Smiths for JW Benson (1955)

$975
This is a rare Smiths automatic from the early 1960s in a stainless steel case. The automatic movement was the apex of technical development by Smiths, indeed Smiths were the only English watchmaker to ever produce an automatic movement. It was developed in the late 1950s in keeping to the widespread adoption of automatic movements by the Swiss watch industry in the post war years.

The cal 104G automatic movement was built on Smiths’ calibre 104 manual wind movement (which was designed from the outset to be adaptable to take an automatic winding module). The automatic winding system was more or less copied from the IWC cal 853 movement. The automatic watch was Smiths’ most expensive model and was produced in either a gold case, gold-pated or in stainless steel as with this watch.

The dial of this watch is in great condition - it has a warm honey tone and the printing of the dial is very clear. The hands are original and are in good condition. The dial is signed Everest, which Smiths reserved for the top tier of their watches, it refers to the fact that Edmund Hillary carried a Smiths watch on the historic first ascent of Everest in 1953 (he also carried a Rolex, somewhat to the frustration of both brands he didn’t appear to actually wear either of them!)

The watch has been fully serviced and regulated and the time keeping is excellent. It is supplied with a new Hirsch leather strap. This is a rare watch and eminently wearable perfect for the person who cherishes the tradition of the English-made watch.

Case diameter (excluding winding crown): 35mm
Case material: stainless steel
strap width: 18mm
time keeping: grade A

We aim to dispatch all watch orders within 2-3 working days, where this isn't possible, we will try to inform you via email.

When your order is dispatched your tracking details will be updated.

Please allow extra processing time for watches with a customised engraving or strap, during busy sales periods this can sometimes take an extra 5-10 working days.

If you are in a hurry for your watch, please email us.

Shipping guide for watches:

United States & Canada: FREE Fedex Priority shipping, 1-4 working days

Mexico: $13 shipping to Mexico: Fedex Priority, 3-6 working days

Shipping guide for bands (unless purchased with a watch):

- FREE Royal Mail tracked, 5-10 working days

Shipping guide for t-shirts

All t-shirts on our website are now printed and shipped by an external supplier inside the United States. This means that if you place an order for both a watch and a t-shirt, they will be shipped separately.

Our supplier uses a tracked service for all shipments and this usually takes a little longer than our watches. You can see an estimated timescale when you input your address at the checkout.

  

During busy sale periods dispatch may take a little longer (this is quite rare). These delivery times are a guide based on the Fedex and Royal Mail terms of service, products may, in some unusual cases take longer to arrive. If this happens, please get in touch. 

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