The Watch
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During the 1950s, Smiths were commissioned by the British Government to produce a “General Service” Wristwatch which was to be used across all branches of the UK armed forces and was to be manufactured to the precise specification of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The British government was concerned about the reliance on overseas supply of Wristwatches, which had been an issue during the second world war and subsidised Smiths / dangled lucrative contracts in front of them to foster British manufacture of Wristwatches.
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An order was placed for only 300 pre-production examples, the first of which was issued to the RAF in 1954 and the rest spread out over 1955 and 1956. Following these 300 examples, it seemed that the MoD did not have the requirements for more and no more British Issue ones were produced. Making these incredibly Rare.
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These Watches would originally have had a dial with radium luminous compound. In the late 1950s all watches in service with radium dials were recalled and the hazardous material was replaced with the inert tritium. The presence of a T on the dial indicates that this dial and hands have tritium.
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The Specs
Age: c1954-56. Issued in 1956.
Reference: 6B/542
Movement: Manual wind with Centre Seconds. These Watches do not hack.
Calibre: 27CS.
Timekeeping: Good.
Service History: Last Known Service 2021. Fully Inspected by John Senior Jan 2026.
Dial: Tritium Smiths Mil Spec Dial.
Dial: Tritium Smiths Mil Spec Dial.
Case: Stainless Steel.
Measurements: 35mm.
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original.
Crystal: Correct Possibly Original Acrylic crystal.
Crystal: Correct Possibly Original Acrylic crystal.
Crown: Correct Original unsigned Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: On a lightly used Canvas Strap, that compliments the Watch very well.
Lug Width: 17mm
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- One of the Rarest British Military Watches.
- Very Nice Condition.
- Amazing Dial.
- Fantastic English made Movement.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Small bit of Paint Loss to the Centre seconds hand.
- Some very minor age related scratches and markings.
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Overall the 6B is in very nice Vintage condition.
The Dial is in very good condition.
Steel Case is in excellent condition.
Caseback markings are very nice.
Original Crown.
Crystal in very good condition.
Hands are in good shape.
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Photographed on a 7in Wrist.