The Watch
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Everyone knows that 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 also supplied other parts of the British Forces and they supplied the Watches for the years from 1967 - 1970, this RAF example being from the first year: 1967. July 1967 to be precise, we know this due to date code on the movement "77". It is estimated that only 1000 of these Watches were issued to the RAF in 1967.
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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: July 1967.
Reference: W10. RAF 6B.
Movement: Manual wind with Hacking Centre Seconds.
Calibre: 60466E
Timekeeping: Very good.
Service History: Full Service, March 2024.
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: On a new repro 6B/2617 17mm Grey NATO style strap with steel fixtures.
Lug Width: 17mm
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- All British Military Watch.
-RAF Issue.
- Very hard to find in such good order.
- Very hard to find in such good order.
- Wonderful Dial with highly sought after Yellow Lume.
- Fantastic English made, fully serviced Movement.
-Repro 6B/2617 17mm Grey NATO.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Some minor marks to Case.
-Some age related Discolouration to the Hands.
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Overall the W10 is in Excellent Vintage condition.
The Dial is in Wonderful condition, the lume has stayed that highly desirable Yellow colour. Absolutely superb.
Steel Case is in very good nick, there are a few very minor age related marks.
Caseback markings are very nice.
Original Crown.
Crystal in good shape.
Hands are in lovely shape. Some Discolouration.
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Photographed on a 7in Wrist.