MrWatchMaster Meets . . . Chris Manning

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Category: Men's Fashion, Grooming

Published on Tuesday, 20 February 2024 11:54

Written by MrWatchMaster

Next, we meet Chris Manning, Watchmaker, and founder of CM Manning Watches, an obligate watchmaker developing metal working skills for 25 years – first as a fine jeweller, then crafting luxury fountain pens, and now as an independent watchmaker.

We hear his fascinating views on business, current projects and what is next on his horizon.

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MWM: How is business?

CM: I am currently launching my first watch, which is in equal parts exciting and terrifying. The CMM 21.01 (below) represents over three years of design and development, using traditional hand skills learned from 25 years in the jewellery industry. So far, the response has been great, and I’m looking forward to getting them into the hands of collectors.

MWM: What are you currently working on?

CM: Most of my attention is taken up with finishing the 10 watches in this limited series. I do find time to work on a few collaborative pieces, including a case for the worlds smallest carriage clock (the movement was made by independent master clock and watchmaker, David Walter).

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MWM: Tell us something we don’t know about CM Manning Watches?

CM: When I am not making watches, I am making handmade furniture for my home. I am also a published author on the subject of dying jewellery techniques such as the art of niello, which is a black mixture used as an inlay on engraved or etched metal, especially silver (see below the pen made by Chris). 

MWM: Which watch do you wear?

CM: I need a durable tool watch while in the shop, so I wear either a Hamilton Khaki in black PVD with the H50 movement in it, or an Apple Watch Ultra. It really depends if I am waiting on important notifications, or if I need to be ‘head-down’ and concentrating, such as while engine turning. Once out of the shop I am wearing the prototype of my CMM 21.01 in Damascus stainless steel (below).

MWM: Which watch would you like to own?

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CM: This is tough. As a designer and maker of watches, I need to wear my own watches in order to figure out what needs refining. But if I had my pick of another watch, it would be either the Roots watch by Philippe Narbel, the 30CP by Christian Lass, or the Double Impulse Chronometer by Charles Frodsham (below).

MWM: What do you like best about the Watch business?

CM: This one is easy, it’s the people. I’ve worked in a number of industries and watch people are the best. The collectors are passionate and curious. Other independent watchmakers are welcoming and generous with their knowledge.

MWM: What is next on the horizon for you?

CM: I have two projects at the top of my list once I’ve finished this series of watches. The first is making my own version of the Watchmaker’s Regulator, David Walter made for Tim Jackson (below). Traditionally a precision regulator was in every watchmaker’s workshop, and I intend to continue the tradition in mine. I am also well down the path of my next watch design. It should be available for pre-orders near the end of 2024. 

Chris Manning is a Friend of MrWatchMaster and if you’d like more information please visit him here

Bio: MrWatchMaster (MWM) presents a uniquely authoritative resource, covering news, opinion, reviews, and entertainment about the watch sector. We share our opinions and new ‘points of view’ from a range of leading watch makers, industry professionals, collectors, and other practitioners of horology. We keep you updated with the most interesting developments and provide our own take on new watches, trends, and anything else that will define the future direction of the sector. 

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Andrew Canter is the Co-Founder and Editor-In-Chief of MrWatchMaster and a hugely passionate horologist and collector of watches and clocks. His fascination with watches started at an early age and purchased his first watch when still at school. He is a member of the Alliance of British Watch & Clock Makers, British Horological Institute (BHI), Antiquarian Horological Society (AHS), National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC), Horological Society of New York and RedBar Group.