These days genius is an overused word. This man really was a genius. He could not only build these watches but he could also so beautifully and eloquently explain in relatively simple terms how he created them, and with humour and character (most geniuses are very good at what they do but you would never want to put them in front of people). And, you might not know, he also built cars and other things. He was a true renaissance man. I didn't understand everything he said in this lecture, I collect watches but I understood no more than 40-50% of what he said, but I found it such a privilege just to listen to him. Such a treat. Please respect Roger Smith also, whom Daniels invited to work for him when Smith was a very young man (Daniel's only apprentice). Daniels was a character and extremely hard to please. Smith built his first watch in his late teens (it took him 18 months). He presented it to Daniels and Daniels in his typically English bluntness basically said that it was a piece of garbage. To his credit, Smith went away and started again (these days young people would go for counseling). He spent over five years making his second watch, which he then also presented to Daniels (with some fear and trepidation). Daniels inspected it carefully, turned to Smith, and said 'Now you are a watchmaker'. An incredible moment in Smith's life. Smith is now a master watchmaker in his own right. I can't help feeling that these people were born to do what they did/do; they could not possibly have done anything else in life. I am not a genius, but I recognise it in others and I admire it, especially if it is accompanied by humility.
Amazing doesnt even begin to describe this lecture. It makes it all the more interesting that the lecture was delivered by Mr. Daniels before Omega picked up his novel escapement design.
These days genius is an overused word. This man really was a genius. He could not only build these watches but he could also so beautifully and eloquently explain in relatively simple terms how he created them, and with humour and character (most geniuses are very good at what they do but you would never want to put them in front of people). And, you might not know, he also built cars and other things. He was a true renaissance man. I didn't understand everything he said in this lecture, I collect watches but I understood no more than 40-50% of what he said, but I found it such a privilege just to listen to him. Such a treat. Please respect Roger Smith also, whom Daniels invited to work for him when Smith was a very young man (Daniel's only apprentice). Daniels was a character and extremely hard to please. Smith built his first watch in his late teens (it took him 18 months). He presented it to Daniels and Daniels in his typically English bluntness basically said that it was a piece of garbage. To his credit, Smith went away and started again (these days young people would go for counseling). He spent over five years making his second watch, which he then also presented to Daniels (with some fear and trepidation). Daniels inspected it carefully, turned to Smith, and said 'Now you are a watchmaker'. An incredible moment in Smith's life. Smith is now a master watchmaker in his own right. I can't help feeling that these people were born to do what they did/do; they could not possibly have done anything else in life. I am not a genius, but I recognise it in others and I admire it, especially if it is accompanied by humility.
Amazing doesnt even begin to describe this lecture. It makes it all the more interesting that the lecture was delivered by Mr. Daniels before Omega picked up his novel escapement design.
Interesting. I learned what horological means today. I am fascinated by the subject. Thanks.
What a wonderful lecture, I just discovered it. And now we see Omega using the GD coaxle as a ‘Swiss invention’ hmmmm
a Legend
Here is a video i made of an animation of the escapement, like they do with animated cartoons.
Oh yeah, Daniels was the real deal.
🎩👍