The Watch
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It's a well known fact that Smiths were the suppliers of the last all British Military Watch. The Smiths Military Timepiece was issued to the Army, Royal Navy and the Raf but!.....did you know that there was also a very seldom seen Civilian Version also?
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The Civilian Version was marketed by Smiths around the time that the contract with the MoD was expiring, probably to shift some surplus. This version was actually marketed as a Skin Diver, this was at a time where Swiss Skin Divers were really ruling the roost and to be honest Smiths were fighting a losing battle from Day One, needless to say they didn't really take off and as a result they are very seldom seen these days.
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The Watch was made to the exact Military Expectations required by the MoD and powering this "Skin Diver" is the cal. 60466E, a 17-jewel manual movement produced in-house by Smiths. The 60466E was heavily influenced by the architecture of the Jaeger LeCoultre caliber found in the Mark XI dating back to the late ‘40s, likewise sharing a dust cover to protect the caliber from magnetization. Per military specifications, the movement hacks.
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Age: c.1970s
Reference: GS.4701
Movement: Manual wind with Hacking Centre Seconds.
Calibre: 60466E
Timekeeping: Very good.
Service History: Full Service, May 2022.
Dial: Original Smiths Mil Spec Dial, noticeably without the Arrow and T.
Dial: Original Smiths Mil Spec Dial, noticeably without the Arrow and T.
Case: Stainless Steel.
Measurements: without/with Crown: 35mm/38mm End to End: 47mm
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original.
Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal.
Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal.
Crown: Correct Original unsigned Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: New 18mm Timestraps UK Desert Khaki NATO Style strap with Steel fixtures.
Lug Width: 17mm
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Very Seldom seen Civilian Version of the Iconic Smiths W10.
- Very Nice condition.
-Wonderful Dial with highly sought after Yellow Lume.
- Fantastic English made, fully serviced Movement.
- Fantastic English made, fully serviced Movement.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Some minor marks to Case.
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Overall the Civilian is in very nice Vintage condition.
The Dial is in lovely condition.
Steel Case is in very good nick, there are a few minor age related marks and dings.
Some strap burn to the Caseback.
Original Crown.
Crystal in good shape.
Hands are in lovely shape.