With an eye-catching blue enamel dial and a case manufactured by hand in Argentium silver, the Origin Azur limited edition by James Lamb proves that traditional values in British watchmaking are on the rebound as another talented young watchmaker makes his declaration of intent.

Having released his first Origin collection as recently as 2021, Lincoln-based James Lamb has rapidly established a reputation for his colourful hand manufactured wristwatches, thanks to the head turning combination of unique artistic dials, off-centre display configuration and distinctly upbeat personality which is a theme which runs through the series.

Intrigued by the techniques and skill of the great historical horological innovators, who long before the advent of electricity or modern day precision machining, created complete complicated masterpieces by hand and the most basic of implements, with fifteen years experience in engineering and as an award winning student of the British Horological Institute, James Lamb decided to follow in their illustrious footsteps by manufacturing as much of his first creation as possible in the time honoured fashion. While elements such as the Sellita movement are tried and trusted contemporary components, much of the Origin collection, from the case, to the dial, crown and caseback are indeed hand crafted in the literal sense of the expression.

The Origin Azur is a limited edition of twelve pieces, produced in a joint collaboration with two specialists in the field of independent watchmaking: The Limited Edition in the UK, and Collective Horology in the United States, with each platform offering six numbered watches apiece.

Manufactured in the unusual medium of Argentium 935, a silver alloy rarely used in watchmaking, but noted for its brightness as well as its resistance to tarnishing, each Origin case is individually crafted by hand. Machined into its rough form on the watchmaker’s lathe, the four lugs are shaped and then soldered onto the case, before the painstaking process of freehand finishing and polishing takes place. Measuring 39mm across and 9.75mm tall, it features a solid silver caseback, which is engraved with a geometric pattern and hallmarked by the London Assay Office.

A slender bezel houses the subtly curved disc of sapphire crystal, beneath which the surface of the azure-blue enamelled dial is almost evocative of a swimming pool, thanks to the complex three dimensional geometric pattern which is created by laser engraving onto the solid silver dial. The hours and minutes are displayed on a decentralised off-white dial which is made of ceramic, with pad printed minutes track, hour indices and arabic numerals, and featuring blued steel hands.

Beating within, the premium grade manual winding Sellita SW210 movement runs at 28,800vib/h and boasts a power reserve of at least 42 hours. Once again, Lamb has used silver to produce an asymmetric movement spacer, to accommodate the positioning of the off-centred time display.

The Origin Azur is presented on a grey sustainable calfskin leather strap with hand stitching and a pin buckle, and is priced at GB£7,300 excl VAT from The Limited Edition in the UK or US$8,900 excl taxes from Collective Horology in the US.

Fact File: James Lamb Origin Azur Edition

Reference: Origin Azur
Manufacturer: James Lamb
Case: Argentium 935 silver alloy
Case dimension: ø 39mm, H 9.75mm
Dial: Laser engraved silver with blue enamel
Features: Decentralised hours and minutes dial in off-white ceramic with blued steel hands
Movement: Sellita SW210 manual-winding, 28',800 vib/hr (4Hz)
Functions: Hours, minutes
Power reserve: 42 hours
Caseback: Engraved Argentium sliver
Water resistance: n/a
Strap: Grey sustainable calfskin leather with pin buckle
Price: £7,300 excl VAT in the UK, $8,300 excl taxes in the US