SalonQP 2011 highlights: Six’s choice, the Schofield Signalman GMT PR
By Straight-Six, published on 24 November 2011
Six and the Fool squabbled throughout SalonQP and so it was no surprise that when trying to decide which watch to name the ‘discovery’ of the show, the two cretins were incapable of agreeing. So it was that we had to give each of them a post with which to argue their case. Today, Six presents his choice: The Schofield Signalman GMT PR. Tomorrow, the Fool will have a go at convincing you that he’s found the show’s true star: The Ressence Type 1001.
This is the story of a bearded gent, based in rural West Sussex, who was so besotted with lighthouses and their design motifs that he decided to launch a watch brand. No, I swear I’m not making this up. You’ve guessed it: this could only be a British tale of courage, perseverance, talent and more than a little insanity.
Launched at SalonQP 2011, the Schofield Signalman GMT PR and Signalman DLC GMT PR caught us totally off-guard. But it didn’t take long to realise the level of attention that had gone in to the products, straps and presentation cases to understand this couldn’t be a fly-by-night operation. Even if founder Giles Ellis sports a beard.
Beards, lighthouses and two timepieces somehow managed to come together thanks to the lubrication of a little bubbly and high levels of curiosity. Well, that’s not entirely true. It was the dial of the Signalman GMT PR that had me rooted to the stand for far longer than I’m accustomed to.
I can only describe the balance, clarity and power of the dial as stunning. The neatly integrated GMT sub-dial, a little inconveniently adjustable through a pusher in one of the lugs, was in perfect harmony with the rest of the design elements on the dial, including the “beam of light”power reserve display. The fonts for the hour markings at “0 o’clock, 3, 6 and 9″ were equally befitting the overall design, while the hands were juuust right. Need some context? We regularly critique the new offerings from Rolex for being imbalanced and out of proportion. Not here, dear friends. Not with Schofield.
The case construction was perhaps even more impressive, what with water resistance to 500 metres, an anti-magnetic movement holder, a domed, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, an automatic Swiss Soprod 9335 movement and a screw-in, double-gasket crown. Hell, the lugs even drop below the case by 4mm for more comfortable wearing. Thing is, a 44mm case diameter and 15mm height lead me, and one or two others, to whisper that it might have been better to lose some of the body-crushing protection in favour of greater wearability for those of us who don’t, you know, live in light-houses.
But having tried the piece on, we can tell you this above critique remains in the realm of millimetres of preference, not deal-breaking distances. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, you discover gorgeous watch presentation cases, a variety of straps to pick from across sharkskin, horse leather, vintage suede and canvas and the fact that when you buy one, you get a fancy cigar holder thrown in for free. Cause that’s how Schofield roll.
This is also a limited edition, with just 300 pieces being made before, uh, something else rolls along. The DLC model may equally appeal to you, dear reader, but I didn’t spend any time on it, preferring the standard Signalman. And the price? Pre-ordering comes in at a mere 2,465 pounds (excluding VAT/shipping), with a full 2-year warranty.
I have no hesitation in stating this is the best launch watch I’ve ever seen from any brand to date. I’m even contemplating buying one myself. Just to say a man with beard who likes lighthouses made it. Sincerely and enthusiastically recommended.
En garde, Prodigal Fool!
SalonQP 2011 highlights: Six’s choice, the Schofield Signalman GMT PR
Straight-Six fingers a new watch brand, Schofield, as his pick of SalonQP. Specifically, the lighthouse-inspired Signalman GMT PR. This could only come from Britain…
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9 Responses to “SalonQP 2011 highlights: Six’s choice, the Schofield Signalman GMT PR”
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The video saga is an interesting side-comment on the new iPhone 4S. The 1080p video it records is pretty damn stunning. Only problem is…my little 4 year old iMac doesn’t handle the import process very well. I’ve had a lot of files corrupt this way. Unfortunately for Giles and the Schofield, the second part of our interview with him was one of them.
Apologies to all involved and affected. Except Six, of course, who can like it or lump it.
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The Watch Geek
24 November 2011
Good choice. The Fool is going to have a tough time beating it.
Then again, there is a lot of talk about for the Ressence Type 1001at the moment…
Looking forward to reading the Fool’s view.
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Not that tough really. When you choose a superior product; it’s very easy to defend it. Tune in tomorrow, folks.
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You didn’t mention the best bit: the customised cigar holder!
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As Editor-in-Chief of this online rag you obviously spend a lot of time closely reading the copy: I did mention the cigar holder. But we agree that offering this is plain cool. Another example of smart thinking. And smoking…
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Chris I
25 November 2011
Sounds like a good excuse to visit the Apple store and upgrade your laptop to complement your phone.
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Matthew
29 November 2011
Six… you win…..
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Et tu, Brute?
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Straight-Six
24 November 2011
Yeah,
The video was supposed to last twice as long, folks, but the Fool claims the file got corrupted. I think he’s trying to sink my pick to favour his.
Let him know you’re not happy. And vote for me…:)