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$670.24
Smiths Astral (1970)—
$670.24
The Story
This is one of the very last watches made by Smiths, the case is hallmarked for 1970 which was the last year that Smiths produced their own watches in England. The watch was presented to an “E Martin” for long service with British Rail (40 years, so practically a whole working life spent with one company!). The dial is a lovely example of the best work that Smiths did - the applied markers are elegant and the whole has pleasing proportions.
The movement of this watch is one of the very high grade specified for the military W10 wristwatch, perhaps Smiths were using up whatever they had ahead of the watch branch closing down. The movement hacks - that is the watch stops running when you pull the crown out to set the time, allowing you to set the time to the exact second.
The 9 carat gold case is in good condition from the front, but the back shows signs of someone rather desperately trying to open it with a case knife. This is clumsey because the case is two-pieces and access to the movement is achieved by removing the bezel. Still at least this part is on the wrist, so you don’t actually see it!
The watch is fitted with a nos lizard style strap, it’s been fully serviced and running very well.
Case diameter (excluding winding crown): 34mm
Case material: 9 carat gold
strap width: 17mm
time keeping: grade A
The movement of this watch is one of the very high grade specified for the military W10 wristwatch, perhaps Smiths were using up whatever they had ahead of the watch branch closing down. The movement hacks - that is the watch stops running when you pull the crown out to set the time, allowing you to set the time to the exact second.
The 9 carat gold case is in good condition from the front, but the back shows signs of someone rather desperately trying to open it with a case knife. This is clumsey because the case is two-pieces and access to the movement is achieved by removing the bezel. Still at least this part is on the wrist, so you don’t actually see it!
The watch is fitted with a nos lizard style strap, it’s been fully serviced and running very well.
Case diameter (excluding winding crown): 34mm
Case material: 9 carat gold
strap width: 17mm
time keeping: grade A
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Description
This is one of the very last watches made by Smiths, the case is hallmarked for 1970 which was the last year that Smiths produced their own watches in England. The watch was presented to an “E Martin” for long service with British Rail (40 years, so practically a whole working life spent with one company!). The dial is a lovely example of the best work that Smiths did - the applied markers are elegant and the whole has pleasing proportions.
The movement of this watch is one of the very high grade specified for the military W10 wristwatch, perhaps Smiths were using up whatever they had ahead of the watch branch closing down. The movement hacks - that is the watch stops running when you pull the crown out to set the time, allowing you to set the time to the exact second.
The 9 carat gold case is in good condition from the front, but the back shows signs of someone rather desperately trying to open it with a case knife. This is clumsey because the case is two-pieces and access to the movement is achieved by removing the bezel. Still at least this part is on the wrist, so you don’t actually see it!
The watch is fitted with a nos lizard style strap, it’s been fully serviced and running very well.
Case diameter (excluding winding crown): 34mm
Case material: 9 carat gold
strap width: 17mm
time keeping: grade A
The movement of this watch is one of the very high grade specified for the military W10 wristwatch, perhaps Smiths were using up whatever they had ahead of the watch branch closing down. The movement hacks - that is the watch stops running when you pull the crown out to set the time, allowing you to set the time to the exact second.
The 9 carat gold case is in good condition from the front, but the back shows signs of someone rather desperately trying to open it with a case knife. This is clumsey because the case is two-pieces and access to the movement is achieved by removing the bezel. Still at least this part is on the wrist, so you don’t actually see it!
The watch is fitted with a nos lizard style strap, it’s been fully serviced and running very well.
Case diameter (excluding winding crown): 34mm
Case material: 9 carat gold
strap width: 17mm
time keeping: grade A
