Smiths Watches, a celebrated name in British horology, traces its origins to the early 20th century. Founded by Samuel Smith in 1851 as a clock and watch retailer, the company evolved into manufacturing by the 1930s. Its prominence grew during World War II when Smiths supplied reliable timepieces for the British military. This era marked a turning point, with Smiths producing highly sought-after military watches.
    
In the post-war years, Smiths capitalized on its burgeoning reputation by introducing precision instruments and diving watches. Notably, in 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary wore a Smiths watch during his historic ascent of Mount Everest, showcasing its durability.
    
The 1970s, however, saw a decline due to the quartz crisis, which led the company to cease watch production in 1979. Despite this, Smiths' legacy endures, with vintage models prized by collectors. Recently, there has been a revival of interest in the brand, as enthusiasts seek the timeless appeal of Smiths' craftsmanship.

What's on Offer

This elegant 1950s Smiths watch is a fine example of classic British watchmaking, housed in a beautifully preserved 9k gold case. The clean white dial is tastefully adorned with gilt Arabic numerals, offering a refined vintage aesthetic. Slim Dauphine hands add a touch of sophistication, while the central seconds hand, featuring a distinctive blood-red arrow tip, introduces a subtle but striking detail.

Signed with the Smiths logo, the dial also bears a line indicating the presence of a 17-jewel mechanical movement, a mark of quality tucked beneath the original shatterproof Plexiglas crystal. The watch remains in excellent preowned condition, with only minimal signs of gentle use—just what one would expect from a well-cared-for piece of this age. The watch benefits from a recent service (Feb 2025) by our watchmaker who also replaced the glass at that time - restoring the watch to its former glory! 

Measuring 32mm in diameter, it’s a perfectly sized watch for both casual and formal wear, offering timeless appeal and quiet elegance on the wrist. A beautiful vintage piece that blends heritage charm with everyday versatility.

This watch is sold with its original box as illustrated in our photos.