In an era where mechanical watches are celebrated for their smooth sweeping seconds hands, British watchmaker Garrick has boldly embraced the opposite.
The S3 Deadbeat Seconds, following the successful S2 model released in early 2024, deliberately incorporates a “ticking” seconds hand that pauses at each marker—a feature typically associated with quartz timepieces.
This horological contradiction serves a practical purpose rooted in medical history, where the distinct one-second intervals facilitate precise timing of a patient’s pulse.
The Paradox of Premium Timekeeping
The S3 represents British watchmaking at its finest, with production limited to just three to five pieces annually. Each 42mm timepiece is meticulously customized to its owner’s specifications, available in frosted or polished steel as well as gold options. The 11mm thick case houses a handcrafted German silver dial adorned with elegant Breguet hands.
The openworked display showcases Garrick’s signature Trinity free-sprung balance at 6 o’clock—one of the largest in the watchmaking world. A power reserve indicator sits discretely at 2 o’clock, completing the sophisticated layout while maintaining perfect balance.
The beating heart of the S3 is Garrick’s caliber DB-G07, a manually-wound movement subjected to rigorous testing and regulation over three weeks. This meticulous process ensures chronometer-grade accuracy with daily variance of just +3 seconds. The movement offers a 45-hour power reserve while operating at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz).
Craftsmanship Beyond Compromise
Customization options extend beyond the case material to include various finishes for the dial, bridges and components—allowing each collector to commission a truly personal timepiece. The handmade strap, secured by a matching pin buckle in either stainless steel or gold, completes this exercise in bespoke luxury.
The level of attention lavished on each S3 Deadbeat Seconds by Garrick’s in-house craftsmen justifies its exclusive £48,000 price tag (including VAT). Despite this premium positioning, the company’s order books remain consistently filled, testament to the growing appreciation for high-end British watchmaking.
Water resistance rated to 100 meters ensures that, while undoubtedly precious, the S3 remains practical for everyday wear. Each watch features an exhibition caseback that reveals the exquisite finishing of the movement—a window into the countless hours of handwork invested in every timepiece.
The Garrick S3 Deadbeat Seconds stands as a bold statement in contemporary horology—embracing traditional craftsmanship while deliberately subverting conventional expectations. In a market dominated by Swiss giants, this distinctly British offering demonstrates that exceptional watchmaking knows no borders.
