The Watch
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Smiths W10 Watches were supplied to and issued by the British Army. The watch was part of a contract that Smiths won to supply the Army with a General Service Watch, they supplied the Watches for the years from 1967 - 1970 (this example being from the last year: 1970).
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It is known as the last all British Military Watch.
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Powering the W10 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.1970
Reference: W10
Movement: Manual wind with Hacking Centre Seconds.
Calibre: 60466E
Timekeeping: Very good.
Service History: Full Service, March 2022.
Dial: Original Smiths Mil Spec Dial.
Dial: Original Smiths Mil Spec Dial.
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 Khaki Green canvas NATO Style strap with Steel fixtures.
Lug Width: 17mm
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- "One of the last of the last" British Military Watches.
- Hard to find in good order.
- Fantastic English made, fully serviced Movement.
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Nitty Gritty:
- The Original Tritium Dial is in lovely order for its age and nature, however there are a few very faint scratches that can only really be seen through a loupe or strong light.
-Some minor marks to Case.
-Both of the above is the nature of the Beast.
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Overall the W10 is in very nice Vintage condition.
The Dial is in lovely condition, however it does have a few very faint scratches that can only be seen in certain lights.
Steel Case is in good nick, there are a few age related marks and dings.
Caseback markings are very nice.
Original Crown.
Crystal in good shape.
Hands are in lovely shape.