1970 Smiths W10 British Military Issued
Ref: W10/6645-99-961-4045

Specification

Points of Mention

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no Smiths box or Smiths paperwork. The watch comes paired on an aftermarket "Seat-Belt" NATO strap and also a cream coloured "Perlon" strap. The watch is from Circa. 1970 and features its original dial and handset, the dial and hands are showing signs of age you would expect for a military watch. The case is Stainless Steel and is in very good condition, few signs of wear, again as you would expect. The movement has been serviced and the watch does come with the KibbleWatches 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

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. The 36mm stainless steel case has curved lugs with solid fixed bars making it perfect for Nato straps. Its brushed case makes it less reflective. 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 center seconds hand have lume infill. “T” in a circle indicating Tritium lume. The Broad Arrow {pheon} has been used to mark property of the government or Crown since the 17th century, sitting at the 6 o’clock position signifying its Military DNA. This 1970 Smiths W10 is one of the last truly British watches including all its components and movement to be manufactured in the UK. The screw-down case back has the military engraving around the edge. Inside we have a Manually Wound Smiths Calibre 0466E. Fitted on an 18mm Nato strap.

Personal Note

Having sold the Hamilton W10 not too long ago I was on the hunt for more military watches when this one came up for sale. The condition is fantastic and that is always the key, the right amount of age but not too much. This ticks those boxes. I've always been a fan of these military watches and I still believe they are underrated and undervalued, especially when you look at vintage watches as a whole, how many others can claim such an interesting history as these? Imagine the stories they could tell... That is why I personally love military watches.