Key Features
This Smiths Astral watch showcases a robust tool watch design, complemented by a substantial and weighty solid bracelet.
During the Quartz Crisis era in the late 1970s, quartz watches surged in popularity and dominated the watch industry. To cut costs, many brands and manufacturers resorted to cheaper alternatives. Smiths, at that time, employed the inexpensive and unreliable Ingersoll/Westclox pin-lever movements. However, this particular watch diverges from the trend by featuring a genuine Japan automatic movement. The Hamazawa 5026A movement, which powers the watch, exhibits intriguing characteristics that suggest a collaboration with Seiko.
For more detailed information about the movement, you can refer to this review: [link]
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
- Sturdy original stainless steel bracelet
Dimensions:
- Width w/ crown: 38.4 mm.
- Width w/o crown: 36.3mm
- Height 41 mm
- Thickness 13.5mm
Dial and Hands
- Silver tone sunburst dial with grey vignette in perfect condition
- Smiths Astral signature below the 12 hour marker.
- Silver and black indices.
- Day-Date window with black lettering and silver window frame.
Movement
- Hamazawa 5026A Calibre
- Automatic
- Shockproof
- Made in England
- 17 Jewels Manual wind
Testing results:
- Testing duration: 2 weeks cyclic test
- Average timekeeping range: 15-30 sec/day
Servicing and Guarantee
- Fully serviced.
- Mechanics in full working order.
- Original connected stainless steel strap.
- Care and usage guidelines.
Links and Resources:
