The new Garrick S3 MK2 ups the ante with an openworked dial and refined exclusive calibre
Zach Blass- The UK-based independent manufacture Garrick has launched its long-awaited S3 MK2 after its announcement back in 2023.
- It features a new openworked dial and an upgraded UT-G04 movement with an even higher level of finishing.
- The Garrick S3 MK2 is not a limited edition, but it will be limited to five models produced per year.
The resurgence of British watchmaking has been well-documented, with an alliance of UK-based brands producing anything from more accessible watches like Mr Jones and Studio Underd0g to holy grail high-ends like Roger W. Smith. Garrick has earned a reputation for bringing higher-end horology to the middle ground, its current catalogue ranging from £5,000 to £27,495 in price. Its less expensive models are driven by Unitas-based calibres, with its more expensive offerings powered by exclusive in-house movements – all of which have been modified and decorated by Garrick’s talented hands. In 2023, Garrick shared a MK2 sequel of its S3 watch on Instagram that was effectively an announcement of a completed prototype. An unnamed Asian collectors group saw this post and would go on to fund the project. Now, a year later, the Garrick S3 MK2 is presented to the world with its new openworked dial, refined calibre, and limited production of five pieces per year.
The S3 MK2 measures in at rather sporty 42mm in diameter, with an 11mm measurement in thickness. While a dressier watch in style, the S3 MK2 is interestingly 100 metres water-resistant. It can be purchased in either 904L stainless steel, a highly corrosion-resistant grade of steel used in higher-end sports watches, or in solid gold. Furthermore, there are three base dial configurations to explore. The first offers a rosy-copper hue, while the second and third offer a ruthenium look with the gears of the movement available either in a rose gold or rhodium. On top of this, the central handset can be customised. You can select Garrick’s signature anchor style, or go for lancine hands – both of which are hand-made in the Garrick workshop, and can be grained, polished, or heat blued at your selection.
All of the dials are executed in frosted brass, with litho printing utilised for the outer minutes track, the running seconds sub-dial at the 10 o’clock position, and the power reserve indicator at the 2 o’clock position. The remainder and majority of the dial offers an excellent view of the movement, the full gear train and large balance wheel in full view, and finely decorated by hand. It is also worth noting that the movement uses a full balance bridge, which I will circle back to later.
With the more dynamic components of the movement on the dial side, the exhibition caseback at first appears to be largely a view of finely finished bridges and a large click and ratchet wheel. But tucked just beneath the upper bridge, yet very visible, is the anchor escapement where you can watch the tick-tock of the movement. So, you have elements of the beating heart of the watch on both sides. Looking at the movement overall, front and back, it is clear we have extensive hand-decoration at play here. There are jewels set in screwed chaton, hand-bevelled bridges, straight-graining, and black polishing, and many of these components are made in-house using traditional watchmaking machines such as jig borers and lathes. The 45-hour, manually-wound Garrick-exclusive UT-G04 movement, however, is also high-performing, with all movements regulated within a variance of plus three seconds per day. Its oversized Trinity balance also uses Sircumet, a non-magnetic alloy exclusive to Garrick.
Garrick made a concerted effort for the MK2 variant of its most elaborate and costly watch, to really up the level of finishing and quality of an already respectable offering. It’s really cool to see just how much hand-made and hand-finished elements are offered in this watch that costs less than £30,000. I cannot call this next point a criticism, as it is a highly subjective comment, so perhaps then a challenge, then. I, and possibly others, may find 42mm for a watch of this dressier style too large. But the movement appears to be deceptively robust, highly regulated, with a full balance bridge. And Garrick further explains that the “timing screws affixed to the balance wheel are set in-board, reducing air turbulence and, by default, augmenting precision.” So, considering its sportier size, and its 100-metre depth rating, for MK 3 I would advise developing a version of the existing format with crown guards and a flush-to-case bracelet or rubber strap.
To be clear, size bias aside, my initial impression of the watch remains very high. And I suspect Garrick will not struggle too much to find buyers for this watch – rather potentially have the issue of demand beyond its five pieces per year production limit.
Garrick S3 MK2 pricing and availability
The Garrick S3 MK2 is available now for purchase, but it will be limited to five pieces per year in production. Price (excl. VAT): £27,495 (~US$35,000)
| Brand | Garrick |
| Model | S3 MK2 |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm (D) x 11mm (T) |
| Case Material | 904L stainless steel or 18k Gold |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Frosted brass with litho printing |
| Strap | Grey leather, case-matching pin buckle |
| Movement | Garrick UT-G04, developed with UhrTeil Ag, manual winding |
| Power Reserve | 45 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, power reserve |
| Availability | Five pieces per year |
| Price | £27,495 (excl. VAT) |