The PS Horology Tsuba Watch and the New Project of Peter Speake

Peter Speake has been captivating watch enthusiasts for over three decades, primarily through the creations of Speake Marin, the brand he co-founded and helmed as a watchmaker from 2002 to 2017. Then for five years, together with Daniela Marin, he channelled his expertise into a popular educational platform, The Naked Watchmaker, where he deconstructs and photographs timepieces from various brands, offering invaluable insights into both the inner workings of watches – and the mindset of watchmakers. In 2022, Speake launched his new venture, PS Horology, and the brand’s debut timepieces – the Tsuba Blue and Tsuba Dong Son editions – are now making their mark. 

The Tsuba, the intricately shaped guard at the end of a traditional Japanese sword, comes in various forms and inspires the PS Horology Tsuba series. Drawing from the symbolism of the quince fruit and the octagon in ancient Japan, the case design blends these elements into a unique form. The resulting stainless steel Tsuba case is square-shaped with gently rounded, cushion-like contours and scalloped corners. Measuring 38.3mm across and 8.91mm thick, this slim case is finished using several different techniques, creating a striking and beautifully complex image with polished areas and brushed surfaces. The dial is protected by the sapphire crystal, cushion-shaped and domed, and the case offers 30m water resistance, with subtle guards shielding the crown and the caseback featuring a shaped sapphire crystal window.

The dial of the PS Horology Tsuba Blue edition is crafted from sapphire crystal, featuring an anodized metal frame and a lacquered layer on the underside. This design captures and reflects the shadows cast by the blued hands and printed indices, chapter rings and the logo beneath the 12 o’clock mark, creating a captivating sense of depth. The dial merges early wristwatch and tower clock-inspired elements with modern manufacturing techniques, resulting in a refined, sophisticated appeal. The “Swiss Made” inscription on the lower left confirms the timepiece’s origin, while the PS Horology logo on the right provides a balanced touch of brand identity.

The PS Horology Tsuba Dong Son timepiece shares the same case design as the Tsuba Blue but offers a strikingly different aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from the Dong Son culture, which thrived in northern Vietnam between 1000 BC and the first century AD, this edition pays homage to the geometric patterns and mythological motifs found on the civilization’s ceremonial drums – the lasting symbols of Vietnamese heritage.

The Tsuba Dong Son hand-finished, gold-crafted dial is available in two colour variations – ultramarine or slate – both adorned with raised imagery in a concentric arrangement, complemented by the blued dagger-shaped hands. 

The PS Horology Tsuba series is powered by the Vaucher Manufacture calibre 5401 micro-rotor automatic movement, which beats at 21,600 vibrations/hour and offers a 48-hour power reserve. This movement comprises 176 components, including 29 jewels, with a tungsten rotor that turns on a ceramic ball race. The rotor is finished in blue and features the PS Horology symbol, visible through a sapphire window on the engraved caseback, which also showcases lovely finishing details. The caseback, held with four screws, is engraved with the limited edition number, and the Dong Son edition also commemorates the 80th anniversary of Vietnam National Day. With a thickness of just 2.60mm, the movement allows for a slim case design that ensures excellent ergonomics, further enhanced by the integrated bracelet and folding clasp. Synthetic and humid-resistant straps in brown and blue are reserved for the Dong Son timepieces.

PS Horology will release 100 pieces of Tsuba Blue in 2025, while the Tsuba Dong Son edition is limited to 80 pieces. The PS Horology Tsuba Blue price is CHF 19,500 (excluding tax and shipping costs). A 30% deposit is required, and deliveries are expected by August 2025. They are available via PS-Horology in Switzerland, Miluxe in Vietnam, and Martin Pulli in the USA. For more, visit ps-horology.com.