Commissioning a wrist or pocket watch enables a client to be involved in creating either a completely new and original piece of horology or simply to have the pleasure of owning a commissioned, personal and individual watch.
The initial step is to discuss with the client, his or her personal requirements for their watch. A specification list will be drawn up which will cover everything from the case and movement specification, through to the use of precious metals. Once this has been agreed, an estimated cost to make the watch will be given.
The total cost will not vary more than 12% from the estimated cost, which will not be finalised until a full set of workshop drawings have been produced.
An invoice will then be submitted for the initial design fee; this is usually £420 + VAT (may vary, depending on the complexity of the project). On receipt of the payment a preliminary drawing of the watch will be completed and submitted for the client's approval (see example left).
On acceptance of this drawing, a project and payment schedule will be drawn up. Payments are usually made in equal stages; to give an example - for a watch taking one year to make there will be approximately six equal stage payments.
After the receipt of the first stage payment, work will begin on producing a full set of workshop drawings. These drawings will confirm the specification and the total cost of the complete project. On completion, a revised payment schedule will be forwarded to the client.
The client will regularly be updated and free to view the progress of his or her watch throughout its making.