QUASAR "Constellation" by Smiths"On visiting a watch mate today got to wear a Smiths quasar prototype. Made in the early 70's it is the only ever English quartz watch ever made. Very high quality and extremely rare."
https://www.imgrumweb.com/post/BViBH7bnq8w
Smiths was well advanced in quartz cock movements for aviation, maritime and domestic clocks when Cheltenham watch production ended, but persevered with a quartz wristwatch at their secretive 'Delphina?' research lab in Cheltenham launching their Quasar at the 1973 International watch fair... these are not even signed 'Smiths' but, if my memory serves me well, 'Quasar Time Systems' of whom very little is known. Its was clear at the show that Smiths was wasting its time and money so the Quasar was abandoned shortly after... so the 1974 label is probably one of the last tests.
Whether Smiths sold the 'Quasar' brand/project to Stephen Strauss, who gained Ingersoll, is another unresolved mystery.
[#23 Barry - Brenellic2000]
Links:
Flyaway Smiths at Cotswold auction room today
https://www.mwrforum.net/forums/show...ion-room-today
Smiths' last days in the sun / but will they run ? (Lots of pics)
https://www.mwrforum.net/forums/show...-will-they-run
* * *
MWR reckon that the Smiths case was based on the Omega Constellation 168.0054. But it has a serrated bezel...
On the other hand the Omega Constellation 368.846 has a smooth bezel but is without the DAY complication. Here is a lovely one to study:
https://www.poshtime.com/3028.001/Om...tic-c.1970.php
* * *
So,
1. I love the two crowns of the Quasar. They change the look of the Omega case. By the way, the second crown is for adjusting the Day-Date.
2. What is going on with all the Omega connections? And why Omega?
3. How about a homage? The current and next big-thing is integrated bracelets, as per Naulilus, RO, VC Overseas, etc...
The back of the Quasar.