PS Horology Tsuba watch review
Peter Speake, the legendary British watchmaker, has just unveiled the PS Horology Tsuba watch. Offered in two variants, the Tsuba Blue and Tsuba Dong Son, both models celebrate Asian culture. Each watch is endowed with a Vaucher movement and housed in a slender stainless steel case.
Peter Speake – watchmaker extraordinaire
Born in Essex, Peter Speake embarked on a career in watchmaking at the tender age of 17, when he enrolled at Hackney Technical College. Thereafter, he attended WOSTEP, the esteemed Swiss watchmaking school in Neuchâtel. After graduating from WOSTEP, he worked for Watches of Switzerland in the UK and subsequently, Somlo Antiques in London. This latter establishment was, and remains, a haven for rare timepieces and is widely known for its extensive collection of vintage Omega watches.
A pivotal moment in Peter’s life came in 1996 when he began working at Renaud et Papi in Le Locle. Behind the walls of the unassuming building, skilled hands gave birth to complicated movements, including tourbillons, minute repeaters, grande sonneries and even grande complications. Peter worked alongside similarly ambitious individuals, including Stephen Forsey, Bart Grönefeld and his brother Tim. The knowledge Peter acquired at Renaud et Papi has served him well, but his desire for self-development has never abated.
Over the years, he has worked with several companies, including Harry Winston, MB&F, Mâitre du Temps and, more recently, Schwarz Etienne and Frederique Constant. Peter also co-founded the eponymous brand Speake-Marin back in 2002, where he remained a watchmaker until 2017.
Later, Peter spent five years at The Naked Watchmaker, ‘an educational watchmaking platform’ that proved a valuable resource to watchmakers and enthusiasts alike. Such was Peter’s esteemed reputation that brands entrusted him with rare, highly valuable watches, inviting him to deconstruct them and capture each step with a macro lens.
I’ve frequently spoken to the affable watchmaker and witnessed first-hand his mastery at the bench. Indeed, it is my belief he is one of the most gifted watchmakers of his generation. With this in mind, I have always taken an interest in Peter’s work.
PS Horology Tsuba watch.
In 2022, Peter Speake established PS Horology dedicated to crafting highly original timepieces in Switzerland. With over 35 years of watchmaking experience, Peter has formed connections with local artisans and specialist suppliers. It is these precious relationships that have allowed him to develop his ideas and bring his creations to life.
Over the years, Peter has enjoyed travelling, particularly to Asia. His love affair with this region is manifest in the inaugural models to emanate from the PS Horology atelier, watches inspired by Japan and Vietnam.
Image – Tsuba guard
The name ‘Tsuba’ refers to the guard found on a Japanese sword. A Tsuba separates the blade from the grip, shielding the hand from harm. Elaborately shaped, melding quince-like and octagonal forms, the Tsuba incorporates local symbolism. Highly prized, these items were often passed down from one generation to the next.
To bring his ideas to life, Peter turned to Darren Jones, a highly accomplished designer with a proven track record working in the car industry as well as designing award-winning timepieces. Darren has distilled Peter’s vision, creating two new models, the Tsuba Blue and the Tsuba Dong Son.
I am particularly drawn to the Tsuba Blue and intend to write a ‘hands-on’ watch review in the coming months. However, in the interim period, I will point out just some of the details that are worthy of note.
PS Horology Tsuba Blue – overview
Housed in a stainless steel case (38.3 mm x 8.91 mm), the PS Horology Tsuba Blue is an intricate marriage of shapes and finishes. For example, note how the corners of the bezel are recessed and highly polished. Likewise, look at the tapering bracelet links, juxtaposing brushed surfaces and polished facets. This complex case execution will have proved challenging to realise; however, Peter has clearly thumbed his black book and turned to a tried and trusted case specialist based in Le Locle, a city he knows well.
Like a chef, sourcing the best ingredients, Peter has procured the movement from Vaucher Manufacture in Fleurier. Again, it is a company he is very familiar with. Some years ago, Peter assembled repeaters for Vaucher and has always held the firm in high esteem. The calibre 5401 is equipped with a micro-rotor, offering the convenience of self-winding while remaining slender. Indeed, the movement is a mere 2.60 mm thick. The rotor turns on a ceramic ball race and the balance is free-sprung; details which will appeal to many purists.
The centre dial is formed of sapphire and fringed with an anodised metal frame.
Availability
‘The Price is CHF 19,500 (excluding tax and shipping), with 30% reservation deposit, and delivery is by August 2025. There will be 100 pieces made in 2025, 99 for purchase by collectors.’
PS Horology Tsuba Dong Son
The Tsuba Dong Son shares the same case and movement as the Tsuba Blue; however, it looks very different.
Image – PS Horology Tsuba Dong Son in ultramarine
Inspired by Vietnamese Dong Son drums, the dial of this model is adorned with symbols ‘found on ancient ceremonial Bronze Age drums’. Blue-toned, spear-like hands circumnavigate the ornate bronze-toned dial surface.
Image – PS Horology Tsuba Dong Son in slate
The first models will be offered in a choice of two colours, ultramarine or slate, with the chosen hue nestling against said bronze vista. Initially, these watches will be presented on a strap, but the company plans to offer an integrated bracelet in due course.
Availability
For further details concerning pricing and availability for Tsuba Dong Son please contact Vietnam, Miluxe
PS Horology Tsuba watch – closing remarks
The Tsuba watch represents an auspicious start for PS Horology; however, as an ardent admirer of the British watchmaker, I expected nothing less. In the brand’s press release, the company states; ‘..the Tsuba timepieces will be the first of several projects..’. I therefore look forward to seeing more of Peter’s creativity and many more fabulous watches in due course.