2.1133 SMITHS ENGLAND “BRAILLE” ENAMEL DIAL, 1960s

A fascinating mid-century hybrid that combines several “collector-only” features in one watch: a hot-fired enamel dial, an unusual Braille / tactile design, and a high-grade English-made Smiths movement – all in a very wearable 33 mm case with an elegant hinged front cover. The result is both functional and beautifully eccentric: a watch designed to be read by touch, yet visually striking even as a standard dress piece.

This example is signed exactly as it should be: SMITHS on the dial, ENGLISH MOVEMENT, and SWISS DIAL – a detail that underlines the watch’s special construction (British mechanics paired with a traditional Swiss enamel dial).

The Braille / tactile concept

Under the opening front bezel sits the enamel dial with raised “touch pieces” – small, rounded markers positioned around the hour track. These tactile points were intended to help the wearer read the time by feel. The hands are deliberately robust and shaped to withstand gentle contact, while reinforced friction pair of  the movement holds them tight. It’s a rare design language that sits somewhere between a toolwatch and dress watch.

Why collectible Smiths watches are a must-have

High-grade Smiths watches have become increasingly collectible because they represent a unique chapter of the traditional British horology: one of the few brands that produced serious, domestically-made movements at scale during the mid-20th century. Smiths supplied timekeeping to demanding professional contexts and built a reputation for robust engineering and precision – making their better movements highly desirable today. For many collectors, Smiths is a “must-have” specifically because it’s not just another Swiss dress watch: it’s a genuine piece of English industrial watchmaking history, with an identity and movement architecture that stand apart from the mainstream.

Specifications

• Brand: Smiths (England)
• Model: “Braille” / tactile dial watch
• Period: 1960s
• Dial signature: SMITHS – English movement – Swiss dial
• Dial: Original hot-fired enamel dial with raised tactile markers; Arabic numerals
• Movement: Smiths 27.CS, manual winding, 17 jewels, shockproof, hacking, reinforced friction pinion, made in England
• Case: Chrome-plated case with flip-open front bezel
• Caseback: Stainless steel back
• Crystal: Mineral glass
• Strap: Genuine leather strap

Servicing and Warranty

• Fully serviced with disassembly in our Bristol shop
• Mechanics in full working order
• 12-month movement warranty
• Warranty Terms and Conditions
• No water resistance warranty