The Schwarz Etienne 1902 Synergy by Peter Speake

Collaborations in watchmaking are nothing new, and the 1902 Synergy by Peter Speake builds on that idea by taking Schwarz Etienne’s 1902 collection and bringing in an independent watchmaker to work on it. In this case, the base is the 1902 Réserve de Marche, a watch built around traditional hand-wound mechanics and following on from the earlier 1902 Small Seconds. And now, Peter Speake steps in, an English watchmaker best known for decades of work in restoration and high complications, working on the dial and overall look alongside the Swiss manufacture. Out of this comes a watch that is not completely new, but one that feels different in how it is put together.

What has changed most is visible on the multi-layered dial of the 1902 Synergy by Peter Speake, which features a shaped sapphire crystal. This gives the dial a sense of depth, almost like the layers are floating, with white lacquered surfaces, Prussian blue details, and small hits of orange. The layout itself does not change much, with the power reserve at 2 o’clock and small seconds at 6, but the way everything is arranged makes it feel quite organised and slightly more technical. There is also a lot going on with the surfaces, with polished and grained finishes side by side, so when you move your wrist, the dial changes slightly in appearance.

The case of the 1902 Synergy by Peter Speake stays in line with the 1902 collection, measuring 39mm and just under 11mm thick, crafted in Grade 5 titanium. The shape is simple and classic, with smooth lines and polished surfaces, while the lugs are short and gently curved, helping the watch sit well on the wrist. The proportions feel balanced, and titanium’s lightweight nature adds to everyday comfort. It is worn on a blue textured strap with a rubber lining and a matching titanium pin buckle, keeping the overall look consistent.

The watch finds its power in the MSE 311.00 movement, a manual-winding calibre with twin barrels and a stop-seconds function, offering up to 120 hours of power reserve. Through the sapphire caseback, the movement is clearly visible, built with six bridges and inspired by older pocket watch designs. The finishing remains clean, with sandblasted and rhodium-treated surfaces, Geneva stripes set at an angle, and polished bevels adding contrast.

The ratchet wheels carry engraved text filled with blue lacquer to indicate the limited edition and Synergy collaboration. These same blue accents also appear elsewhere in the movement. The 1902 Synergy by Peter Speake is offered as a limited edition of 88 pieces, priced at CHF 25,500 excl. taxes. For more information, please visit schwarz-etienne.ch.