Peter Speake Returns: PS Horology Marks a New Chapter in Independent Watchmaking
Peter Speake's Return to Independent Watchmaking
One of independent watchmaking's most respected figures, Peter Speake, has returned to the creative side of horology with a new brand, PS Horology. After departing the Speake-Marin brand he founded in 2002 and spending years running the educational platform The Naked Watchmaker, Speake has re-entered the independent scene with a fresh perspective and the Tsuba collection.
The Tsuba Collection: Cultural Narratives in Watchmaking
The debut Tsuba line consists of three limited edition watches that draw on influences far removed from traditional horology — including Japanese katanas, Bronze Age Vietnamese civilizations, early English marine chronometers, and Arabian astronomy.
"Everything that I've done has had to have a reason for existing," Speake explained in a recent interview. "The Tsuba Blue exists because of the history associated with it and its connection to early English pocket watches and marine chronometers."
| Model | Inspiration | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Tsuba Dong Son | Vietnamese Dong Son drum | Cultural symbolism, commissioned by Vietnamese clients |
| Tsuba Blue | English marine chronometers | Blue sapphire dial, blued screws and hands |
| Suhail | Arabian astronomy / desert gold | Gold center dial, Riyadh retail connection |
A Decade of Reflection
Speake's departure from Speake-Marin in 2017 led to The Naked Watchmaker — an education platform where he disassembled and photographed watches from brands like MB&F to original Breguet tourbillons. "That experience was extraordinary and it alleviated all the pressure that I had been under when I was a commercial watchmaker," he said.
The new PS Horology brand was born from a request from friends in Vietnam to create watches for them. "The watch required a brand, so PS Horology was really born from that," Speake explained.
The Future: Design by Farhana Safa
In a notable shift, Speake has handed the PS Horology design reins to his wife, Farhana Safa, a former car designer and ophthalmologist. "The next pieces are being designed by her," Speake revealed. "Some of the first designs for the next series are the most beautiful of their type that I've seen."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened to the Speake-Marin brand?
A: Peter Speake departed the Speake-Marin brand in 2017. The brand continues under new ownership, while Speake has founded PS Horology as a separate venture.
Q: What is The Naked Watchmaker?
A: The Naked Watchmaker is an educational platform co-founded by Speake that documents and dissects watches from major and independent brands.
Q: How many pieces will PS Horology produce annually?
A: The brand plans to remain small-scale, with Speake's personal projects limited to one or two pieces per year.
Source: Worn & Wound
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