Craig & Rebecca Struthers
Stella
STELLA has been designed to push the boundaries of self-winding watch design. The pioneering pendant watch is powered by the movement of the case rather than the wrist. The design features a solitary hour hand meaning the watch can be read accurately to within five minutes.
Craig & Rebecca wanted to re-define the traditional use of an automatic watch movement. Stella demonstrates that you don’t need to use wrist action – “the movement is mounted into a spinning ball which rotates on a platinum axis within a frame inspired by the ‘gimble’ used in early ship chronometers”. Stella is worn as a pendant but benefits from the similar wrist movement for a self-winding watch.
The watch played a great part in the Art Deco design movement and is one of the ultimate symbols of wearable luxury. Rock crystal hemispheres are set into platinum bands front and back so that the watch movement can be seen ticking away the seconds whilst the single hour hand slowly moves around the dial. This quirk was inspired by the decadence of Art Deco.
The husband and wife team commented “There are very few watchmakers in the UK making their own watches, and the few that do rarely challenge the conventional norms pushing their designs beyond the classic wrist or pocket watch. It wasn't until we had embarked on this project that we realised what a unique design Stella really is.
Whilst rare and luxurious, platinum is a difficult metal to work, especially when using the extra-hard platinum ruthenium alloy required by watchmakers for its anti-magnetic properties. It has proved so difficult for us to find manufacturers we can collaborate with who are experienced in working to the exacting tolerances demanded by horology, a great deal of the fitting and finishing has been completed by us in house. Whilst challenging, this has been an incredible experience and the prestige of winning has armed us with the knowledge and contacts to make many more watches in the future and see how far we can push the boundaries of British watchmaking.”
About Struthers London
Struthers London was founded by husband & wife and watchmakers, Craig and Rebecca Struthers. The Struthers have nearly twenty years’ experience in repairing and restoring vintage and antique watches and set up Struthers London using their experience to explore how new trends and technology can be combined with the traditional fine hand skills and craftsmanship of the horological world.
Craig & Rebecca would like to thank the following organisations that helped with the production of Stella:
Sponsors:
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Hean Studio - CAD and Casting – see full information below*
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G.F. Williams - Gemstones
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Weston Beamor – Polishing
Contributors:
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Bedford Dials - Watch Dial
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G.D. Parry - Stone Cutting
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Craig Smith - Stone Setter
Hean Studio is the leading trade casting house investing constantly in new and innovative solutions to casting issues and improvement, with over 40 years experience of casting unusual and difficult items. Hean were also one of the first to embrace CAD/CAM technology and work hand in hand with design specifications that better suit the casting process.
Hean Studio accepted Craig’s request for support as sponsor and lengthy discussions were held regarding the structure - how it would be put together and the engineering requirements. Hean assessed the issues and recommended various solutions for the engineering, and their CAD department resolved all the dimensional and structural issues and most importantly, the dimensional variations from the casting process to accommodate the minimal machining to the final specification. Hean also sourced the handmade platinum chain as there were no standard sizes available of sufficient size and weight. Hean are delighted with the result of the finished jewel. www.heanstudio.com
Craig & Rebecca Struthers
Struthers London
T +44 (0) 121 523 8754
