This watch

This Stunning silver miniature pocket watch signed "S. Smith & Son" is a product of one of the most important and prestigious clock and watch businesses in British history, operating from its famous premises in Trafalgar Square, London.This ladies' or top pocket silver pocket watch is a classic example of their luxury retail line from the WWI era or shortly before, likely a reliable hi grade Swiss lever movement and cased in 925 sterling silver with a london import hallmark. Perfect porcaline / Enamelled dial with a medial function central seconds. In super sharp condition for a watch this age with its original Glass as well.      Chain Sold separately.

Extra Points

S. Smith & Son Watch Background (circa 1910–1920)
Foundation: The company was founded by Samuel Smith, Senior, in 1851.

The Golden Era: Samuel Smith, Junior, greatly expanded the business in the late 19th century, opening prestigious shops on The Strand, Piccadilly, and Trafalgar Square. They held Royal Warrants and were known as watchmakers to the Admiralty.

During this period, S. Smith & Son, like many British jewellers, retailed high-quality watches under their own name. They primarily sourced the movements from High end Swiss manufacturers.

Smith’s was renowned for selling "high-class watches with certificates from the Royal Observatory, Kew," emphasizing precision. While the company diversified heavily into motor accessories (speedometers, car clocks) starting in the 1900s and formed S. Smith and Sons (Motor Accessories) Ltd. in 1914, the original retail branch, S. Smith and Son Ltd., continued as jewellers and clock/watchmakers until 1930.

The Red Cross symbol prominently featured on your watch dial has a clear and significant meaning, especially when coupled with its design. The Red Cross is an internationally recognized emblem of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, symbolizing neutrality and humanitarian assistance.

The "Medical Watch": When a watch, particularly an early wristwatch or small pocket/fob watch, featured a Red Cross on the dial (often near the six o'clock position), it was specifically marketed as a "Medical Watch".

This indicated that the watch was ideally suited for hospital work or medical professionals, as it required features that aided in taking a pulse. The defining feature of a medical watch from this era was often a sweep centre seconds hand (a seconds hand traversing the main dial, not just a subsidiary dial).

What We Think

During the First World War there was a high demand for robust, accurate timepieces for both military and medical personnel. S. Smith Son advertised "trench watches" in 1916, including one called a "Medical Watch," where the Red Cross emphasized its intended use for hospital work.

In summary, the Red Cross on this S. Smith & Son watch dial signifies that it was sold as a timepiece specifically suitable for, or associated with, the medical profession or the Red Cross movement, a common marketing practice during the 1910s and 1920s. So we can pretty much connect it to a very interesting original owner.

Spec Stuff