The New Version of Garrick S3, the Enhanced S3 MK2

Garrick, a distinguished brand from Norfolk, England, offers a limited series of fine timepieces for collectors who value its origins, unique character, and commitment to the “handcrafted in England” philosophy. Founded by David Brailsford, an experienced watch consultant and collector, and Simon Michelmayr, an accomplished British watchmaker, the brand has made significant strides since its inception in 2014, shifting more and more elements in the production to be done in-house. The new S3 MK2, a refreshed version of the Garrick S3 first released in 2020, features a different look and an updated movement, reinforcing that British watchmaking is to be reckoned with.

The Garrick S3 MK2 retains the original S3’s 100m water-resistant, 42mm polished stainless steel case with a beautifully crafted silhouette and a sizable fluted onion crown. It also features a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating and an exhibition caseback. However, the most notable update is its openworked dial design. The skeletonized ring with Roman hour indices and subdials for the power reserve indicator and running seconds at 2 and 10 o’clock, respectively, has been replaced. Instead, it showcases a litho-printed and hand-frosted brass base cutout, forming a minutes chapter ring with solid subdials.

These subdials, featuring a white background with crisp markings and numerals, lend a more “conservative” look. The minute track is graduated to 1/5th of a minute, with black numerals marking 5-minute intervals and a red 60-minute mark adding a nice touch. This red accent is repeated on the running seconds hand and in a darker hue to signal the minimum power reserve, with the assigned segment highlighted.

Garrick offers a variety of customization options, but the “standard” combination features blue maritime-inspired hour and minute hands, a rhodium-plated mainplate that is integral to the watch’s dial-side aesthetics, and gold-coloured wheels – with the Garrick’s signature large balance wheel with the straight grained and black polished bridge at the 6 o’clock position. Compared to the initial S3 design, legibility has improved for the power reserve indicator and running seconds. However, the central hands still lack sufficient contrast for easy time reading at a glance.

Garrick reports that its manually wound calibre UT-G04, which powers the S3 MK2, has undergone significant improvements. The watchmakers meticulously reviewed each component, enhancing the movement’s aesthetics and technical performance. As a result, the movement is now “more advanced, with improved timing and finishing”. The calibre is regulated to a daily variance of 3 seconds and boasts a power reserve of 45 hours; there are no changes here.

The Garrick S3 MK2 comes with a 22mm handmade leather strap, available in alligator, calf leather, buffalo, or ostrich, and is secured with a pin buckle matching the case material. Each watch is made to order, with only five pieces produced annually to the customer’s specifications. The standard stainless steel version of the Garrick S3 MK2 is priced at GBP 27,495, excluding VAT.

For more information, visit Garrick.co.uk.