***NOW SOLD***

A Sought After and Very Collectible Smiths Deluxe A409 Everest Range Watch from the 1950s, with Lots of British Horological and Historical Significance. With Original Smiths Presentation Box!

The Smiths watch company was founded in 1851 by Samuel Smith - a maker of precision instruments for a number of industrial sectors including aviation and motor.  Smiths was probably best known at the onset of the second world war as a clockmaker - accounting for 50% of the UK clock market!

After the second world war, Smiths began to manufacture wristwatches. From 1946-1970 Smiths produced a range of high-quality watches from its factory in Cheltenham including; the De Luxe, Astral and later the Imperial and Everest watch families.

Smiths is an important part of British horological history, being the last watchmaker of any size to operate in an industry dominated by the Swiss and Japanese. 

The Smiths Deluxe was advertised as "Britain's finest watch" when introduced to the market 

What’s On Offer 

A real collector's piece here from the Sir Edmund Hillary era of the expedition. This Smiths Deluxe is in superb preowned condition, especially considering its age! The dial is in good shape with applied gold Arabic numerals and lumed hour plots which have aged to a deep ivory colour.

The recessed seconds subdial at 6 o'clock is crisp as is the Smiths signature. Lumed Dauphine hands glide around the dial which is encapsulated under plexiglass and framed in a chrome-topped 'Aquatite' case (The first-ever watertight watch case, produced by the famous Dennison Watch Case Company) which still looks well, though it is possible to see a little deterioration, it's nothing of any concern and quite expected in a watch of this vintage.

A really nice example of a famous reference with lots of British horological and historical relevance. This would make a fantastic addition to any collection as well as being, a superb watch on the wrist. Running well and keeping good time, a watch full of charisma just waiting to be worn! 

Additional information

Made from

Case: Chrome Topped - Denisteel Caseback

Dial: Ivory

Crystal: Plexi

Bracelet: Brown Leather Pin Buckle

Technical specifications

Winding: Manual

Movement Type: Mechanical

Caliber: 

Jewels: 15

Waterproof: When New

Power reserve: 

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent vintage condition

Model Reference: Deluxe

Date of issue: 1950s

Warranty: 12 Months by VWS

Dimensions

Width (without crown): 33.5 mm

Lug width: 18 mm

Lug height: (lug to lug) 41 mm

Wrist size: Adjustable