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 first year: 1967. November 1967 to be precise, we know this due to date code on the movement "117".
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Interestingly this example has a back with the Military Code and Issue Number/Year removed. This could be that it was due to be reissued to a different area of the Military and it didn't happen.
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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: November 1967.
Reference: W10.
Movement: Manual wind with Hacking Centre Seconds.
Calibre: 60466E
Timekeeping: Very good.
Service History: Full Service, March 2023.
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 Vintage used 90s issued MoD Heat Sealed Strap, that fits perfectly.
Lug Width: 17mm
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- "One of the first of the last" British Military Watches.
- Very hard to find in such good order.
- Wonderful Dial with highly sought after Yellow Lume.
- Fantastic English made, fully serviced Movement.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Some minor marks to Case.
- Military Code and Issue Number Removed from Caseback.
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Overall the W10 is in Excellent Vintage condition.
The Dial is in Wonderful condition, probably one of the best I've seen, the lume has stayed that highly desirable Yellow colour.
Steel Case is in very good nick, there are a few very minor age related marks.
Caseback markings are very nice. Code and Issue Numbers Removed.
Original Crown.
Crystal in good shape.
Hands are in lovely shape.
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Photographed on a 7in Wrist.