The Watch
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It's no secret that in 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary carried a Smiths Deluxe Wristwatch to the summit of Everest. The A.404 was the closest in construction to Hillary's and from that point forward the A.404 was a must have for every adventure.
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Smiths continued to issue/sponsor the A.404 to expeditions where the Watches were always tested to the limit. Including the 1960 North Greenland Expedition, of which we were so lucky to acquire an A.404 that actually went on the expedition. You can read about that: here.
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In late 1963, Smiths released the "Smiths Everest A.404/E" in celebration of the 10 year Anniversary of the ascent of Everest, it appeared in the 1964 Catalogue in place of the DeLuxe and in 1965 the A.404 was dropped completely from production. Making these A.404/E's quite seldom seen only being produced for a year.
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This particular example is in fantastic Vintage condition, compared to the very few other examples that are currently available on the Web. The Dial has aged into a beautiful warm patina that changes with the light. The Chrome Case is also in superb order with minimal wear.
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View this Everest in a video: here
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The Specs
Age: December 1963. (Date Code 123)
Reference: A.404/E.
Movement: Manual Wind with Sub Seconds.
Calibre: Astral grade movement calibre 050461e.
Timekeeping: Keeping good time.
Service History: Fully Serviced February 2023 .
Dial: Original Smiths "Made in England" Factory Dial.
Case: Chrome with Stainless Steel Caseback.
Case Size: 33mm/35.6mm with Crown. 41.8mm end of lug to lug.
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original Blued Steel Handset.
Crystal: Correct Style Replacement Crystal fitted During Service.
Crown: Original Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: On a new 16mm Hirsch Kent Artisan Leather Brown Strap with Steel Buckle.
Hands: Original Blued Steel Handset.
Crystal: Correct Style Replacement Crystal fitted During Service.
Crown: Original Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: On a new 16mm Hirsch Kent Artisan Leather Brown Strap with Steel Buckle.
Lug Width: 16mm.
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Made for One Year Only.
- Superb Beautifully Aged Stepped Dial.
-Made in England.
-Superb Condition.
- The most iconic Smiths line?
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Nitty Gritty:
-Small Scratches to case.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Small Scratches to case.
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Overall the Everest is in excellent condition.
The Case is in super order, for age and nature.
The Crown is Original.
Replacement Crystal.
The Dial is in fantastic condition.
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Photographed on a 7in Wrist.
Photographed on a 7in Wrist.