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). March 1970 to be precise, we know this due to date code on the movement "30"
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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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View this Soldier in a video: here
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The Specs
Age: c. March 1970.
Reference: W10
Movement: Manual wind with Hacking Centre Seconds.
Calibre: 60466E
Timekeeping: Very good.
Service History: Full Service by John Senior, June 2023.
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.
Crown: Correct Original unsigned Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: On a NOS Vintage US Army issue 17mm military strap.
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 such superb order.
- Fantastic English made, fully serviced Movement.
- Lume has aged beautifully.
- NOS Vintage US Army issue 17mm strap.
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Nitty Gritty:
- None really bar some minor marks to Case.
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Overall the W10 is in superb vintage condition.
The Dial is in lovely condition, the lume has aged beautifully.
Steel Case is in very good nick, there are a few age related marks.
Caseback markings are very nice.
Original Crown.
Crystal in excellent shape.
Hands are in lovely shape.
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Photographed on a 7in Wrist.