A Handsome Smiths Everest A494e from the 1950s with a Stunning Tropical Dial, in Fantastic Preowned Vintage Condition.

Smiths Group was an engineering giant, but their watch division, the last English watchmakers, closed in the late seventies. In the fifties, Smiths’ watches, clocks and instruments were ubiquitous and it is no surprise that Smiths were quick to support a patriotic enterprise like the ascent of Mount Everest. In fact, the quote below is from an advert placed in The Times by Smiths directly after the successful summit mission in 1953. 

"Smiths watches, Smiths instruments and Smiths travel alarms, were chosen by the gallant Everest team by virtue  of their proven reputation for dependability and durability."

Little surprise then, that Smiths chose to name a line of watches after the world's highest and most infamous peak. 

What’s On Offer 

A really nice example of the Smiths 'Everest' with a dial that has taken on a really pleasing tropical colour. The watch being from the 1950s is in really nice shape, the Arabic numerals still boast their original lume which is still intact and the same goes for the original syringe hands which are in really nice shape. A recessed sub-seconds dial sits at 6'o clock and a crisp Smiths signature at 12. The dial is in perfect order and with a wonderful tropical look, we feel it has bags of character.  The case is chrome topped and there are whisperings of deterioration around the mid-case, however nothing of any concern. At 33mm, it is at the smaller end of mid-size watches, however, it wears beautifully on the wrist, a fine-looking 'English Made' vintage watch by the last historic English watchmaking company. Certainly a worthy contender for any vintage collection.

Additional information

Made from

Case: Chrome topped

Dial: Tropical

Crystal: Plexi

Bracelet: Leather strap with Pin Buckle  

Technical specifications

Winding: hand-wound

Movement Type: mechanical

Calibre: 0451

Jewels: 15j

Waterproof: n/a

Power reserve: 41 hrs

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent - 8.5/10

Model Reference: A404

Date of issue: c.1950s

Warranty: 12 Months by VWS

Dimensions

Width (without crown): 33mm

Lug width: 16mm

Lug height: (lug to lug) 41mm

Wrist size: Adjustable