We are proud to present this handsome Smiths Astral dress watch, a brilliant piece of British horological history from the 1960s. This watch represents the height of post-war English watchmaking and is cased in solid 9-carat gold.
The watch features a notably attractive cream-white dial that has aged gracefully. The dial’s most distinctive feature is the full set of applied Arabic numerals (1 through 12), which are gold-toned and catch the light beautifully, giving the watch a clear, classic, and highly legible appearance. The delicate minute track and subtle red-tipped seconds hand complete the elegant design.
Unlike many watches of the era which used imported Swiss movements, this Smiths Astral is powered by a fully English-made mechanical movement, showcasing the quality and craftsmanship achieved by the factory in Cheltenham, England. Cased in the UK-hallmarked 9ct gold, this is a beautiful and historically important timepiece that offers exceptional quality and rarity for the discerning collector.
Extra Points
Originally founded in London in 1851 by Samuel Smith, the company first established itself by making automotive dials and cockpit instruments and obtained a Royal warrant in 1907. A factory was built in Cheltenham at the beginning of the Second World War, and it is from this factory that the majority of vintage Smiths come from. It was at this time that Smiths’ military involvement began. They received contracts from the MoD to provide watches, which they made from scratch. By the end of the War, Smiths consisted of over 20 companies, ranging from motors to aviation, and, of course, clocks and watches. By the late 1970s, the clock and watch division of the company had broken up. The most famous Smiths wearer has to be Sir Edmund Hilary, who carried a Smiths watch to the summit of Everest.
What We Think
The solid 9ct gold case and the warm, full Arabic numeral dial combination on this Smiths Astral is simply stunning. The overall condition is excellent, and the fully English heritage adds a layer of unique collectibility that few other brands can match. It’s a wonderful, elegant dress watch that is far rarer and more historically significant than many of its Swiss counterparts.
Spec Stuff
Reference : Astral
Movement : Manual Wind Smiths Age : 1961/1970 Specific Age : 1966 Case Size : 34mm Case Thickness : 11mm Lug to Lug : 37mm Lugs :17mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material : 9ct Gold Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1966 Solid 9ct Gold Smiths Astral Watch – Beautiful Cream Dial with Full Applied Arabic Numerals – Fully English Made
