Here we have a genuinely scarce Smiths Astral Calendar from 1970, presented in a solid 9ct gold screw-back case and proudly signed “Made in England” at 6 o’clock. Smiths made some of the most characterful British wristwatches of the post-war era, and a date (“calendar”) Astral in solid gold is not something you see often — especially in such honest, un-messed-with condition.
The warm tone of solid 9ct gold gives this Astral a proper dress-watch presence without shouting about it. The screw-back SCW case (with tool notches) adds a reassuringly “serious” feel versus the snap-backs you often find at this level, and it keeps the watch nice and slim on the wrist. Straight, elegant lugs extend cleanly from the mid-case, giving it that crisp late-60s/early-70s profile.The “SCW” punch is the sponsor/case-maker’s mark used by Smiths for their gold watch cases — generally recorded as Smiths Clocks & Watches (Ltd) (i.e., the Smiths watch division) rather than an outside independent casemaker.
The dial is a standout: a clean, lightly aged silver dial with applied gilt Arabic numerals and a neat date window at 3 o’clock. The printing is minimal and sharp — “Smiths Astral” up top, “Made in England” down low — with a tidy minute track keeping things precise.
A lovely detail is the seconds hand, finished with a small red accent that adds just the right hint of period charm without breaking the dressy vibe.
This is a mechanical calendar Smiths (hand-wound, with date), exactly the kind of practical complication that makes these feel like “real daily watches” rather than occasional vintage pieces. The crown action is smooth, and the watch presents as a nicely preserved, original example.
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
If you want real British watchmaking history in a wearable, elegant package, Smiths is the name. The “Made in England” signature is particularly meaningful: collectors often use it as a quick tell for Smiths’ higher-grade English production (as opposed to the later “Made in Great Britain” dials tied to the Welsh factory output). Add in solid 9ct gold and the rare calendar layout, and you’ve got a watch that feels both uncommon and seriously charming — a proper sleeper for anyone bored of the usual Swiss suspects. A sentimental watch to us as my father worked with smiths during his apprenticeship back in the day.
Spec Stuff
Reference : 21350
Movement : 60474E Age : 1961/1970 Specific Age : Hallmarked London 1970 Case Size : 34mm Case Thickness : 12mm Lug to Lug : 40mm Lugs :18mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material : 9ct Gold solid Gold Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1970 Smiths 9ct Solid Gold Ultra rare Astral Date Dress Watch - Made in England
