Description
In 1958 Smiths introduced their new improved movement calibre which they named the Imperial. This example from the Imperial range is the Ref. I.505 which was advertised in the watchmaker’s 1960 and 1961 product catalogues – this dating matches the hallmark years stamped to the inside of the watch’s case back. The Imperial calibre 0104 was made at Smiths’ Cheltenham factory, and with 19 jewels, was more highly jewelled than their previous manually wound models. The 9ct yellow gold case was also made in England by the specialist case makers Dennison. There are some light scuffs and oxidation spotting to the dial and hands.
Accompanied by the original Smiths Imperial purple velvet lined fitted box – the front edge of the presentation box’s lid is missing.
Specifications
[M] Smiths gilded calibre 0104 manually wound movement, lever escapement, 19 jewels, compensation balance, 18,000 BPH, Kif shock absorber
[D] silvered, raised elongated Arabic numerals, red-tipped centre seconds
[C] 9ct gold Dennison 12373 case with straight lugs, chamfered bezel, snap-on back
[S] dial and movement signed Smiths, case signed Dennison
Measurements
33mm diameter excluding winding crown
41mm length including lugs: 38mm
10mm depth to centre of crystal
16mm strap width/lug gauge
Accompaniments
Smiths Imperial presentation box
One Year guarantee – this watch has been fully serviced
Black Bough certificate and polishing cloth
£750.00 [sold]