Smiths W10 Military dated 1968 | Steel
Headlining this week’s newsletter is an excellent example of the Smiths W10 wristwatch made for the British armed forces. The movement used for the model was based on the Smiths Astral movement but with exacting specifications and the addition of a hack feature to allow synchronisation of the seconds hand. Rigorous testing was carried out at laboratories of the Chronometer branch of the Hydrographer of the Navy at Herstmonceux. Field tests of the model were also carried out in the tropics and the arctic. Aesthetically, the styling of the Smiths W10 follows the design precedents established by the WWW watches made by Omega and others (the so-called dirty dozen) that were supplied to the British Military towards the end of the Second World War. Like its predecessors, the Smiths watch has a substantial and robust case with screw-down back and a black dial with white Arabic numerals and luminescent accents and hands.
Omega Cal.26.5 SOB circa 1935-40 | Steel
One of the first truly classic wristwatch designs, this mid-sized Omega has great proportions with a flat polished bezel and gently down-turned lugs. The silvered dial has bold raised Arabic numerals and leaf-shaped hands, these contrast with the unusual and distinctively shaped subsidiary seconds hand which is of a type often found on Omega models from the 1930s. There is some light patination to the dial and some small scratches/nicks to the surface. The watch is fitted with a new Hirsch Camelgrain watch strap and a vintage Omega steel pin buckle which dates to circa 1960.
Vertex Ref.731 hallmarked 1937 | Silver
A lovely example of Vertex’s Ref. 731 purse watch, this model has a pleasing action with a sliding front cover which, when opened, releases the hinged inner case – the latter springing upwards to a fixed, angled position; this places the watch in an ideal position for viewing when placed on a desk or bedside. The front, back and sides of the case all have a decorative engine-turned decoration. There is a loop to the top of the case allowing the watch to be attached to a fob chain.
Zenith Cal.2310 circa 1964 | Steel
This unusual slim Zenith dress watch has a very distinctive two-tone dial with vertical satin finish and vertical multi-faceted applied hour indexes. The hands at first appear to be standard pointed batons but closer inspection reveals their extraordinary, keystone-shaped bases. The steel case has a polished finish and a depth of just 7mm including the crystal (approx. 4mm without). There are a couple of light depressions to the dial, just beneath the numeral at 11 and to the left side of 3 o’clock.
Omega Dynamic Ref.166.039 c.1969 | Steel
Omega introduced the Ref. 166.039 Genève Dynamic in 1969. This example of the model has a speckled ‘star dust’ dial with a black base colour heightened by flecks of red and gold which give it an intense chocolatey hue. The dial’s surface is in excellent condition – some slight losses to the luminescent painted dots above the numerals. Elliptically shaped, the case is relatively large for a vintage model with a 41mm width and the watch is fitted with an Omega Dynamic stainless steel link bracelet with adjustable folding clasp. Powered by the 24-jewel automatic Omega calibre 565, this watch has a quick date change facility.
Tissot Seastar Ref.38661 c.1972 | Ladies’ Steel
Sporting a very 70s look with its graduated blue dial and tonneau-form case, this lady’s wristwatch is in great condition, retaining the original satin finished link bracelet and blue mock crocodile Tissot presentation case. This model has an automatic movement and rapid date change function.
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