Important Notes
- Dustproof only
- No water resistance warranty is provided
Dimensions
- Width (without crown): 33.2 mm
- Width (with crown): 35 mm
- Height (lug to lug): 42 mm
- Thickness: 9.9 mm
- Lug width: 17 mm
£300.00
Elegant and unmistakably British, this Smiths De Luxe from the 1960s is a fine example of England’s most important mid-century wristwatch maker. With its balanced 33+ mm case, warm cream dial, Deco-style numerals, and small seconds layout, it has all the ingredients of a classic vintage dress watch.
The watch presents very well in honest vintage condition. The gold-plated case retains an attractive period look, while the dial has developed a gentle, even patina that suits the age and character of the piece perfectly. Particularly appealing is the beautifully finished Smiths movement, with the traditional gilt tone appearance so closely associated with English watchmaking of the period.
In-house British movements are a must-have for collectors, not only because they are less common, but because they offer a completely different perspective on mechanical watchmaking when compared to Swiss production of the same period.
Smiths is the most important name in British wristwatch manufacturing of the mid-20th century – a true “in-house” English producer at a time when much of the market depended heavily on Swiss supply. Today, collectors value Smiths watches not only for their national significance, but also for their robust construction, restrained design language, and distinctly British mechanical character. Gilt-finished calibres such as this one are especially admired for their traditional English appearance and practical, no-nonsense engineering.