Introducing PS Horology Launches Its First Releases: The Tsuba Blue Edition & Dong Son

Peter Speake's journey through the world of watchmaking is a fascinating tale of craftsmanship. After cutting his teeth at Renaud & Papi in Le Locle between 1996 and 2000, Peter co-founded Speake-Marin in 2002, where he served as the watchmaker behind its bold, unique designs until 2017. His time at Speake-Marin established him as one of the most respected independent watchmakers of his generation.

But rather than resting on his laurels, Peter took a step back and spent the next five years exploring the world of horology from a different perspective. Through an educational watchmaking platform, he had access to an array of timepieces, everything from mainstream commercial brands to small artisanal houses, and dedicated himself to deconstructing, photographing, and delving more into horology. In 2022, Peter returned to his roots with a different approach and launched the PS Horology, and today it is releasing its first editions, the Tsuba Blue Edition & Dong Son.

Both watches are crafted from 316L stainless steel, with both the front and back glasses made of sapphire crystal. Measuring 38.3mm in diameter across from 3 to 9 o’clock and 8.91mm in thickness, the case's ergonomic shape draws inspiration from the tsuba, the decorative guard at the end of a Japanese sword’s grip. 

Historically, during the Edo Period (1603-1868), tsubas evolved from simple protective designs to highly ornamental pieces crafted by skilled dynasties. This design principle of balance and protection influences the Tsuba, where the case decoration undergoes a five-stage finishing process, including brushing of the external surfaces and polishing of the concave areas to achieve its refined look.

The watches are offered in two dial variations. The first one being the Tsuba Blue Edition which features a sapphire center, with an anodized metal dial frame, blued hands, and a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, giving it a modern yet refined look. The second one is the Tsuba Dong Son edition that boasts a hand-finished 18K gold dial, adorned with concentric circles of symbols inspired by the Dong Son drums. These symbols are paired with hands that evoke the forms of Dong Son spears. 

The Dong Son people left behind ceremonial drums, rich in intricate geometric patterns, mythical creatures, warriors, and ritual scenes, offering a window into their ancient culture. These drums, used for warfare, mourning, festivals, and prayers, have become timeless symbols of Vietnam’s cultural heritage, and they adorn the dial.

The watch is powered by the Caliber 5401, an automatic movement crafted by Vaucher Manufacture in Fleurier, Switzerland. It boasts a 48-hour power reserve and operates at a frequency of 21,600 vph (4Hz). Additionally, the movement features a tungsten micro-rotor, visible through the large window next to the limited edition number. The Dong Son edition also celebrates the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day, as it is engraved on the caseback.

The watch is offered with an integrated stainless steel bracelet featuring a folding clasp, and it comes with the option of blue or brown straps. The Tsuba Blue Edition is limited to just 100 pieces, priced at CHF 19,500 / AED 79,500, while the Tsuba Dong Son Edition is even more exclusive, limited to only 80 pieces, with pricing available upon request.

For more information, you can visit PS Horology’s official website.