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Thread: Show Us Your (Vintage) Smiths

  1. #51
    Master aldfort's Avatar
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    Given Smiths were a large conglomerate at one point in their history and a supplier of instrumentation to a lot of other big companies then I'd say it's more than possible that they made special order watches for said customers. Probably in batches for companies like ICI.
    Barrie's excellent book is at heart an assemblage of retail catalogues and adverts from the period so it's likely that it misses things out.
    Last edited by aldfort; 17th July 2014 at 08:42.

  2. #52
    Quote Originally Posted by Rev-O View Post
    there's two different cushion ones for sale here: a silver ICI (on page 2) and a Benson chrome and steel (i.e. silver coloured) on page 1.

    http://www.smithswatches.com

    HTH
    Thanks. Still doesn't alter the fact that I can only find reference in Barrie's book to a ladies watch!

    These are odd things - the cases and movements often don't "match" in quite the way you'd expect, but, as suggested above, this could be due to cases being produced earlier and stockpiled. The cases themselves are a bit smaller than "normal" watches. It's possible that these were presentation watches to ladies, I suppose...?

    Anyone got the dial size on these (in mm if possible)

    Re the Bensons, these cases also pop up in gold, rolled gold, etc, with Swiss movements. Like the Smiths, some of these cases appear to be halmarked in the 40s, but with fifties paperwork.
    Last edited by Broussard; 17th July 2014 at 08:49.

  3. #53
    Administrator swanbourne's Avatar
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    Eddie
    Whole chunks of my life come under the heading "it seemed like a good idea at the time".

  4. #54
    Master Reeny's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rev-O View Post
    I think the case on the Smiths Astral diver is the Seiko 62MAS case -- my guess is that when Seiko brought out the 6105 they had these cases spare. Just a guess though.
    My two Japanese movement Smiths watches have a Seiko connection.

    Hand wind 7 jewel Japan in the Gold


    and in the auto version, a Japanese movement that any Seiko owner would be able to recognise.

  5. #55
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rev-O View Post
    Some of the divers say "Smiths Astral" others just "Astral"

    Some have count-up bezel numbering, some count-down.

    No idea why.



    There's one on ebay the moment. "Everest" marque, not Imperial, but same movement.

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-Vi...item3ce45428dd
    Thanks for that. I like it very much. What a special movement!

  6. #56
    Quote Originally Posted by Reeny View Post
    My two Japanese movement Smiths watches have a Seiko connection.

    Hand wind 7 jewel Japan in the Gold

    and in the auto version, a Japanese movement that any Seiko owner would be able to recognise.
    I don't recognise either of those. But then again, so many of the watches made post 1970 were full of random movements. Take this one, for example. A cheap Swiss movement in a nasty base metal case:



    Smiths 17 jewel chrono by Noodlefish, on Flickr



    Smiths Swiss Chrono Movement by Noodlefish, on Flickr

  7. #57
    More pics of the Cheltenham ones please - I need fresh images to drool over!!

    I don't watch porn but like Watchporn

  8. #58
    The dial to which the aforeposted movement belongs...


  9. #59
    Master
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    I don't know if this qualifies as a vintage Smiths, but here's mine. It's on a bracelet from another watch I bought in the late 80's


  10. #60
    Administrator swanbourne's Avatar
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    This is the one I want:



    Hight quality automatic, the one pictured made about £800 on eBay a couple of years ago.

    Eddie
    Whole chunks of my life come under the heading "it seemed like a good idea at the time".

  11. #61
    Eddie, there's one on ebay at the moment, I'm 99% sure it has the same movement.

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-Vi...item3ce45428dd

  12. #62
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    Another one of my old Smiths


  13. #63
    Quote Originally Posted by Antony23 View Post
    Another one of my old Smiths
    ^^^^^ crumbs that's nice

    Very "older Gent" -- hope you have a cardigan and turn-ups on your trousers, plus a pipe and a Morris Oxford.

    See you down at the allotment.

  14. #64
    Oh dear. Lord have mercy. I've just bought three more "1215" Smiths -- two of which are very early models and need some attention. I think I paid a little over the odds for them but when they've been serviced and (hopefully) coaxed back to life I'll sell one of them.

    I do have a thing for Smiths -- I grew up in Cheltenham and they stopped making their own in-house movements there the year I was born (1971). Purely a coincidence and not my fault.

    Anyway, here's some q&d pics from the ebay listing

    Details are:

    Smiths 12-15 model RG 0313 circa 1950 early pattern English wristwatch. (The name “12-15” means 12 ligne in size, 15 jewels in the movement.) Housed in a 3 piece case constructed of chromed front and centre with a stainless steel back. Case width 31mm. Military style luminous hands (one here has “dagger hands” the other "syringe” hands). Dial markings are printed luminous Arabic numbers.

    Manual wound movement with frosted gilt finish, lever escapement, one piece straight line click and click-spring. Balance with screws and flat hairspring, “C” series movement with low serial number, signed Smiths.

    The RG 0313 was one of the first post war English watches, produced from about 1947 onwards when Smiths switched from war work (clocks and timers etc) to domestic civilian timepieces. (Acknowledgement and credit -- some of this info is from A J Merrins www.smithswatches.com)






  15. #65
    The third of the Smiths.

    Circa 1955, made in Cheltenham, blued steel hands with raised gold numbers. Very very good condition, slight scratch on plexiglass crystal will polish out.

    Not sure which model this is -- anyone got that book to hand?

    Two wrist shots:




    [hr]
    And two angled to catch the light




  16. #66
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    My first Smiths. A recent auction buy from 1953 with box and papers. Gold coloured case with steel case back. Doesn`t work (!) but I plan to get it sorted soon.

    Any additional information Smiths experts can provide will gratefully received.

    Last edited by Seano; 10th November 2014 at 20:23.

  17. #67
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    I thought about starting a thread like this yesterday. Nice to see these bits of English history.

  18. #68
    My Grandfathers long service watch from the 1950's (I think)



  19. #69
    Quote Originally Posted by Seano View Post
    My first Smiths. A recent auction buy from 1953 with box and papers. Gold coloured case with steel case back. Doesn`t work (!) but I plan to get it sorted soon.

    Any additional information Smiths experts can provide will gratefully received.
    Very nice. I think it might be earlier than '53 as it has the old style dial without the crown logo or the words "De Luxe" -- if you pop the back off there will be a serial number stamped on the movement, should start with the prefix letter "C"

    Steel back means the case is gold plated rather than solid 9ct, dial looks to be in vgc.

    Nice watch!

  20. #70
    Craftsman Statts's Avatar
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    Here's mine, looks like an earlier posters A460.


  21. #71
    Here's one I sold on SC a few weeks ago:

    Arguably the definitive Smiths watch: a mid-1950’s A404 model “De Luxe” in the large-sized screwback waterproof Dennison Aquatite case. This was marketed by Smiths as an "Everest" watch in their adverts and catalogues at the time. Made in the Cotswolds at Bishop’s Cleeve just outside Cheltenham, Smiths was a true “manufacture” -- everything was made on site, even down to the springs (hair and main) which were produced at a subsidiary plant next door to the main factory.






    Model

    This is very similar to the prototype / non-production watches that Hilary took up Everest in 1953 and is a desirable model that doesn’t come up for sale very often and doesn’t hang around long when it does.


    Movement

    Lovely gilt-frosted “1215” (12 linges, 15 jewels) movement that’s just been serviced by Steve Burrage at Ryte Time. Running strongly and keeping good time. Stamped serial number C277000 dates this to c. 1955/6


    Dial & Case

    Externally this example is in absolutely fantastic condition – none of the usual discolouration to the dial or age-related patina. The chrome-plated Dennisteel case is in very good condition, some scratches and a little brassing between the 18mm drilled lugs. (Interesting, I’ve had this watch, the A404, in three different Dennison Aquatite cases: the thicker version, as here, a similar but slightly thinner version – with noticeably slimmer lugs – and an altogether different one, which seems to be later, without the internal cruciform dustcap and with 16mm lug width.)

    This one is in the thicker-style Dennison case, marked “Anti-magnetic” and “Waterproof” (n.b. I cannot guarantee that it still is; please assume it isn’t). Case diameter approx 35mm including winding crown; maybe 11 or 12mm deep (or high) including crystal – all in all a very wearable size.

    Lumed (radium) Arabic numerals and blued steel "syringe" hands with lume infill with subseconds at 6 as per usual for this type of Smiths “De Luxe”. Off-white stepped dial. This watch has one quirk: the minute track between 2 and 5 o’clock has not been printed properly and fades out, is then missing for a short section before fading back in again; I’m assuming it left the CH2 factory that way and is rare lapse in the Cheltenham works’ QC! There’s also a very small mark at 10, again possibly original. Dial printed with the magic words "MADE IN ENGLAND"

    Acrylic crystal in excellent condition – I think it is the original one, but may not be.

    Supplied complete with period shoulderless spingbars and comes on a brand new 18mm cotton canvas NATO / ZULU style strap.

    Similar to the one here that sold for £1, 250

    http://www.smithswatches.com/product...ade-in-england

    This is a great watch which should more than hold its value. The "Made In England" Cheltenham Smiths have risen steadily in price recently and are a good investment, especially unusual models in stainless steel cases with good dials.

    In exceptional condition and just serviced. I do not think you will find a better example.

    £280 including P&P

    Thanks for looking.















  22. #72
    J W Benson with a Smiths movement circa 1952.

    Playing around with straps the lighter one matches the golden lume of the numerals and hands; the darker one with contrast stitching is smarter.

    Here's the first one:







    And here's the second one.







    Here's some more that show the straps better. The lighter one really makes the golden lume "pop", and the contrast stitching on the darker one makes it look every inch as posh as it is (or was)








  23. #73
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rev-O View Post
    The third of the Smiths.

    Circa 1955, made in Cheltenham, blued steel hands with raised gold numbers. Very very good condition, slight scratch on plexiglass crystal will polish out.

    Not sure which model this is -- anyone got that book to hand?

    Two wrist shots:




    [hr]
    And two angled to catch the light



    is it just me or does that crown logo look like a pair of breasts ?
    (please forgive me if I have lowered the tone)

  24. #74
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    This belongs to a good friend of mine

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1415804066.600952.jpg

  25. #75
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rev-O View Post
    Very nice. I think it might be earlier than '53 as it has the old style dial without the crown logo or the words "De Luxe" -- if you pop the back off there will be a serial number stamped on the movement, should start with the prefix letter "C"

    Steel back means the case is gold plated rather than solid 9ct, dial looks to be in vgc.

    Nice watch!
    Whilst the paperwork shows it was purchased from S S Burlingham in Kings Lynn on October 6th 1953 - it looks like it is indeed a little earlier with Smiths using the "Deluxe" branding from 1951. I`m guessing that it stood a bit in the jewellers!

    The movement number does start with a C - C117817. Someone has etched / scratched 34157 on the inside of the caseback - I`ve no idea what this refers to!

    Few more photo`s






  26. #76
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    My watch maker rates Smiths as one of the best movement makers ever. Looking at these pics does make me want one.

  27. #77
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    My birth year watch

    1959 and still going strong with a tick that you can hear in the next street. A weighty lump and hardly a valuable piece but I like it


  28. #78
    Master Rocket Man's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by swanbourne View Post


    Eddie
    Any chance of a Timefactors re-edition of this one?

  29. #79
    Re this ^^^

    Jon, it's just a 60465E movement in a Seiko 62MAS case. (60465E is the date version of the 60466E found in the W10 / 6B-- i.e. slimline 17J centre second, but with the addition of the calender mechanism which requires longer cannon pinion & hour wheel with date change finger. The date wheel and associated mechanism is the only difference between the 65E in the Astral diver and other Smiths watches of the late 1960's and the non-date 66E in the W10 / 6B.)

    Anyway, I had two of them but just couldn't bond with them. For Smiths, I prefer the De Luxe models of the 50's, although ymmv.

    These divers don't come up for sale that often; I think the last one on ebay went for £450 a few months ago.

  30. #80
    Master Rocket Man's Avatar
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    Thanks for the info Ollie, I do like the looks of this one, it's a bit different from any Sub-a-like with the unusual plots and hands.

  31. #81
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    Its been a few years but I enjoyed reading this thread!

    Being new to Smiths watches, I have been looking around to see if there is much online interest in this make. I have not seen a great deal but was wondering if I have missed out on a good online community or not. Perhaps you could let me know if there is?

    I have two Smiths watches now. First is my Godfathers 1960 A460 Deluxe and second in an Imperial Auto from 1961. I gleaned this info from seeing them at smithswatches.com.

    Many thanks for your time.

    Kr

    Jonathan

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q9C...ew?usp=sharing

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwP...ew?usp=sharing

  32. #82
    Grand Master Mr Curta's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by akafudge View Post
    Being new to Smiths watches, I have been looking around to see if there is much online interest in this make. I have not seen a great deal but was wondering if I have missed out on a good online community or not. Perhaps you could let me know if there is?

    I have two Smiths watches now. First is my Godfathers 1960 A460 Deluxe and second in an Imperial Auto from 1961. I gleaned this info from seeing them at smithswatches.com.

    Many thanks for your time.

    Kr

    Jonathan
    Hi Jonathan,

    You will certainly find a fair bit of interest here and a few existing threads.

    There's also an excellent subforum on MWR: http://www.mwrforum.net/forums/forum...Vintage-Smiths

    And there is also a Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2617...98133079044182

    Cheers, Matthew
    Don't just do something, sit there. - TNH

  33. #83
    Thanks Matthew I was just about to post those two links and you beat me to it!

    I'm a moderator / admin on both groups and am happy to answer any Smiths-related questions.

  34. #84
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    Thanks chaps, just what I wanted. I have made a request to join the Facebook group.


    Sent from my Lenovo YT3-850F using TZ-UK mobile app

  35. #85
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    Hi Rev-O, I am trying to register on the mwrforum but I cannot get past the spam question as there is no question to answer, just a blank field. Any ideas?

    Many thanks.

    Sent from my Lenovo YT3-850F using TZ-UK mobile app

  36. #86
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  37. #87
    Master alfat33's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by akafudge View Post
    Hi Rev-O, I am trying to register on the mwrforum but I cannot get past the spam question as there is no question to answer, just a blank field. Any ideas?

    Many thanks.

    Sent from my Lenovo YT3-850F using TZ-UK mobile app
    I think I had the same problem. I used a desktop browser in the end, rather than my usual iPhone/iPad, if I recall correctly.

  38. #88
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    Quote Originally Posted by alfat33 View Post
    I think I had the same problem. I used a desktop browser in the end, rather than my usual iPhone/iPad, if I recall correctly.
    Thanks, that fixed the issue.

    Jonathan.

  39. #89
    Master
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    Here is mine ....

    SmithsW10 - 1967


  40. #90
    Grand Master Mr Curta's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Montello View Post
    Here is mine ....

    SmithsW10 - 1967

    Lovely W10! Mine's a '68.


  41. #91
    Quote Originally Posted by MikeP View Post
    I feel lucky to have found this one. its exactly the style I like and its in pretty good shape, a little sun damage to the lower part of the dial but not too bad. There's a bit of an ugly nick in one of the lugs but not too bad also.

    [IMG][/IMG]
    I would love a watch like this, it's so perfect.

  42. #92
    Quote Originally Posted by TomoT View Post
    I would love a watch like this, it's so perfect.
    It's called an "Antarctic" model: the early ones (c.1954) are best as they are in full-sized Dennison Aquatite cases with 18mm lugs; the later (1955-57) ones are in smaller, unsigned cases with 16mm straps. I have one I'm thinking of selling; PM if you're interested.

  43. #93
    Apprentice Alpha's Avatar
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    My small 'Smiths' collection.

    New sign up and thought I should introduce myself. Been collecting watches for many years having started way back with pocket watches and then moving on to military pw's and timers. Natural progression saw military wrist watches added before moving on to collecting mainly Omega vintage and modern although still retaining an interest in everything horological.
    Member of OF. under "Alpha" and on "MWR" under TickaTicka which probably gives my age away - 'Timex'

    Enough of my ramblings and hopefully if I can master uploading some images of my small 'Smiths' collection to kick start this old thread.













    Apologies for the couple of non vintage
    Last edited by Alpha; 28th October 2017 at 15:53.

  44. #94
    Grand Master Mr Curta's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Alpha View Post
    Welcome! That Everest auto is absolutely lovely.

    I'm a big fan of the Timefactors Smiths brand as well, although just about to say a bittersweet farewell to my PRS-25 and PRS-29A.

  45. #95
    Grand Master Mr Curta's Avatar
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    Alpha's introductory post has reminded me that I should pop this in here. The Radio Room clock in the background is a Smiths Astral with a bit of history. http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.ph...=1#post4391734


  46. #96
    Love that auto ;-)

    Still miss it . . . .

  47. #97
    Craftsman hoopsontoast's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MikeP View Post
    I feel lucky to have found this one. its exactly the style I like and its in pretty good shape, a little sun damage to the lower part of the dial but not too bad. There's a bit of an ugly nick in one of the lugs but not too bad also.

    [IMG][/IMG]
    That is stunning, love the mild blue hands and generally neat all round.

  48. #98
    Quote Originally Posted by hoopsontoast View Post
    That is stunning, love the mild blue hands and generally neat all round.
    That's the "Antarctic" model.

  49. #99
    Grand Master Mr Curta's Avatar
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    I still have good examples of an Everest auto and an Antarctic very much on my radar, funds permitting. Please bear me in mind if you see anything that looks promising!

    Sorry Rev, no swaps though...


  50. #100
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    My W10 from 1970 (my birth year)


    And my Everest, not sure about the year, probably 1961



    Benoît

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