Craig and Rebecca have been working with the Wiltshire-based hand engraver, Sam Faraway, on the development of their moon phase wheels for the first Valjoux 90 editions of The Kingsley.
Moon phase indication is one of their favourite complications so they wanted to make the most of the opportunity to create something really magical that reflected their passion for craft and love of collaborating with fellow artisans.
The Struthers cut the replacement wheel from steel which Sam engraves and inlays with 24ct gold. The wheel pictured is to match a black dial, and so, Sam has hand textured the background which results in a midnight blackish blue colour when heated. The next edition, which has a light dial, will feature a polished sky allowing it to be heat treated to a deep purply-blue.
Sam is a gun engraver by training having served his apprenticeship with Holland & Holland. Inlaying gold into steel is a very traditional technique in the creation of classic shotguns, however, far less common on steel work of this size. This is the smallest piece Sam has ever worked on.
