People travelled from all over Britain to listen to island watch-making supremo Roger Smith.

Mr Smith was at City, University of London, for the annual George Daniels Lecture, in memory of the late, legendary horologist who also lived in the Isle of Man where he died in 2011.

The talk was entitled ‘The Development of the Mechanical Wristwatch’ and featured Mr Smith’s latest insights into the development of escapements within the broader context of the watch.

The annual lecture has become one of the most keenly anticipated events on the horological calendar since it was established as part of George’s extensive legacy.

As an alumnus of City University, the lecture was envisaged by Mr Daniels as an annual moment of connection and learning between masters and students of watch and clockmaking.

This year, Mr Smith, who learned many of his skills from Mr Daniels, was asked to deliver the lecture and, once word got out, he was amazed (not to mention a little daunted) to hear that tickets had very quickly sold out.

More than 300 people were at the event and Mr Smith said: ‘I have to say that it was so gratifying to see so many people of all ages, including people who had travelled from all over the country to attend.

‘I wanted to deliver a lecture that I hope was educational but has also made what, for me, is an important statement about the problems of mechanical watches in

2019.’

He added: ‘More importantly, it was about sharing the insights I have gathered during my attempts to create solutions.

‘Above all, I wanted the audience to never accept the ‘‘accepted standards’’ and to strive for better’.