Smiths for Benson, Everest pattern

This is an extremely rare Smiths watch which was retailed by the famous London jeweller J W Benson. What is particularly notable about this watch is that the design matches that used on the famous Edmund Hillary - Tenzing Norgay ascent of Everest in 1953. Edmund Hillary's original watch is part of the Worshipful Company of Clockmaker's collection and is on display in the Science Museum in London. The watch has a Dennison made Aquatite case, the body is chrome plated with some very small chips, the stainless steel back is in good order. The original dial is in fair condition - the varnish has started to discolour but the overall impression is still very handsome.

The movement has been fully serviced and the timekeeping is excellent. The case has been brushed clean, but as with all out vintage watches we have left it unpolished. The crystal has been replaced and the watch has a new pigskin strap. The watch comes with our standard 12 month guarantee.

A rare chance to acquire one of the iconic Smiths pieces, these really don't come on the market very often. There's a lot of excellent material about the watches the expedition used online, this forum post is a good place to start to learn about this fascinating moment in Smiths history:


NB you will need to register for a free account on the Military Watch Forum to view the above post

Case diameter: 33mm
Case material: chrome plated body and stainless steel back
Strap width: 18mm
time keeping: grade A