Smiths Everest automatic

30/1 This watch is reserved and may not be purchased

This is a rare Smiths automatic from the early 1960s in a stainless steel case. The automatic movement was the apex of technical development by Smiths, indeed Smiths were the only English watchmaker to ever produce an automatic movement. It was developed in the late 1950s in keeping to the widespread adoption of automatic movements by the Swiss watch industry in the post-war years.

The cal 104G automatic movement was built on Smiths’ calibre 104 manual wind movement (which was designed from the outset to be adaptable to take an automatic winding module). The automatic winding system was more or less copied from the IWC cal 853 movement. The automatic watch was Smiths’ most expensive model and was produced in either a gold case, gold-plated or in stainless steel as with this watch.

The dial of this watch is in great condition - it has a warm honey tone and the printing of the dial is very clear. The hands are original and are in good condition. The dial is signed Everest, which Smiths reserved for the top tier of their watches, it refers to the fact that Edmund Hillary carried a Smiths watch on the historic first ascent of Everest in 1953 (he also carried a Rolex, somewhat to the frustration of both brands he didn’t appear to actually wear either of them!)

The watch has been fully serviced and regulated and the timekeeping is excellent. It is supplied with a new Hirsch leather strap. This is a rare watch and eminently wearable perfect for the person who cherishes the tradition of the English-made watch.

Case diameter (excluding winding crown): 35mm

Case material: stainless steel

Strap width: 18mm

Timekeeping: grade A