Skeptiko Sightings

THE SKEPTIKO – A WATCH DESIGNED WITHOUT REFERENCE

The Skeptiko was created for The British Watchmakers’ Day 2026. It is a watch developed through an unusually introspective process; the brief was to design a watch using Schofield’s own constraints and Giles Ellis’ personal experience, to avoid all other influences entirely and with no obvious trigger to seed an idea. In effect an exercise in free design and, as an Assistant Professor of Industrial Design at the University of Sussex, Giles is closely connected to the exploratory edges of contemporary design.

Unlike most Schofield watches which begin with the dial and then resolve outward into hands, case materials, crown and back, the Skeptiko evolved without a fixed plan. Early iterations were intentionally unresolved – a collection of motifs that refused to harmonise.

“I spent so long trying to force it into shape,” says Giles. “It resisted. Until a special material changed everything.”

That material was Ultem®, a high-performance, semi-translucent polyetherimide used in aerospace and industrial applications, sometimes found in knife handles, pens and other EDC. Its amber, tobacco-hued translucency is awkward, unusual and very un-watchlike. The potential was so compelling that the project shifted immediately.

With this distinctive material the component parts needed to rebalance. The dial became about texture and weight rather than colour. Internal components had to be considered visually. Metal and glass were used to counter the warmth of the case. Every element – dial, hands, movement holder, crown, case back, strap and buckle had to work in amplifying Ultem’s character. No element should diminish another 

SUSSEX CIVILIAN SAUCER GROUP

The result, after a long period of refinement and testing, is a watch that settled into itself. Unlike so many Schofields that belong to the sea, the coast and the stars, the Skeptiko is not science fiction but something more institutional. It belongs to the world of 1970s ufology, not from the perspective of believers but from the other side of the desk, the observers, analysts and officials who catalogue, redact and file.

Within the project the Skeptiko is offered in two versions, distinguished by case material, strap and buckle.

• Skeptiko Artefacts in the Ultem® case with Ultem® buckle and hemp strap

• Skeptiko Sightings in tumbled steel with a brushed steel buckle and chenille strap

Giles says of the Ultem® version, “Suddenly it felt… classy. Which wasn’t what I expected at all. The watches were refined – like tortoiseshell glasses. Not utilitarian, but tailored. That was a surprise.”

Owners of the Skeptiko not only join the Buoys Club but also The Sussex Civilian Saucer Group.

DIAL AND HANDS

The dial is defined by a large narrow triangle, a form Giles has explored for decades. Formed as a layered steel element beneath a vertically brushed and rhodium-plated upper plate. The fine brushing and the metallic surface give an effect known as chatoyance; a shifting depth of light similar to tiger’s eye.

Surrounding it is a crenelated steel ring and beyond that a lacquered orange brass ring filled with Super-LumiNova. Schofield first introduced a luminous peripheral ring with the Blacklamp® in 2012. After many iterations the Skeptiko refines the idea into a hair-thin, pin-sharp ring that sits high above the dial plane.

CASE WORK & MOVEMENT

The familiar Schofield cases have been comprehensively reworked for the Skeptiko, not just a change of material but a reconsideration of every component.

For the first time, a flat sapphire crystal is used on the front. The peculiar reflectivity of the dial needed no additional optical complexity from a domed crystal and the flat profile allows it to sit flush with the bezel.

Powering the Skeptiko is a gilded ETA 2824-2 Swiss-made automatic movement (full specifications below). Selected for its proven reliability, its suitability for a minimalist dial architecture and its period-appropriate character. Gilded versions of this respected calibre are considerably rarer than the standard finishes and in keeping with the 70s tone, naturally, this led to an open case back.

The movement is held in a newly engraved and paint filled steel holder, visible through the heavy, slightly magnifying sapphire crystal printed in black and gold like an old glazed office door. This is framed by a new steel and aluminium bezel.

The crown is a steel screw-down type in mixed finishes,. It has a (typically Schofield) large diameter for better leverage when operating it against the hardened steel pendant tube.

Set into the flank of the case is a small steel badge, intended to imply that this object is issued rather than chosen.

CANISTER

Schofield has always operated as more than a watch company. Every element from straps to accessories and packaging is

designed with the same obsessive attention as the watches themselves. The first Canister was created for the Obscura®. The Skeptiko is housed in a taller and more ornate version. As with all Schofield boxes, it is to be kept on display – a conversation starter, a curiosity.

Download and print the scale drawings by clicking the strap icon below.

Technical details

• Skeptiko Sightings
• Limited edition – 50
• Colour – matt/grey/silver
• Diameter at base – 44mm
• Diameter of bezel – 42mm, 35.5mm window
• Height – 16.1mm high (excluding lugs)
• Lug length – 52.7mm
• Width between lugs – 24mm (standard Schofield straps)
• Weight – 127 grams with strap and steel buckle
• Movement – Gilded ETA 2824-2 Auto-mech
• Movement – 25 Jewels, 28,800 VPH – 4Hz
• Movement Diameter – 25.6mm
• Stop seconds – Yes
• Power reserve – 42 hours
• Functions – Hours, minutes, seconds
• Date – none
• Case Sightings – Tumbled stainless steel
• Cast Artefacts – Ultem®
• Case back – Bead-blasted steel, engraved, inlaid black aluminium ring
• Crystal top – Flat, Swiss AR coatings underside
• Crystal bottom – Single dome, printed
• Crown – Steel, double o-ring screw down type with nail groove
• Crown – Black enamel filled, branded
• Dial – Multi-level, rhodium plated, brass and steel
• Dial – Super-LumiNova x1 green emission
• Hands – Black and brown lacquer, green moulded & applied SLN
• Lume – Super-LumiNova X1 top grade
• Strap – 24/22mm grey chenille (optional)
• Strap bars – Stainless steel
• Buckle – Steel BE type, red, white and blue paint fill. Brushed and bead blasted
• Serialisation – not individually xx/50
• Water resistance – 200m
• Warranty – 2 years
• Box – Canister, steel bolt, branded
• British made