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Peter Roberts Replica

David Brailsford and his Peter Roberts Concentrique Grand Complication 5 Replica Watch

This week, on the Collector’s Series, we discover what it’s like to own a replica watch that, when released, was the first wristwatch to have all five hands all mounted on the same central axis. This unusual replica watch is called the Concentrique Grand Complication 5 and is the work of one of the greatest British replica watchmakers, Peter Roberts. Fitted with a superbly finished Valjoux 88 as a base, it boasts many complications, something that its owner, David from Garrick Replica Watches, knows how to appreciate. And as usual, there is a story behind a replica watch, and here is David’s.

Peter Roberts Concentrique Grand Complication 5

Swiss High Quality Peter Roberts is one of the great veterans of British Replica Watchmaking. He has spent 45 years in the business having been the the first British student to attend the Swiss WOSTEP course (the Replica Watches Of Switzerland Training and Education Program, which was founded in 1966 and is considered the basis for modern education in horology for professional replica watchmakers).  He has worked at IWC, Rolex, and more recently, British replica watch brand Bremont. This week we had the opportunity to talk to Garrick Replica Watches founder, David Brailsford to understand why he cherishes his Peter Roberts Concentrique so very much. The Concentrique was Roberts first chronograph having created it at the tender age of 20. It was his graduation project at WOSTEP.  In 1972 it was the world’s first wristwatch with with five hands all mounted on the same central axis. It is without doubt a complicated timepiece, which at its core has a Valjoux 726 chronograph movement base (the new Concentrique has a Valjoux 88 as base movement).

David founded Garrick in 2014 and they manufacture fine replica watches in their dedicated facility in Norfolk, United Kingdom. The brand was born out of an innate need to patriotically champion home-grown talent and create a new chapter in British replica watchmaking history. This isn’t marketing hyperbole, but the understandable patriotic motivation of a team who wish to write their own chapter in Britain’s horological annals.

Peter Roberts Concentrique Grand Complication 5

When did you get into replica watches Dave? 

From an early age, I always had a fascination with mechanical objects, especially replica watches.

What was it about replica watches that intrigued you? 

I continue to find the near microscopic scale of components incredible, especially when you consider the way these tiny parts collaborate seamlessly to impart time. Indeed, I still marvel at the sight of a time-served replica watchmaker working at the bench, deftly manipulating tools. It is partly for this reason that I am enchanted by fine replica watchmaking.

Peter Roberts Concentrique Grand Complication 5 Peter Roberts Concentrique Grand Complication 5 Peter Roberts Concentrique Grand Complication 5

Mr Roberts is a fascinating gentleman and has had a huge impact in the replica watch world, can you tell us more? 

Peter Roberts remains a replica watchmaker whom I greatly admire. He has trained some incredible replica watchmaking talents over the years, including Stephen Forsey, Peter Speake-Marin and our very own Simon Michlmayr. Furthermore, whilst these highly accomplished British replica watchmakers have all attended WOSTEP in Neuchâtel, Peter was the first, paving the way for his younger compatriots. Finally, despite having an impressive breadth of talents, he has retained a refreshing modesty and is a thoroughly decent gentleman.

When did you come to own the Concentrique?

I purchased my replica watch, number 002, in 2013. It remains one of my most prized possessions.

What was it about the Concentrique that caught your eye? 

I thought the replica watch was aesthetically stunning. Moreover, I adored the story which lay behind the Concentrique. Originally, Peter saw a replica watch in a reference book, equipped with five co-axially positioned hands whilst he was a student at WOSTEP.

Peter Roberts Concentrique Grand Complication 5

Peter spoke to his lecturer who said the replica watch was merely theoretical and had never been produced. It was this comment which spurred on Peter and led to him creating his 5-hand timepiece. The original featured a Valjoux 726 together with some Rolex components and Peter continues to wear this replica watch to this day. I would love to own this very replica watch.

Peter Roberts Concentrique Grand Complication 5

What is your favourite feature of the replica watch? 

I adore the slender bezel and the beryllium bezel insert.

What’s inside the replica watch Dave?    

A new-old-stock Valjoux 88 (a moon-phase / triple calendar edition of the Valjoux 72) with unique Concentrique mechanism. The movement has been wonderfully reworked by Peter and the finishing is sublime.

Peter Roberts Concentrique Grand Complication 5 Peter Roberts Concentrique Grand Complication 5

Does it get much wrist time? 

Absolutely! I often wear the Concentrique and whilst I possess other replica watches, this is one of my favourites.

What is more important to you when buying a replica watch, brand heritage, accuracy or aesthetic? 

A replica watch may appeal to me for several reasons. It has to be aesthetically pleasing and deliver precision but, most of all, it has to engage with me on an emotional level. A timepiece should ignite passion in the wearer and make them smile every time they wear it.

What, if anything have you got your eye on next? 

I am a typical replica watch collector, there is never just one replica watch! I appreciate replica watches which allow me to see the balance at play and reveal a finely executed movement. There are two replica watches I am considering at the moment, the Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity and the Breguet La Tradition. They both are wonderful examples of replica watches that engender passion and wonderfully reveal their Swiss lever escapements to glorious effect.

What three words would you use to describe your Peter Roberts Concentrique? 

Only three words! “Personal”, “craftsmanship” and “passion”.