Name: Smith English made (1946)
Brand: VAT FREE
SKU: VW205
Price: 1500.0 USD
Availability: InStock

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This is an extremely rare English watch made by Smiths from 1946. These very early watches share a lot of similarities with the so called "Mark X" military watches that Smiths were contracted to produce, but which they failed to deliver to the RAF during WW2 (the 6b/300 contract).

The watches are easily recognisable due to the "Smith" (i.e. singular) branding on the dial, coupled with the 13 ligne movement size. The basic movement was developed into their 1215 base calibre (which had 15 jewels and was 12 ligne in size). However in this earliest form the dial plate of the movement was larger at 13 ligne, something that was presumably specified by the RAF contract.

The watch can be fairly accurately dated to 1946 since in January 1947 an article appeared in the Horological Journal (the British trade magazine for the watch making industry) stating that "Production of a 12-ligne, 15-jewelled lever watch has just been started by Smiths English Clocks, Ltd., ... These watches represent Smiths first post-war effort to offer the public an all-British watch... A few 13-ligne Smith watches had previously been offered to the public but this production represented the end of a Government contract." I guess it's possible it dates from 1945 but as WW2 only ended in September it would seem more likely 1946.

The dials are very simple - stamped brass discs with single colour printing on them. The watches come in a good sized Dennison stainless steel case, with fixed bars (again something pointing to the case as being originally designed for military use).

The movement has been fully serviced and the timekeeping is acceptable - it's really not realistic to expect chronometer level performance from this generation of Smith's watches. I've fitted a nos period correct pigskin strap and the watch comes with our standard 12 month guarantee.

A rare chance to acquire one of the very earliest of Smiths production, these really don't come on the market very often.

Case diameter: 33mm
Case material: stainless steel
Strap width: 17mm
time keeping: grade B

Take a closer look

Before “Smiths,” there was Smith.

Produced in 1946, this rare English watch marks the moment Britain’s watchmaking industry returned to life — simple, purposeful, and quietly historic.

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We aim to dispatch all orders within 1-2 working days.

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

If you have opted for a custom engraving please allow an additional 1-2 working days.

If you are purchasing during a sale or a limited edition release - you can expect an email update with an estimated dispatch date if there any changes to the timeframe.

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Shipping guide for watches:

United States and Canada: FREE DHL Express shipping, 1-3 working days / FREE UPS shipping, 1-3 working days

Mexico: $13, DHL Express, 2-3 working days

Shipping guide for t-shirts:

Our t-shirts are printed by us, made-to-order and shipped from our workshop in London. This means that occasionally, if your order includes a t-shirt there may be a 2-3 day delay in dispatch.

If you place an order for both a watch and t-shirt(s), they will be shipped together via an express service. Delivery times for these can be found here.

If you order a t-shirt without a watch, it will be shipped via a Royal Mail tracked service which usually takes a little longer, or you have the option to pay an additional fee for a courier service (Either DHL or UPS). You can see an estimated timescale when you input your address at the checkout.

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

- FREE Royal Mail tracked, 5-10 working days

- $13 DHL Express, 1-3 working days

- $13 UPS, 1-3 working days

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

We are happy to exchange unworn watches.

Fastening the watch will cause damage to the leather. If this is the case, we charge for the watch strap (or we can put the worn strap on the exchanged watch for free).

Please email us directly if you think your watch is faulty: info@mrjoneswatches.com

Return for a refund

To return for a full refund, you have 30 days if purchased online.

If you purchased your watch in-store, we can offer an exchange or store credit only. This is because you’ve seen the watch in person and had the opportunity to try it on. Please let us know if you’re purchasing as a gift.

We do not cover shipping costs for unwanted items from outside the UK.

Returning your watch to us

To request a return for an unwanted watch, please follow the instructions below. Our team will process the request and issue your label or contact you directly within 1 working day.

1) Request your return label here.

2) Once issued, print if off and stick it to your original packaging.

3) Take it to your nearest DHL drop off point.

If you no longer have your original packaging, please ensure your watch is securely wrapped in bubble wrap / something similar to protect it in transit.

Please note: if you are returning a watch that is faulty we can cover shipping costs if your watch is within warranty, please contact us ahead of sending in this instance.

T-shirt returns and exchanges

We recommend checking the measurements of our t-shirts on our size guide before placing your order, you can also check them here.

However, if your t-shirt is faulty, we can offer an exchange or a refund. In this circumstance, please email us within 30 days of placing your order, with a photograph of the problem, as well as your order number.