Roger is awarded his OBE by Prince Charles

21 November, 2018

The 21st November 2018 will stand as the highlight of Roger’s career to date as he was honoured with the Order of the British Empire at the investiture ceremony in Buckingham Palace.

Roger Smith receives his OBE from Charles, Prince of Wales
Roger Smith receives his OBE from Charles, Prince of Wales

It’s just over a hundred years since The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire was established, on 4 June 1917, by King George V and, since then the award has been bestowed upon a pantheon of notable figures in Britain and the Commonwealth. Now, a hundred years later, Prince Charles conducted the investiture for the 2018 recipients.

For Roger, it is not just a personal accolade but one he is delighted to share as a significant recognition of British watchmaking;

“To have an OBE is a huge honour for me and my family, but what makes it special is to know it has been bestowed for Services to British Watchmaking. That recognition is significant, and not just for me. Until George Daniels, there wasn’t even a current British watchmaker, let alone ‘watchmaking’, so, above all, I would like to think that all the work I have done in the 30 years has resulted in Britain being able to redefine itself once again as a watchmaking nation. I therefore hope that it is a recognition which all my fellow British watchmakers can be proud of”.

Roger’s awarding of an OBE has been shared by the media internationally and he has been overwhelmed by the goodwill messages and support from his friends, collectors and colleagues all over the world.

“The OBE is a huge honour, but the outpouring of wonderful messages has been so special and I am incredibly grateful to everybody for their kindness”

Roger was also able to share the celebration with watchmaking colleagues at Roger W. Smith recently at a reception hosted by His Excellency, the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man.

“That was also an opportunity for me to thank the many people who have helped me on a journey which has been tough at times, but ultimately rewarding. I really would not be here today without the generous support of people who believed that we really could return Britain to its place in the watchmaking world” concluded Roger.

Roger Smith receives his OBE from Charles, Prince of Wales
Roger Smith shaking hands with Charles, Prince of Wales while receiving his OBE