer-filled engraving that proudly displays the watch’s limited-edition status. Peer through the glass and the watch’s secret to its incredibly slender profile becomes apparent. Peter has selected the Vaucher Calibre 5401, an ultra-thin engine with a personalised tungsten micro-rotor that sits completely flush with the rhodium-plated bridges. Anodised in a striking shade of blue and proudly bearing the PS Horology symbol, this heavy tungsten mass turns efficiently on a ceramic ball race, winding the mainspring while keeping mechanical friction to a minimum.
Comprising 176 meticulously finished components and 29 jewels, the movement proves a visual treat for purists. Equipped with a highly desirable variable-inertia balance wheel, the movement has a frequency of 21,600 vph (3Hz) and a power reserve of 48 hours. Pristine Côtes de Genève rayonnantes adorn the bridges, while shimmering perlage graces the mainplate.
Closing thoughts
The PS Horology Tsuba En captures the very essence of Shibui – that wonderful Japanese concept of understated beauty. To the uninitiated, it may look remarkably simple at first glance. However, look closer, spend some time with it, and it gradually reveals a profound depth of character. Peter Speake’s commitment to his craft is evident throughout. You see it in the clever contours of the case, the exquisite engine-turned dial and the way the integrated bracelet is so carefully sculpted to sit just right on the wrist. Indeed, whether it be bespoke tailoring, ancient swordcraft, or Haute Horlogerie, it’s the craftsmanship underpinning the design that often commands the most respect.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: PS Horology Tsuba En
- Case: 316L stainless steel, diameter 38.3 mm, 8.91 mm height, water resistance 3 ATM (30 metres), sapphire crystal to front, exhibition case back.
- Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds
- Movement: Vaucher Manufacture, Calibre 5401, self-winding, frequency 21,600 vph (3 Hz), 29 jewels, 48 hours of power reserve
- Strap: integrated stainless steel bracelet, butterfly deployment buckle
- Price: CHF 18,000 excluding tax (RRP as of 22.10.2026)
- Limited Edition: 10 pieces