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Stewart A
·Greetings. I am excited to submit my first post and to present a new addition to my collection, a Smiths Deluxe A420, also referred to as an Everest Range Engineers watch, circa approximately 1958. I was fortunate to have purchased this watch and servicing as well as information from Andy Rollings, at Rollinix-Smiths-Watches in the UK. Additional general information regarding Smiths and my watch was obtained from a number of OF, WUS, and MWR postings as well as assorted odd vintage watch blogs and IG accounts. In my searching, I did not find a huge amount of info nor an overabundance of pictures describing this watch. I would be interested and very grateful for any additional information or data corrections regarding this particular watch from any OF members -- thanks in advance. To be honest, I feel "Smiths Love" starting to bloom and am fearful of collection expansion!
Here are some watch specs: the dial is large at 35.5mm, a thickness of approximately 7mm and 17mm lugs. Of note is the striking dial with an incredible greenish-grey patina and radial grooves. I read, but cannot confirm, that the original dial MAY have been a bluish color that has changed over time to this specific patina. There is tremendous dial color movement when the light strikes, especially outdoors. The dial is enhanced by gold hour-minute hands and a small seconds; and of course, contains "Made in England". I am not sure of the 24-hour notations on the outside of the dial as there is no apparent GMT function. The case is gold-plated, you'll notice some wear but overall is very beautiful. The movement is a caliber 400/12.15 (12 ligne and 15 jewels), and would have been manufactured in the Cheltenham factory. This Smiths is reported to be an anti-magnetic watch, hence targeted as a watch for scientists and atomic engineers.
I am including two pictures that I shot (apologies for the poor quality) as well as a those provided by Andy. Also, I am aware that the band is rubbing right up against the case, I am looking for some curved springs to alleviate this issue.
Thanks for looking,
Stewart
Here are some watch specs: the dial is large at 35.5mm, a thickness of approximately 7mm and 17mm lugs. Of note is the striking dial with an incredible greenish-grey patina and radial grooves. I read, but cannot confirm, that the original dial MAY have been a bluish color that has changed over time to this specific patina. There is tremendous dial color movement when the light strikes, especially outdoors. The dial is enhanced by gold hour-minute hands and a small seconds; and of course, contains "Made in England". I am not sure of the 24-hour notations on the outside of the dial as there is no apparent GMT function. The case is gold-plated, you'll notice some wear but overall is very beautiful. The movement is a caliber 400/12.15 (12 ligne and 15 jewels), and would have been manufactured in the Cheltenham factory. This Smiths is reported to be an anti-magnetic watch, hence targeted as a watch for scientists and atomic engineers.
I am including two pictures that I shot (apologies for the poor quality) as well as a those provided by Andy. Also, I am aware that the band is rubbing right up against the case, I am looking for some curved springs to alleviate this issue.
Thanks for looking,
Stewart
