1968 Smiths W10
Ref: W10/6645-99-961-4045

Specification

Points of Mention

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original Smiths box or original Smiths paperwork. The watch comes paired on a black NATO strap which suits the watch perfectly. This is a vintage and used watch and therefore signs of wear will be seen, the watch is all original and has had a new crystal fitted. 

The Watch

Smiths has a  long military history in providing watches to military personnel. Famously Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953 carried a Smiths watch to the summit of Everest. Originally founded in 1851 by Samual Smith where he made automotive dials and cockpit instruments. He transitioned into clocks and finally wristwatches which came to a fore during ww2. This 1968 Smiths W10 is one of the last truly British watches including all its components and movement to be manufactured in the UK. Its 36mm stainless steel case has curved lugs with solid fixed bars making it perfect for Nato straps. A domed crystal sits above the black matt dial. Lume pips are painted onto the rail minute track. Arabic numerals indicate the hours. Swords hands and centre seconds hand have lume infill. The Broad Arrow sits at the 6 o’clock position signifying its Military DNA. The screw-down case back has the military engraving in the centre. Inside we have a Manually Wound Smiths Calibre 0466E. Fitted on an 18mm black Nato strap.

Personal Note

With the recent and ever-increasing interest in military watches, this Smiths W10 has seen a steady increase in value year on year, I do not see it slowing down as interest and education continues to grow. There is something truly amazing about wearing a military watch, never knowing what it may have seen or been through throughout its life, whose wrist it was on etc... That is what I think people are drawn too with military watches, the unknown but the potential.