Key Features
A great chance not to be missed! This Smiths wristwatch was made right here in the UK, specifically in Cheltenham where many high quality Smiths timepieces were produced, much like this fine example right here. Imperial stamped Smiths typically represents a higher quality made Smiths and this is reflected in its beautiful silver tone dial with applied indices. Powering this watch is the handwinding Smiths Calibre 0104 which features a finely finished gilded mainplate as well as bridges, it also features ruby set jewels all finished in the traditional English watchmaking style. Today’s this finishing is commonly seen on legendary watchmaker; Roger Smith’s watches. This fine piece also features all original parts with minimal refinishing. Lastly the price is definitely hard to beat as similar examples go for two to even three times of what we’re looking for, so don’t hesitate! Come on by our shop to have a look at this wonderful piece of British horology.
About Smiths
Smiths were the last English producers of quality watches. Their watches aren’t very well known outside of collector circles today because it has been over 30 years since they ceased production, but the quality of their watches bears comparison with anything the Swiss were producing. Starting in London as Samuel Smith in 1851, progressing down the years to becoming S.Smith & Sons(Motor Accessories), receiving it’s first Royal Warrant in 1907. then becoming S.Smith & Sons (England)Ltd, which split into Smiths Motor Accessories Ltd, Smiths Aircraft Instruments Ltd, Smiths English Clocks Ltd and Smiths industrial Instruments Ltd. The factory in Cheltenham that eventually manufactured the high quality timepieces featured here was built at the start of the Second World War. By the end of the Second World War The Smiths Group comprised of over 20 companies. By the time Smiths Aviation Division had become the main priority in the late 1970’s the Clock and watch Division had broken up. From the 1980’s onwards Smiths Industries had successfully moved on into Avionics, Smiths being instrumental in the development of automated aircraft flying and landing controls, and finally in the 1980’s the Aerospace division was extending its reach far into the jet age.
Servicing and Guarantee
This timepiece has been serviced with full disassembly. Make sure to follow the usage and care guidelines.
Overview
Case and Strap
- Original Solid stainless steel case
- Original crown
- Domed acrylic crystal
- Brand new suede olive leather strap
Dimensions:
- Width w/ crown: 36.5 mm.
- Width w/o crown: 34. 5mm
- Height 42.5 mm
- Thickness 10.05 mm
Dial and Hands
- Silver tone dial, some light patina speckles can be seen under certain lighting conditions
- Smiths Imperial signature at 12.
- Applied shark tooth indices
- Art deco numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9.
- Dauphine style hands
Movement
- Smiths 0104 calibre
- Traditional English gilt finishing on plates and bridges with ruby jewel setting, akin to Roger Smith’s watches.
- Shockproof
- Made in England
- 19 Jewels Manual wind
Testing results:
- Testing duration: 2 weeks cyclic test
- Average timekeeping range: 15-45 sec/day
Servicing and Guarantee
- Fully serviced.
- Mechanics in full working order.
- Original connected stainless steel strap.
- Care and usage guidelines.
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