{"title":"Vintage archive","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis is our archive of vintage watches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAll of the watches listed below are now sold out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eYou can see our current stock of vintage watches\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/vintage-watches\" title=\"Vintage watches current collection\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/mrjoneswatches.com\/collections\/vintage-watches\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"jaeger-le-coultre-futurematic-1954","title":"JLC 6b\/346","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a rare and desirable Mark 11 navigator’s wrist watch, made by Jaeger LeCoultre. The original Ministry of Defence specification describes this watch as, “The wrist watch Mk. 11 is a highly accurate time piece suitable for astro-navigation purposes”. This watch was used by the navigator in an RAF plane in conjunction with a bubble-sextant to calculate the exact latitude and longitude of the aircraft. This method was in principal the same as that used by sailors to calculate their position ever since the development of the marine chronometer by John Harrison in the mid eighteenth century. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Mark 11 is probably the most iconic British Military watch there is, it was produced in relatively small numbers and only ever supplied by two firms: International Watch Company and Jaeger LeCoultre. Of the two Jaeger LeCoultre supplied just 2,900 pieces making this one of the rarest of military watches. What’s more Jaeger LeCoultre created a special movement, the calibre 488 SBR that was reserved exclusively for this model. A later calibre derived from the 488 was used to power the JLC Geomatic, which was the flagship watch for the house in the 1950s. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis was really the pinnacle of manually wound ‘tool’ watches, and is widely regarded as having the highest quality movement ever supplied to the military (look at the picture of the movement - it simply doesn’t get any better than this in my opinion!) If you need any further convincing about the special power this watch holds over so many people then please visit \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/markeleven.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ethe website dedicated to tracking this model\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Mark 11 was designed to withstand the harsh environment of a military airplane - it was constructed in such a way as to shield the mechanism from the strong magnetic fields which were present: the dial is made of iron and considerably thicker than that found on a regular watch, an iron dust cover wraps around the back of the movement and joins with the dial to completely enclose the movement and so prevent the influence of magnetism on the time keeping. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Mark 11 watches were considered such valuable military property that the case and dial and even the movement itself was marked with the military pheon. The watches were subject to an exacting maintenance schedule, indeed initially they were returned to the manufacturer annually for service and for testing to to ensure they conformed to the original time keeping specification. No other military watch was ever subjected to such a rigorous testing and maintenance schedule. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere is an excellent article about the Mark 11 watches which gives fascinating context and insight into them \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.gregsteer.net\/IWC\/Mark_11\/mark11a-en.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe movement has been fully serviced and the timekeeping is excellent, the watch has a hacking function - that is the seconds are stopped while the time is being set, so it can be set to the exact second. The case has been cleaned, but as with all out vintage watches we have left it unpolished, so do be aware that the case bears the usual marks of wear. The crystal has been cleaned and polished. The watch is available with a reproduction of the AF0210 strap in black, this was the precursor to the nato fabric strap and the watch comes with our standard 12 month guarantee.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the things that makes the Mk 11 so special is the combination of exacting, chronometer-grade performance and a pure, minimal design. To my mind they are the very essence of horological understatement and quality. Produced in tiny numbers and with a rabid following they represent an excellent investment.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter: 35mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: stainless steel\u003cbr\u003eStrap width: 17.5mm \u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A+\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39257876037814,"sku":"VW183","price":8500.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW182-Web-menu.jpg?v=1663771957"},{"product_id":"le-coultre-reverso-c-1935","title":"Le Coultre Reverso (c 1935)","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e13 March 2021 Note: this watch is reserved\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\nThis is one of the iconic watches of the 20th century: the Le Coultre Reverso. This model has an unusual feature that allows the face of the watch to be turned inwards to protect it. This innovation was to address a need amongst polo playing Army officers in the 1930s, who wanted to protect their watch while playing this sport. The watch found a much wider audience and became a stylish accessory for the well dressed gentlemen in the years before the second world war. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe case and dial very clearly reflect the time they were made in - the watch has an elegant Art Deco design, which was at the height of fashion when it was made. This watch is signed \"Le Coultre\" on the dial, rather than \"Jeager Le Coultre\", at it pre-dates the merging of these two companies in 1937. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe watch is in excellent order: the dial is clean and the case is free from any significant defects. The watch head rotates smoothly and the movement has been serviced and runs very well. Many people used the large blank area of the case back to have dedications or monograms engraved, although not something that has happened to this watch. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe watch has been fully serviced and is performing very well. I feel somewhat protective to this watch - it's survived in excellent order for such a long time and I'm sure it's new owner will cherish and keep it for future generations to enjoy. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase size: 23mm x 38mm\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCase material: Stainless steel \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eStrap width: 17mm\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003etime keeping: grade A","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39331896131766,"sku":"VW160","price":5500.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW160-menu.jpg?v=1615376356"},{"product_id":"cyma-chronometer-1940s","title":"Cyma chronometer (1940s)","description":"This is a rare chronometer-rated wristwatch made by Cyma. Although Cyma are no longer in business, they were a well respected manufacturer, producing a wide range of calibre including chronographs. The British Military used Cyma pocket and wrist-watches throughout the 20th century. Indeed this particular watch uses an upgraded version of the cal 234 that is found inside the Cyma WWW Dirty Dozen military watch. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis particular watch is chronometer rated, meaning it has passed a series of tests under controlled conditions These tests comprised setting the watch in various different positions. These positions varied from testing station to testing station, but at a minimum the watch was tested for 24 hours dial up, dial down, and crown up. The watch was also tested at different temperatures, again for 24 hour periods. If the daily rate of the watch did not exceed a set number of seconds (normally +6 to -4 seconds per day) during all these tests, then it received a certificate of accuracy and the manufacturer could identify it as a chronometer.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFor some manufacturers, notably Rolex and Omega, submitting chronometers for testing was a core part of their business. However for a manufacturer like Cyma, the time and expense (plus the uncertainty of the outcome) meant that they submitted watches for testing rather rarely. Chronometer rated watches would be retailed for a significant premium on a run of the mill watch, so they were dependent on finding an educated clientele who would pay for this accuracy. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis particular watch is a very handsome example, the dial has developed a patina commensurate with it's age, but this doesn't detract from the elegant layout of the dial and the slightly flamboyant 'chronometre' script! The case is stainless steel and a good size at 35mm diameter, excluding the winding crown. The calibre 234 movement is beautifully finished and in excellent condition. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDating the watch is not really possible as serial number records no longer exist, but the number is fairly close to serial of the movements found in the WWW Military watches, which were manufactured in 1945. So I think safe to put it to somewhere in the mid to late 1940s\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe watch has been fully serviced and is performing excellently. Although not quite at chronometer standard, it is still superbly accurate for a time piece that is 70 years old. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter: 34mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: Stainless steel \u003cbr\u003eStrap width: 18mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39331896295606,"sku":"VW159","price":1095.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW159-menu.jpg?v=1622719951"},{"product_id":"smiths-w10-civilian-issue","title":"Smiths W10 civilian issue","description":"This is a Smiths W10 watch, but one that was retailed to the public \nrather than supplied to the British Army. In order to make this a \ncivilian issue, Smiths have covered the military pheon on the dial \n(although the trace of can still be seem when viewing the dial from an \nangle). These are really rather rare, indeed only a tiny fraction of the\n number that were supplied to the military were sold to the public. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe\n watch was part of a contract that Smiths won to supply the army with a \nGeneral Service watch, they supplied the watches for the years from 1967\n - 1970. The watch has an all stainless steel case and the movement \ninside is protected from magnetic fields by an iron dial and an iron \ndust cover which sits inside the case back. The movement of the watch is\n Smiths 27.CS which has and additional feature: a device to stop the \nmechanism when the winding crown is pulled out, this allows the movement\n to be accurately set to a reference time source and was part of the \noriginal military specification. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe dial conforms to military \nspecification - that is having a dark base colour and large, legible \nnumerals in white, along with a minute \/ seconds track. The watch dial \nand hands had a luminous compound to allow them to be read in the dark, \nalthough this is almost completely exhausted now. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe time \nkeeping on these military watches is far better than the majority of \nSmith’s production, showing that they could certainly match the best of \nthe Swiss industry. It makes it all the sadder that the firm wound up \nthe watch and clock making divisions only a few years later. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe\n stainless steel case is a good everyday size at 35mm and is in \nexcellent condition, indeed the whole watch shows little sign of having \nbeen worn. The movement has been fully serviced and the timekeeping is \nexcellent. The case has been ultrasonically cleaned, but as with all out\n vintage watches we have not done any further work on it. The watch has \nbeen fitted with a new nato military strap and it comes with our \nstandard 12 month guarantee. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter: 35mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: stainless steel\u003cbr\u003eStrap width: 17mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmiths watches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmiths\n were the last English producers of quality watches. Their watches \naren't very well known today because it's over 30 years since they \nstopped production, but the quality of their watches bears comparison \nwith anything the Swiss were producing. Smiths produced a variety of \nstyles of watch for both ladies and gentlemen in chrome, steel, silver \nand gold cases. The gold cased watches were particularly popular as \nlong-service presentation gifts and the casebacks are often engraved \nwith a presentation inscription. We don't remove these inscriptions as \nwe feel they are an important part of the story of each watch. They \ndeveloped an automatic movement watch and also were contracted by the \nBritish army to produce a wristwatch for general service use (the \nautomatic and the military Smiths are amongst the most sought after and \ncommand high prices).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese days we associate the Swiss with high\n end mechanical watches, but in the 19th century it was English watches \nthat occupied this prestigious position. The Swiss began to compete with\n the English watchmakers by producing low cost watches. The English were\n slow to adapt to this new competitor, they took great pride in the \nrelatively small volume of high-quality hand made watches that were \nproduced in England. The Swiss gradually swamped the watch market - \nbeginning with low cost watches, later they produced watches of a \ncomparable quality to the English hand-made watch, but at a lower price.\n The Swiss developed machine production of watches, this meant that the \nquality could be kept consistent and replacement parts were \ninterchangeable. Ultimately the English industry couldn't compete and by\n the early 1930s pretty much all watches were imported.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the \nrun up to the second world war, the government became concerned that \nthere was no indigenous watch industry left. They turned to S. Smith \n\u0026amp; Sons who were a long established a watch and clock producer and \nunderwrote the development of a new factory in Cheltenham. Precise \ntiming mechanisms were important for the war in things like bomb timers,\n as well as more traditional time pieces.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter the second world \nwar, Smiths switched over to civilian production with the first of their\n watches coming onto the market in 1947. They continued production up \nuntil the late 1970s, when they rather suddenly split up the watch and \nclock division of the company. By this time Smiths Industries was more \nfocussed on civil and military avionics and probably felt that the \nwatches were part of their past. It seems odd that nobody else sought to\n take over the business as they were clearly profitable, possibly the \nimpact of quartz watches was a factor in their decision to end the \nbusiness \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39333052842166,"sku":"VW161","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW161-menu.jpg?v=1615388178"},{"product_id":"longines-chronograph-ref-6552-3","title":"Longines chronograph (ref 6552-3)","description":"This is a super Longines chronograph from 1962, it is powered by Longines in-house 30CH chronograph movement, which is widely regarded as the best manual wind chronograph movement ever made. It's certainly the nicest stock finishing on a chronograph movement that I've ever seen - indeed the level of finish is extraordinary - the steel work is beautifully grained with the edges broken and polished. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe original silvered dial is in very good condition - it has aged gently and the applied steel hour markers really enhance the appearance and the quality of the dial. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe watch is a great size at 38mm - it's got a good presence on the wrist, without ever feeling too bulky or heavy. The stainless steel case has been lightly polished at some point in it's life, but retains the distinctive of the original shape, especially the detailed flowing shape of the lugs. It has a snap back and the original signed Longines crown. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLongines confirmed the details of the watch as follows: \"The original serial number 11'053'119 identifies a wrist-chronograph in stainless steel bearing the reference 6552. It is fitted with a Longines manually wound mechanical movement, caliber 30CH. It was invoiced on 12 July 1962 to the company Danero, which was at that time our agent for Uruguay.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe watch is in good working order, the movement has been serviced recently and time keeping is excellent, with all chronograph functions running correctly. Ready to wear and enjoy!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39868220637366,"sku":"VW162","price":6500.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW162-menu.jpg?v=1622719922"},{"product_id":"iwc-cal-89","title":"IWC cal 89","description":"This is a manual wind IWC steel watch, which is powered by their famous calibre 89. What is unusual about this example is that the movement is marked as being adjusted to three positions. IWC were one of the few Swiss manufacturers in the 1950s who didn't submit their watches for chronometer certification at one of the Swiss observatories. I understand that IWC believed that their in-house testing was of a higher standard that the testing regime at the observatories. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSo this watch movement was specially adjusted to a higher standard than the already elevated standards of IWC. For reasons known only to IWC, they didn't feel this warranted any additional printing on the dial. The watch was retailed in the USA - we can tell this because the foot of the balance cock is marked with a three letter code import code denoting IWC (confusingly this is the letters \"CYN\")  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter (excluding winding crown): 35mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: stainless steel\u003cbr\u003estrap width: 18mm","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39868325822646,"sku":"VW164","price":925.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW164-menu.jpg?v=1622721170"},{"product_id":"smiths-a404","title":"Smiths A404","description":"This is a lovely example of one of the iconic Smiths models - the A404. The design is somehow perfectly of it's time - this particular example dates from around 1955. It has Smiths workhorse 1215 movement, without shock protection. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt's in the Dennison Aquatite case, which is chrome plated with a screw on stainless steel back. The plating is in top condition, which is really rather rare for this model. Dial has developed a lovely warm champagne colour over the years and the overall impression is very elegant.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis model was advertised by Smiths as having been carried on the famed first ascent of Everest, although the actual watches carried by Hilary and co were slightly different. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFully serviced with a new crystal and strap, the watch is ready to be worn and enjoyed by a new owner. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter (excluding winding crown): 33mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: chrome plated brass\u003cbr\u003estrap width: 17mm (11\/16\")\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmiths watches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmiths were the last English producers of quality watches. Their watches aren't very well known today because it's over 30 years since they stopped production, but the quality of their watches bears comparison with anything the Swiss were producing. Smiths produced a variety of styles of watch for both ladies and gentlemen in chrome, steel, silver and gold cases. The gold cased watches were particularly popular as long-service presentation gifts and the casebacks are often engraved with a presentation inscription. We don't remove these inscriptions as we feel they are an important part of the story of each watch. They developed an automatic movement watch and also were contracted by the British army to produce a wristwatch for general service use (the automatic and the military Smiths are amongst the most sought after and command high prices).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese days we associate the Swiss with high end mechanical watches, but in the 19th century it was English watches that occupied this prestigious position. The Swiss began to compete with the English watchmakers by producing low cost watches. The English were slow to adapt to this new competitor, they took great pride in the relatively small volume of high-quality hand made watches that were produced in England. The Swiss gradually swamped the watch market - beginning with low cost watches, later they produced watches of a comparable quality to the English hand-made watch, but at a lower price. The Swiss developed machine production of watches, this meant that the quality could be kept consistent and replacement parts were interchangeable. Ultimately the English industry couldn't compete and by the early 1930s pretty much all watches were imported.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the run up to the second world war, the government became concerned that there was no indigenous watch industry left. They turned to S. Smith \u0026amp; Sons who were a long established a watch and clock producer and underwrote the development of a new factory in Cheltenham. Precise timing mechanisms were important for the war in things like bomb timers, as well as more traditional time pieces.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter the second world war, Smiths switched over to civilian production with the first of their watches coming onto the market in 1947. They continued production up until the late 1970s, when they rather suddenly split up the watch and clock division of the company. By this time Smiths Industries was more focussed on civil and military avionics and probably felt that the watches were part of their past. It seems odd that nobody else sought to take over the business as they were clearly profitable, possibly the impact of quartz watches was a factor in their decision to end the business","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39868328509622,"sku":"VW163","price":1100.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW163-menu.jpg?v=1622721222"},{"product_id":"smiths-gold-automatic-1964","title":"Smiths gold automatic (1964)","description":"This is a great example of the rare Smiths automatic. This watch has a 9 carat gold case and is hallmarked in Edinburgh in 1964. The dial of this watch is clean with a nice tone and good, clear printing and only the slightest amount of foxing. The dial has applied gold arabic numerals for 12, 3, 6 and 9 and dart markers for the other hours. The gold hands are original and are in similarly fine condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe automatic movement was the apex of technical development by Smiths, indeed Smiths were the only English watch manufacturer to ever produce an automatic movement. It was developed in the late 1950s in keeping to the general adoption of automatic movements by the Swiss watch industry. The cal 104G automatic movement was built on Smiths calibre 104 manual wind movement, designed from the outset to be adaptable to take an automatic winding module. The automatic winding system was quite closely based on the the IWC cal 853. The automatic watch was Smiths’ most expensive model and was available in either a gold or stainless steel case.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe dial is signed Everest, which Smiths reserved for their premium watches, it refers to the fact that Edmund Hillary carried a Smiths watch on the historic first ascent of Everest in 1953.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe watch has been fully serviced and regulated and the time keeping is first class. It is supplied with a new Hirsch leather strap\/ I have deliberately left the case unpolished - there is some tarnish to the gold due to it's age. I can remove this if the new owner would prefer it, but to my eyes it looks more handsome in its current state. This is a very rare watch, perfect for the person who cherishes the tradition of English-made craftsmanship.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter (excluding winding crown): 34mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: 9 carat gold (hallmarked 1964)\u003cbr\u003estrap width: 18mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39868361998518,"sku":"VW165","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW165-menu.jpg?v=1622721814"},{"product_id":"smiths-for-benson-everest-pattern","title":"Smiths for Benson Everest pattern","description":"This is an extremely rare Smiths watch which was retailed by the famous London jeweller J W Benson. What is particularly notable about this watch is that the design matches that used on the famous Edmund Hillary - Tenzing Norgay ascent of Everest in 1953. Edmund Hillary's original watch is part of the Worshipful Company of Clockmaker's collection and is on display in the Science Museum in London.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe watch has a Dennison made Aquatite case, the body is chrome plated with some very small chips, the stainless steel back is in good order. The original dial is in fair condition - the varnish has started to discolour but the overall impression is still very handsome. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe movement has been fully serviced and the timekeeping is excellent. The case has been brushed clean, but as with all out vintage watches we have left it unpolished. The crystal has been replaced and the watch has a new pigskin strap.  The watch comes with our standard 12 month guarantee.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA rare chance to acquire one of the iconic Smiths pieces, these really don't come on the market very often. There's a lot of excellent material about the watches the expedition used online, this forum post is a good place to start to learn about this fascinating moment in Smiths history:\u003cbr\u003ehttps:\/\/www.mwrforum.net\/forums\/showthread.php?87929-Smiths-were-the-only-watches-worn-on-the-summit-of-Everest-in-53-The-proof\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNB you will need to register for a free account on the Military Watch Forum to view the above post\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter: 33mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: chrome plated body and stainless steel back\u003cbr\u003eStrap width: 18mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39868378316982,"sku":"VW166","price":1450.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/vw166-menu.jpg?v=1622722287"},{"product_id":"smiths-everest-a404","title":"Smiths Everest A404","description":"This is a lovely example of one of the iconic Smiths models - the A404. The design is somehow perfectly of it's time - this particular example dates from around 1963. It has Smiths workhorse 1215 movement, with the addition of shock protection. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt's in the Dennison Aquatite case, which is chrome plated with a screw on stainless steel back. The plating is in good condition, which is rare for this model. Dial has developed a lovely warm colour over the years and the overall impression is very elegant.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis model is branded \"Everest\" - Smiths watches were carried to the summit of Everest by Hilary and Norgay and this model celebrates that, indeed it was presented as being the model that was used by the party although the actual watch (on display in the Science Museum in London) is slightly different. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFully serviced with a new crystal and strap, the watch is ready to be worn and enjoyed by a new owner. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter: 33mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: chromed brass \/ stainless steel caseback\u003cbr\u003eStrap width: 16mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40085021786294,"sku":"VW168","price":900.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW168-menu.jpg?v=1625495533"},{"product_id":"smiths-w10-1968","title":"Smiths W10 (1967)","description":"This is a Smiths W10 watch supplied to and issued by the British Army in 1967. The watch was part of a contract that Smiths won to supply the army with a General Service watch, they supplied the watches for the years from 1967 - 1970. The watch has an all stainless steel case and the movement inside is protected from magnetic fields by an iron dial and an iron dust cover which sits inside the case back. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe movement of the watch is Smiths 27.CS which has been significantly improved over the standard Smiths offering. The movement also features a device to stop the mechanism when the winding crown is pulled out, this allows the movement to be accurately set to a reference time source and was part of the military specification. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe dial conforms to military specification - that is having a black base colour and large, legible numerals in white, along with a minute \/ seconds track. The watch dial and hands had a luminous compound to allow them to be read in the dark, although normally this is almost completely exhausted, on this example is glows brightly albeit briefly when the light is turned off. The dial bears the pheon which is used to identify all British military property. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe time keeping on these military watches is far better than the majority of Smith’s production, showing that they could certainly match the best of the Swiss industry. It makes it all the sadder that the firm wound up the watch and clock making divisions only a few years later. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe stainless steel case is a good everyday size at 35mm and is in fair condition - this was after all a piece of equipment for soldiers to use in combat and they weren’t always terribly delicate! It has scratches from use, but nothing too bad. The case back, as is often the case, shows signs of mistreatment from someone using the wrong tool to unscrew it. This has resulted in a number of deep scratches, but I guess fortunate that it’s on the side of the watch that isn’t on show. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe movement has been fully serviced and the timekeeping is excellent. The case has been ultrasonically cleaned, but as with all out vintage watches we have left it unpolished. The crystal has been replaced and the watch has been fitted with a new nato military strap. The watch comes with our standard 12 month guarantee. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter: 35mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: stainless steel\u003cbr\u003eStrap width: 17mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40085035614390,"sku":"VW169","price":1650.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW169-menu.jpg?v=1625495796"},{"product_id":"smiths-for-garrard-1961","title":"Smiths for Garrard (1961)","description":"This is an English made Smiths watch in a heavy Dennison Aquatite waterproof gold case. The case is hallmarked for 1961 at the Birmingham Assay office and the watch has a presentation inscription on the back from the same year. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe watch case is in simply outstanding condition - I don't think I have ever handled one with less wear. The edges are all crisp and the watch was clearly worn very sparingly. I believe the strap is also the original one it was sold with. The dial has discolouration of the lacquer around some of the numerals, but I don't think it detracts too much from the overall impression. The dial is rather an unusual pattern - I have not seen any other Smiths-Garrard watches with this design, where the roman numerals are all luminised. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe movement is the best quality, 18 jewel offering from Smiths - it has several enhancements over the standard movement: cap jewels on the balance wheel, a Breguet overcoil hairspring and an additional jewel to the centre wheel. All of these improvements are designed to improve the timekeeping performance of the movement and I certainly think they’re comparable with the very best Swiss-made watches from the same period. The movement has been fully serviced and is keeping excellent time.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe case is made by Dennison and is their Aquatite model. Dennison was the largest UK watch case manufacturer and supplied cases to a wide range of companies besides Smiths, including such luminaries as Rolex and Omega. The Aquatite was their waterproof model and it has a screw closure caseback. The case has been ultrasonically cleaned but not polished (as with all our vintage watches).  Please be aware that this watch case is no longer completely waterproof - the seals and the age of the watch preclude totally sealing it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe watch comes with the original box, a sure sign that it was cherished. All in all a lovely watch that’s ready to wear and enjoy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter (excluding winding crown): 33mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: 9 carat gold, hallmarked Birmingham 1959\u003cbr\u003estrap width: 18mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40769548320950,"sku":"VW170","price":885.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW170-menu.jpg?v=1634723278"},{"product_id":"smiths-w10-1970","title":"Smiths W10 (1968)","description":"This is a Smiths W10 watch supplied to and issued by the British Army in 1968 (the caseback identifies it as watch 0232 from 1968). The watch was part of a contract that Smiths won to supply the army with a General Service watch, they supplied the watches for the years from 1967 - 1970. The watch has an all stainless steel case and the movement inside is protected from magnetic fields by an iron dial and an iron dust cover which sits inside the case back.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe movement of the watch is Smiths 27.CS which has been significantly improved over the standard Smiths offering. The movement also features a device to stop the mechanism when the winding crown is pulled out, this allows the movement to be accurately set to a reference time source and was part of the military specification.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe dial conforms to military specification - that is having a black base colour and large, legible numerals in white, along with a minute \/ seconds track. The watch dial and hands had a luminous compound to allow them to be read in the dark, although normally this is almost completely exhausted. The dial bears the pheon which is used to identify all British military property.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe time keeping on these military watches is far better than the majority of Smith’s production, showing that they could certainly match the best of the Swiss industry. It makes it all the sadder that the firm wound up the watch and clock making divisions only a few years later.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe stainless steel case is a good everyday size at 35mm and is in fair condition - this was after all a piece of equipment for soldiers to use in combat and they weren’t always terribly delicate! It has scratches from use, but nothing too bad. The case back, as is often the case, shows signs of mistreatment from someone using the wrong tool to unscrew it. This has resulted in a number of scratches, but I guess fortunate that it’s on the side of the watch that isn’t on show.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe movement has been fully serviced and the timekeeping is excellent. The case has been ultrasonically cleaned, but as with all out vintage watches we have left it unpolished. The crystal has been replaced and the watch has been fitted with a new nato military strap. The watch comes with our standard 12 month guarantee.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter: 35mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: stainless steel\u003cbr\u003eStrap width: 17mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40769566572726,"sku":"VW171","price":1650.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW171-menu.jpg?v=1634723635"},{"product_id":"smiths-gs-deluxe-1956","title":"Smiths GS Deluxe (1956)","description":"This is a Smiths General Service (GS) wristwatch which was issued in 1956. This is the rarest Smiths British military watch and arguably one of the rarest British military watches of all. There were approximately 300 of these watches made up and issued to the RAF in 1954, 1955 and 1956, presumably as a test order. The case back is engraved with the issue number (12745) and the year of issue: 56.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese watches were given the same 6b\/542 stores reference as the Omega navigators watch, so we can assume were issued to RAF pilots and navigators. This makes some sense for a test order - the inside of a plane cockpit was a fairly harsh environment for a mechanical wristwatch due to the presence of electromagnetic fields. The watches are shielded from electromagnetic interference by an iron dial and mumetal dust cover, which form an effective Faraday cage to prevent electromagnetic disturbance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the late 1940s and early 1950s Smiths were contracted to produce a General Service wristwatch for issue to the British Armed Forces. The British government was concerned about the reliance on overseas supply of wristwatches, which had been an issue during the second world war and subsidised Smiths \/ dangled lucrative contracts in front of them to foster British manufacture of wristwatches. For whatever reason the British army decided not to proceed with the order and Smiths didn't receive a military supply contract until the late 1960s for the W10 model.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe watch has one of the original dials, which features radium-based luminous compound. In the late 1950s all watches in service with radium dials were recalled and the hazardous material was replaced with the inert tritium. This is a very rare survivor with the original specification that it left the Smiths factory with.   The case on the watch is in superb condition, which is rather rare on a military watch. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe balance spring on the watch has a Breguet overcoil to enhance timekeeping across different positions. The movement has been fully serviced and is running superbly. The watch is fitted with a recreation of the AF0210 type strap, a precursor to the ubiquitous NATO strap which is found on Military watches.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter (excluding winding crown): 35mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: stainless steel\u003cbr\u003estrap width: 17mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Smiths GS Deluxe (1956)","offer_id":40769585053878,"sku":"VW174","price":6500.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW174-menu.jpg?v=1634723871"},{"product_id":"audemars-piguet-vzss-c-1955","title":"Audemars Piguet Vzss (c. 1955)","description":"This is a super example of an Audemars Piguet dress watch featuring their legendary VZSS movement. This ebauche or base movement was used by a number of high end firms, both for chronograph or calendar watches and also for high precision time-only watches as is the case here. The base movement was made by the Valjoux and then finished to an extremely high standard by Audemars Piguet's watchmakers. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere is a great deal of hand polishing and refinement visible on the movement, one detail I especially like is that the teeth of the winding wheel has polished faces - this is the silver wheel just above the \"Adjusted to temperature and four (4) positions\". This would have relatively little, if any, discernible benefit to the winding of the watch, but clearly for the Swiss master craftsmen it was important that attention was paid to even this minor aspect of the movement. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnother area where the very high level of detailing is visible is on the pallet bridge, beneath the balance wheel - this bridge has been black polished to create a flawless mirrored surface; You can see the same finish on the components of the swan-neck regulator on the balance cock. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI include an image taken during servicing showing the dial side of the movement. Even on very high end watches the finishing on this side of the movement tends to be less refined, which makes sense as it's concealed under the dial - only the watchmaker servicing the movement will ever see this! Yet even here you can see the pride that they took in these movements: the bridges on the keyless work are all smartly grained, with the edges broken and polished. I'm not sure of the exact date of the watch, but I wonder if the '65' engraved next to the movement serial number is a date code for June (6) 1955 (5) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere is an excellent introduction to these movements and some details of the variations that exist here:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.stetzcowatches.com\/2018\/12\/28\/origins-the-13-ligne-valjoux-vz-movement\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.stetzcowatches.com\/2018\/12\/28\/origins-the-13-ligne-valjoux-vz-movement\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt this time Audemars Piguet's output was relatively small and they didn't really produce consistent models or references from year to year, more or less each watch was a one-off. This example is, I think, a really handsome and timeless piece - it has a beautiful silvered dial with applied gold markers in a classically proportioned 18 carat gold case.  Fully serviced and regulated and ready for someone to wear and enjoy. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter: 34mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: 18 carat yellow gold\u003cbr\u003eStrap width: 18mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: superb!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40774419447990,"sku":"VW172","price":8250.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW172-menu.jpg?v=1634817507"},{"product_id":"omega-oversize-1960","title":"Omega oversize (1960)","description":"This is a lovely gold dress watch from Omega, which has an unusually large case for the time - it measures 37mm excluding the crown. Watches of this size are really rather rare - these days all sizes up to about 45mm are quite common, but in the mid 20th century manufacturers only produced what were called 'oversize' cases in relatively small numbers. The size is well suited to contemporary tastes though and certainly possesses more presence than a standard size watch of the period. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The case is made in 18 carat rose gold, rose gold was a very popular case material in the 1950s and 60s and I think this watch is a wonderful encapsulation of that triumphant period of Swiss watchmaking. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe dial has a cross hair design and a vertical guilloche finish, this gives texture to the dial and creates a very elegant appearance. The dial has applied gold hour markers and unusually an applied gold Omega logo (I have only rarely come across this on Omega watches of the period).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe case is in good order and retains what I imagine is the original brushed finish around the body of the case. There has been a slightly heavy handed repair to the fixed lugs at some point, which I've preferred to leave as it's not visible from the front and looks like it will certainly hold. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe watch is powered by an Omega calibre 268, this is a superb example of the mid-twentieth century manual wind movements that Omega produced. It's fully jewelled, with a jewel count of 17. This means that all the wheels in the train are jewelled on both pivots. Seventeen is pretty much the maximum number of jewels which a manual wind movement functionally benefits from, so it runs with the minimum amount of friction. This family of movements were the mainstay of the Omega company from about 1939 all the way up to the early 1960s and are always a pleasure to service as all the components are really well made and they go together with a bare minimum of fuss!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter: 37mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: 18 carat rose gold\u003cbr\u003eStrap width: 19.5mm, fixed lugs \u003cbr\u003etime keeping: Grade A","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40774505988278,"sku":"VW173","price":1975.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW173-menu.jpg?v=1634817581"},{"product_id":"lemania-818","title":"Lemania two-button military chronograph (1975)","description":"This is an extremely rare and desirable Lemania 818 chronograph made for the British Armed forces and delivered in 1975. Lemania were the exclusive supplier of chronograph wristwatches to the British military between 1945 and 1970. The watches they supplied during this period were single-pusher types, the reasoning being that with a single pusher there was less chance of an error in timing or accidentally stopping the chronograph. After 1970 the Ministry of Defence revised their chronograph specifications to allow for the less costly two-button type chronograph movements to be used and so opened up the chronograph supply to other manufacturers. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLemania supplied just 500 pieces of the two-pusher type chronograph 250 each in 1975 and 1976. Lemania gave this model their reference 818 and these watches are powered by their excellent 1872 movement (the same movement that was adopted by Omega for the Speedmaster line of chronographs from around 1969 onwards). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis watch is from the first year of issue - 1975 (this is what the \/75 on the case back refers to). The watch is in excellent condition, the case has some scratches and dings from use, but this is to be expected in what was a tool for the military. The dial is in superb condition, as is the movement - testament to the excellent quality of the construction of the case. The hands have some marks from rough handling during service and I believe the hour hand may have been replaced (if the new owner would prefer I can source a correct replacement, but honestly I'm not sure if it's wrong - it certainly looks a correct match for the minute hand)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe stainless steel case is asymmetric, which provides protection for the pushers and the crown, it's a good size at 40mm excluding the crown and it takes a 20mm strap. The watch has fixed strap bars, as per the military specification, for a pull through NATO type strap. The oversized crown makes winding simple. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLemania supplied many different armed forces around the world - their movements are very solidly constructed and keep excellent time, making them a good fit for a rugged life in the services. Lemania are something of a cult brand - no longer in existence today, but much cherished by aficionados. The company specialised in the production of chronographs (that is watches with a stop-watch function built in). Chronographs are inherently complicated things to manufacture and for this reason many watch companies brought-in movements from specialists like Lemania. They supplied amongst others Omega (the movement that powered the first watch on the moon was made by Lemania), and luxury brands Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe. Because Lemania often supplied movements to other brands (for which they were uncredited), watches which are signed by Lemania are especially prized.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe watch has been fully serviced and regulated, the chronograph functions perfectly and the time keeping is of the highest order. It is supplied with a NATO fabric strap. This is a great watch for everyday use.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter (excluding winding crown): 40mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: stainless steel\u003cbr\u003estrap width: 20mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A+\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40830801019062,"sku":"VW167","price":7500.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW167-menu.jpg?v=1636030054"},{"product_id":"smiths-antarctic-a454-1955","title":"Smiths Antarctic A454 (c. 1953)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is one of the iconic Smiths watches - model A454, known as the Antarctic. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Antarctic moniker was assigned because this model was supplied to the Commonwealth Trans-Arctic Expedition in 1957. This was the first successful crossing of the Antarctic since the Amundsen \/ Scott Expeditions in 1911-12. The overland crossing took 99 days starting in November 1957 and finishing in March 1958. The overland crossing team was led by the British Explorer Vivian Fuchs, who was knighted for the achievement, with Sir Edmund Hillary leading the support team. It was not until 1981 that the next successful crossing happened, which shows both the complexity and the challenge of this journey. Plenty of detail about the expedition can be found \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Commonwealth_Trans-Antarctic_Expedition\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Commonwealth_Trans-Antarctic_Expedition\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis particular watch is in excellent condition - the case retains all of the plating without any high spots or brassing. There's a bit of a scratch on the bezel at 7 o'clock and the crown shows a bit of sign of wear but overall this watch has been well looked after. The dial and handset are both original and in similarly excellent order, with no lume loss. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOne interesting thing to note: the watch has been fitted with fixed bars, instead of spring bars for the strap. I assume this was something done by the original owner who was fearful of his watch slipping off, I'm not aware of Smiths supplying this model with fixed bars. Anyway the job has been well done so I'm minded to leave as-is. For this reason I've fitted it to a reproduction military type canvas strap, which I think complements the watch really well. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe case is a screw-back but interestingly not made by Dennison (or at least not signed by them). Dennison supplied the majority of waterproof cases for Smiths, mainly their Aquatite model as well as the cases for the 1950s GS Deluxe military watches. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe movement serial number dates the watch to 1953\/54. The movement is in good order, it's been fully serviced and running very well, ready to wear and be enjoyed! \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCase diameter (excluding winding crown): 33mm\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCase material: chrome plated brass\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003estrap width: 17mm (11\/16\")\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003etime keeping: grade A\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmiths watches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmiths were the last English producers of quality watches. Their watches aren't very well known today because it's over 30 years since they stopped production, but the quality of their watches bears comparison with anything the Swiss were producing. Smiths produced a variety of styles of watch for both ladies and gentlemen in chrome, steel, silver and gold cases. The gold cased watches were particularly popular as long-service presentation gifts and the casebacks are often engraved with a presentation inscription. We don't remove these inscriptions as we feel they are an important part of the story of each watch. They developed an automatic movement watch and also were contracted by the British army to produce a wristwatch for general service use (the automatic and the military Smiths are amongst the most sought after and command high prices).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese days we associate the Swiss with high end mechanical watches, but in the 19th century it was English watches that occupied this prestigious position. The Swiss began to compete with the English watchmakers by producing low cost watches. The English were slow to adapt to this new competitor, they took great pride in the relatively small volume of high-quality hand made watches that were produced in England. The Swiss gradually swamped the watch market - beginning with low cost watches, later they produced watches of a comparable quality to the English hand-made watch, but at a lower price. The Swiss developed machine production of watches, this meant that the quality could be kept consistent and replacement parts were interchangeable. Ultimately the English industry couldn't compete and by the early 1930s pretty much all watches were imported.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the run up to the second world war, the government became concerned that there was no indigenous watch industry left. They turned to S. Smith \u0026amp; Sons who were a long established a watch and clock producer and underwrote the development of a new factory in Cheltenham. Precise timing mechanisms were important for the war in things like bomb timers, as well as more traditional time pieces.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter the second world war, Smiths switched over to civilian production with the first of their watches coming onto the market in 1947. They continued production up until the late 1970s, when they rather suddenly split up the watch and clock division of the company. By this time Smiths Industries was more focussed on civil and military avionics and probably felt that the watches were part of their past. It seems odd that nobody else sought to take over the business as they were clearly profitable, possibly the impact of quartz watches was a factor in their decision to end the business\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41238238167222,"sku":"VW176","price":1495.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW176-Menu.jpg?v=1645533919"},{"product_id":"movado-chronometer-1950s","title":"Movado Chronometer (1950s)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a very rare manual wound Movado Chronometer from the 1950s. The movement used in this watch, calibre 126, was made in a run of less than 1,000 pieces with each watch numbered.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMovado made very few manually wound and independently tested chronometers. They did self-certify a fairly high number of watches as \"chronometer\", but those movements were standard calibres which were regulated to a high standard, whereas the calibre 126 has a host of adjustments all aimed at improving the precision of the time keeping: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe movement has 21 jewels, as opposed to 17 for the base caliber; Movado fitted a balance made from Glucydur which is an alloy with very limited thermal expansion and contraction. The balance has a self-compensating Breguet overcoil hairspring for better consistency across different positions and a swan-neck regulator for very precise adjustment of the rate of the watch. The train runs in jewels which are set in gold chatons. Calibre 126 watches were adjusted to five positions and this was inscribed onto the bridges. They were serialised with six digits, the first three of which were always “125” (which was the base calibre for the uprated calibre 126), followed by three digits denoting the production number, which leads us to understand they were produced in a run of less than 1,000 pieces (I've never seen an example with more than three digits)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe movement has been serviced and adjusted and the watch is keeping superb time, perhaps not quite to the same precision as when it underwent chronometer tests, but certainly it is still a very precise instrument. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 14 carat gold case is an excellent wearable size at a fraction under 35mm, it has wonderfully evocative teardrop shaped lugs which were very fashionable during the 1950s. The original dial is in super condition, it has a two tone finish, with a brushed centre and a silvered ring around the edge. There are gold applied numerals and markers on the dial and a gold handset to match. One detail I rather like is that the sub-seconds disc has been printed with every second, something that emphasises the precision of the time keeping (i.e. that you can read this watch to the actual second). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe case back has the original owners name engraved on it, I always take the view that it is better to preserve this aspect of the watch's history rather than filling and polishing. Fitted with a hand made Italian strap the watch is ready to be worn and enjoyed. Please bear in mind that this watch, even when brand new, was not especially water resistant, so the new owner should take care not to expose it to moisture or damp. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter: 34.75mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: 14 carat yellow gold\u003cbr\u003eStrap width: 18mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A+\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41255458046134,"sku":"VW177","price":3495.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW177-menu.jpg?v=1646049295"},{"product_id":"longines-ref-5483-1947","title":"Longines ref 5483 (1947)","description":"This is a stunning example of a Longines tool watch from the late 1940s. The dial is an unusual and appealing design, it was clearly designed for ease of reading in low light. The original radium-based luminous compound is very thickly applied and when new the watch must have glowed brightly in low light (now the luminosity of the compound is exhausted so it does not illuminate at all). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a classic example of a tool watch - that is a watch designed for a working environment as opposed to a dress watch for more relaxed occasions. The case has a screw down case back to vastly improve how it's sealed from the elements. The movement has shock protection, meaning the movement won't be damaged if the watch is accidentally dropped. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere's a great article about Longines sei tacche (six notches) \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.gearpatrol.com\/watches\/a525755\/watches-you-should-know-longines-sei-tacche\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLongines are unlike the majority of Swiss manufacturers, in that they actively support the community who collect their watches and they provide for free information from their archives. They supplied the below about this particular watch:\u003cbr\u003e--\u003cbr\u003eFurther to your request, we are pleased to provide the information contained in Longines' handwritten registers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe original serial number 7'180'158 identifies a wristwatch in stainless steel bearing the reference 5483 and the order number 23341. It is fitted with a Longines manually wound mechanical movement, caliber 12.68N and was invoiced on 3 May 1947 to the company Hakkak, which was at that time our agent for Iran.\u003cbr\u003e--\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe watch is a great size at 35.5mm - generous for vintage pieces and has a pleasing presence on the wrist. The movement has been fully serviced and is running excellently and keeping time accurately. The watch is supplied with a reproduction of a vintage military-style pull through strap, which I feel really complements the watch. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter (excluding winding crown): 35.5mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: stainless steel\u003cbr\u003estrap width: 18mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41341776232630,"sku":"VW179","price":8950.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW179-menu.jpg?v=1648821738"},{"product_id":"smiths-deluxe-austin-motors-1954","title":"Smiths Deluxe \/ Austin Motors (1954)","description":"This Smiths Deluxe (model A504) was a long service presentation watch for an employee of Austin motors. As the presentation happened in Austin Motor's Golden Jubilee year (1955), they commissioned a special box from Smiths, along with a special engraving on the case back. It's a wonderful piece of mid 20th century British history linking two of the exemplars of British industrial manufacture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe two tone dial is in super condition, indeed the whole watch seems to have been rather rarely worn and I'm tempted to think it may even be on the original strap - it's certainly period correct. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe three-piece case was made by BWC in 9 carat rose gold and feels well proportioned with strong, thick lugs. The use of rose gold is fairly unusual for Smiths as the vast majority of their gold cases were made in yellow gold. BWC was the London based British Watch Case Company, slightly oddly they hallmarked their cases in Edinburgh, as is the case here which bears the date Edinburgh hallmark for  1954 (letter Y).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Smiths cal 1215 is in good condition, it doesn't have shock protection on the balance but has been serviced and is running well. The case has been ultrasonically cleaned but otherwise left untouched - as we do with all our vintage watches. Ready to wear and be enjoyed!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter: 32mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: 9 carat rose gold\u003cbr\u003eStrap width: 16mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmiths watches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmiths were the last English producers of quality watches. Their watches aren't very well known today because it's over 30 years since they stopped production, but the quality of their watches bears comparison with anything the Swiss were producing. Smiths produced a variety of styles of watch for both ladies and gentlemen in chrome, steel, silver and gold cases. The gold cased watches were particularly popular as long-service presentation gifts and the casebacks are often engraved with a presentation inscription. We don't remove these inscriptions as we feel they are an important part of the story of each watch. They developed an automatic movement watch and also were contracted by the British army to produce a wristwatch for general service use (the automatic and the military Smiths are amongst the most sought after and command high prices).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese days we associate the Swiss with high end mechanical watches, but in the 19th century it was English watches that occupied this prestigious position. The Swiss began to compete with the English watchmakers by producing low cost watches. The English were slow to adapt to this new competitor, they took great pride in the relatively small volume of high-quality hand made watches that were produced in England. The Swiss gradually swamped the watch market - beginning with low cost watches, later they produced watches of a comparable quality to the English hand-made watch, but at a lower price. The Swiss developed machine production of watches, this meant that the quality could be kept consistent and replacement parts were interchangeable. Ultimately the English industry couldn't compete and by the early 1930s pretty much all watches were imported.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the run up to the second world war, the government became concerned that there was no indigenous watch industry left. They turned to S. Smith \u0026amp; Sons who were a long established a watch and clock producer and underwrote the development of a new factory in Cheltenham. Precise timing mechanisms were important for the war in things like bomb timers, as well as more traditional time pieces.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter the second world war, Smiths switched over to civilian production with the first of their watches coming onto the market in 1947. They continued production up until the late 1970s, when they rather suddenly split up the watch and clock division of the company. By this time Smiths Industries was more focussed on civil and military avionics and probably felt that the watches were part of their past. It seems odd that nobody else sought to take over the business as they were clearly profitable, possibly the impact of quartz watches was a factor in their decision to end the business \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41341777477814,"sku":"VW178","price":885.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW178-menu.jpg?v=1648821770"},{"product_id":"smiths-imperial-1957","title":"Smiths Imperial (1957)","description":"This is an English made Smiths Imperial, dating from 1957. The case is 9 carat gold and in very good condition, it does not have any presentation inscription so it must have been a private purchase. The dial has applied gold indices and an arabic 12 marker, it has aged to a lovely off-white tone. The design and overall appearance is a really good example of late 1950s design and has a lovely feel for that period. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eImperial was the designation that Smiths gave to watches which used their new and improved movement which was released in the late 1950s (the cal 104). This new production movement is a much improved piece of engineering compared to the original 1215. The movement is both reliable and easy to service. The Imperial branding was relatively short lived - it was superseded by the \"Everest\" branding which was used from around 1960. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe movement has shock proofing which means a flexible jewel setting has been fitted to the balance staff to protect it from damage caused by sudden impacts or shocks (things like dropping your watch accidentally). The balance staff is the really delicate part at the heart of the mechanism - it is responsible in very large part for the precision of the time keeping.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe movement has been fully serviced and regulated and the time keeping is excellent. This is a super, wearable watch and perfect for the person who cherishes the tradition of the English-made watch. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter (excluding winding crown): 32mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: 9 carat gold, hallmarked Birmingham 1957\u003cbr\u003estrap width: 16mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003etime keeping: grade A\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eabout Smiths watches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmiths were the last English producers of quality watches. Their watches aren't very well known today because it's over 30 years since they stopped production, but the quality of their watches bears comparison with anything the Swiss were producing. Smiths produced a variety of styles of watch for both ladies and gentlemen in chrome, steel, silver and gold cases. The gold cased watches were particularly popular as long-service presentation gifts and the casebacks are often engraved with a presentation inscription. We don't remove these inscriptions as we feel they are an important part of the story of each watch. They developed an automatic movement watch and also were contracted by the British army to produce a wristwatch for general service use (the automatic and the military Smiths are amongst the most sought after and command high prices).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese days we associate the Swiss with high end mechanical watches, but in the 19th century it was English watches that occupied this prestigious position. The Swiss began to compete with the English watchmakers by producing low cost watches. The English were slow to adapt to this new competitor, they took great pride in the relatively small volume of high-quality hand made watches that were produced in England. The Swiss gradually swamped the watch market - beginning with low cost watches, later they produced watches of a comparable quality to the English hand-made watch, but at a lower price. The Swiss developed machine production of watches, this meant that the quality could be kept consistent and replacement parts were interchangeable. Ultimately the English industry couldn't compete and by the early 1930s pretty much all watches were imported.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the run up to the second world war, the government became concerned that there was no indigenous watch industry left. They turned to S. Smith \u0026amp; Sons who were a long established a watch and clock producer and underwrote the development of a new factory in Cheltenham. Precise timing mechanisms were important for the war in things like bomb timers, as well as more traditional time pieces.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter the second world war, Smiths switched over to civilian production with the first of their watches coming onto the market in 1947. They continued production up until the late 1970s, when they rather suddenly split up the watch and clock division of the company. By this time Smiths Industries was more focussed on civil and military avionics and probably felt that the watches were part of their past. It seems odd that nobody else sought to take over the business as they were clearly profitable, possibly the impact of quartz watches was a factor in their decision to end the business.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41341832626358,"sku":"VW180","price":885.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW177-menu_80b39517-cf01-43d6-911d-5eaba719f7c9.jpg?v=1648822854"},{"product_id":"cwc-g10-fat-boy-1980","title":"CWC G10 Fat Boy (1980)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a very nice example of the first generation of quartz watches supplied to the British Military. It was supplied by The Cabot Watch Company (CWC), which was established in 1972 specifically to supply watches to the British military. The G10 General Service wristwatch was intended to be a general purpose timepiece and was widely issued to all branches of the British Military.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis first generation of G10 is characterised by a thicker case compared with later generations, hence the nickname \"Fat boy\". The case back has the Nato stores number for this type of watch engraved, along with the individual identifier for this specific watch (6436) and the issue year (80, i.e. 1980).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere's a great resource for everything CWC \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cwcaddict.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/cwcaddict.com\/\"\u003ehere \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese watches are a good size and robustly made in a two piece, satin finished stainless steel case. The movement has been serviced and is working excellently and keeping very good time, as one would expect from a quartz mechanism. The case has been cleaned, but as with all out vintage watches we have left it unpolished. The crystal has been polished and the watch has been fitted with a Nato one-piece nylon strap. The watch comes with our standard 12 month guarantee.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter: 35mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: stainless steel\u003cbr\u003eStrap width: 18mm\u003cbr\u003eTime keeping: grade A\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41689148686518,"sku":"VW182","price":825.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW182-menu.jpg?v=1659969479"},{"product_id":"copy-of-smiths-w10-1968","title":"Smiths W10 (1968)","description":"This is a Smiths W10 watch supplied to and issued by the British Army in 1968 (the caseback identifies it as watch 4999 from 1968). The watch was part of a contract that Smiths won to supply the army with a General Service watch, they supplied the watches for the years from 1967 - 1970. The watch has an all stainless steel case and the movement inside is protected from magnetic fields by an iron dial and an iron dust cover which sits inside the case back.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe movement of the watch is Smiths 27.CS which has been significantly improved over the standard Smiths offering. The movement also features a device to stop the mechanism when the winding crown is pulled out, this allows the movement to be accurately set to a reference time source and was part of the military specification.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe dial conforms to military specification - that is having a black base colour and large, legible numerals in white, along with a minute \/ seconds track. The watch dial and hands had a luminous compound to allow them to be read in the dark, although normally this is almost completely exhausted. The dial bears the pheon which is used to identify all British military property.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe time keeping on these military watches is far better than the majority of Smith’s production, showing that they could certainly match the best of the Swiss industry. It makes it all the sadder that the firm wound up the watch and clock making divisions only a few years later.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe stainless steel case is a good everyday size at 35mm and is in good condition - this was after all a piece of equipment for soldiers to use in combat and they weren’t always terribly delicate! It has scratches from use, but nothing too bad. The case back, as is often the case, shows signs of mistreatment from someone using the wrong tool to unscrew it. This has resulted in a number of scratches, but I guess fortunate that it’s on the side of the watch that isn’t on show.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe movement has been fully serviced and the timekeeping is excellent. The case has been ultrasonically cleaned, but as with all out vintage watches we have left it unpolished. The crystal has been replaced and the watch has been fitted with a new nato military strap. The watch comes with our standard 12 month guarantee.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter: 35mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: stainless steel\u003cbr\u003eStrap width: 17mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41810829639862,"sku":"VW184","price":1550.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW183-Web-menu.jpg?v=1663773625"},{"product_id":"jlc-mk-11-6b-346-1948","title":"Smiths oversized 18 jewel (1960)","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis is the largest size gold watch that Smiths made at 35mm, making it a more contemporary size than many vintage pieces. The case is made in three pieces and is in super condition with the facets on the lugs clear and sharp. The dial is in super condition and it has applied gold markers, giving a wonderfully smart and elegant appearance. I find this model to be amongst the most wearable of the Smiths dress watches and indeed often wear the same model for special occasions. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe movement is significantly enhanced from the standard model - there are an additional three jewels (two cap jewels on the escape wheel, plus jewelling to the centre wheel on the top plate). These jewels are all designed to minimising friction within the movement and so ensuring more accurate time keeping. Additionally the hairspring has a Breguet overcoil, which gives enhanced accuracy in different positions and there is shock protection on the balance pivots. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe performance of the movement is significantly better than a regular Smiths movement, indeed I believe their 18 jewel movement bears comparison with the top Swiss brands. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThere is a 25 year long service dedication engraved on the case back from Littlewoods Mail Order. The case is hallmarked for Edinburgh 1960 (date letter ‘C’) and the case was made by Smiths in-house (SCW stands for Smiths Clocks and Watches). The watch is paired with a new old stock pigskin strap, which I think harmonises with the tone of the gold wonderfully.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe movement has been fully serviced and the timekeeping is excellent. The case has been cleaned, but as with all out vintage watches we have left it unpolished. The watch comes with our standard 12 month guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCase diameter (excluding winding crown): 35mm\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCase material: 9 carat gold\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003estrap width: 17mm\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003etime keeping: grade A\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42107406647478,"sku":"VW185","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW185-WebMenu.jpg?v=1676287012"},{"product_id":"jlc-mk-11-6b-346-1949","title":"JLC Mk 11 6b\/346 (1948)","description":"This is a rare and desirable Mark 11 navigator’s wrist watch, made by Jaeger LeCoultre. The original Ministry of Defence specification describes this watch as, “The wrist watch Mk. 11 is a highly accurate time piece suitable for astro-navigation purposes”. This watch was used by the navigator in an RAF plane in conjunction with a bubble-sextant to calculate the exact latitude and longitude of the aircraft. This method was in principal the same as that used by sailors to calculate their position ever since the development of the marine chronometer by John Harrison in the mid eighteenth century. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Mark 11 is probably the most iconic British Military watch there is, it was produced in relatively small numbers and only ever supplied by two firms: International Watch Company and Jaeger LeCoultre. Of the two Jaeger LeCoultre supplied just 2,900 pieces making this one of the rarest of military watches. What’s more Jaeger LeCoultre created a special movement, the calibre 488 SBR that was reserved exclusively for this model. A later calibre derived from the 488 was used to power the JLC Geophysic, which was the flagship watch for the house in the 1950s. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis was really the pinnacle of manually wound ‘tool’ watches, and is widely regarded as having the highest quality movement ever supplied to the military (look at the picture of the movement - it simply doesn’t get any better than this in my opinion!) If you need any further convincing about the special power this watch holds over so many people then please visit \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/markeleven.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ethe website dedicated to tracking this model\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Mark 11 was designed to withstand the harsh environment of a military airplane - it was constructed in such a way as to shield the mechanism from the strong magnetic fields which were present: the dial is made of iron and considerably thicker than that found on a regular watch, an iron dust cover wraps around the back of the movement and joins with the dial to completely enclose the movement and so prevent the influence of magnetism on the time keeping. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Mark 11 watches were considered such valuable military property that the case and dial and even the movement itself was marked with the military pheon. The watches were subject to an exacting maintenance schedule, indeed initially they were returned to the manufacturer annually for service and for testing to to ensure they conformed to the original time keeping specification. No other military watch was ever subjected to such a rigorous testing and maintenance schedule. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere is an excellent article about the Mark 11 watches which gives fascinating context and insight into them \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.gregsteer.net\/IWC\/Mark_11\/mark11a-en.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe movement has been fully serviced and the timekeeping is excellent, the watch has a hacking function - that is the seconds are stopped while the time is being set, so it can be set to the exact second. The case has been cleaned, but as with all out vintage watches we have left it unpolished, so do be aware that the case bears the usual marks of wear. The crystal has been cleaned and polished. The watch is available with a black nato fabric strap and the watch comes with our standard 12 month guarantee.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the things that makes the Mk 11 so special is the combination of exacting, chronometer-grade performance and a pure, minimal design. To my mind they are the very essence of horological understatement and quality. Produced in tiny numbers and with a rabid following they represent an excellent investment.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter: 35mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: stainless steel\u003cbr\u003eStrap width: 17.5mm \u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A+","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42107407728822,"sku":"VW186","price":8500.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/products\/VW184-Web-menu.jpg?v=1676287092"},{"product_id":"smiths-imperial-automatic-1957","title":"Smiths Imperial automatic (1957)","description":"Smiths Imperial (9 carat gold case)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a rare Smiths automatic from 1961, it’s signed “Imperial” on the dial which is really rather rare - the vast majority of Smiths automatics are signed “Everest”. After 1962 the top models in the Smiths lineup were all branded “Everest” (Smiths provided watches to the first successful ascent of Everest by Hillary and Tenzing in 1953). Prior to the Everest branding Smiths used “Imperial” to denote their top models, and this branding was only used for a single year 1961 on their automatic watches.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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 largely derived from the IWC cal 853 movement (but if you’re going to copy any Swiss automatic movement, you may as well copy one of the best!) The automatic watch sat at the top of the Smiths lineup, alongside the 18 carat mode, it was produced in either a gold case, gold-pated or in stainless steel.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe dial of this watch is in outstanding condition - it has a nice warm tone and the printing of the dial is very clear. The hands are original and are in good condition. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe watch has been fully serviced and regulated and the time keeping is excellent. It is supplied with a vintage crocodile strap. This is a very rare watch and eminently wearable, perfect for the person who cherishes the tradition of the English-made watch.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlease see vintage watch care advice here.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter (excluding winding crown): 34mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: 9 carat gold\u003cbr\u003estrap width: 17mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmiths watches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmiths were the last English producers of quality watches. Their watches aren't very well known today because it's over 30 years since they stopped production, but the quality of their watches bears comparison with anything the Swiss were producing. Smiths produced a variety of styles of watch for both ladies and gentlemen in chrome, steel, silver and gold cases. The gold cased watches were particularly popular as long-service presentation gifts and the casebacks are often engraved with a presentation inscription. We don't remove these inscriptions as we feel they are an important part of the story of each watch. They developed an automatic movement watch and also were contracted by the British army to produce a wristwatch for general service use (the automatic and the military Smiths are amongst the most sought after and command high prices).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese days we associate the Swiss with high end mechanical watches, but in the 19th century it was English watches that occupied this prestigious position. The Swiss began to compete with the English watchmakers by producing low cost watches. The English were slow to adapt to this new competitor, they took great pride in the relatively small volume of high-quality hand made watches that were produced in England. The Swiss gradually swamped the watch market - beginning with low cost watches, later they produced watches of a comparable quality to the English hand-made watch, but at a lower price. The Swiss developed machine production of watches, this meant that the quality could be kept consistent and replacement parts were interchangeable. Ultimately the English industry couldn't compete and by the early 1930s pretty much all watches were imported.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the run up to the second world war, the government became concerned that there was no indigenous watch industry left. They turned to S. Smith \u0026amp; Sons who were a long established a watch and clock producer and underwrote the development of a new factory in Cheltenham. Precise timing mechanisms were important for the war in things like bomb timers, as well as more traditional time pieces.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter the second world war, Smiths switched over to civilian production with the first of their watches coming onto the market in 1947. They continued production up until the late 1970s, when they rather suddenly split up the watch and clock division of the company. By this time Smiths Industries was more focussed on civil and military avionics and probably felt that the watches were part of their past. It seems odd that nobody else sought to take over the business as they were clearly profitable, possibly the impact of quartz watches was a factor in their decision to end the business","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42238049484982,"sku":"VW103","price":1850.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/files\/VW103-smiths_automatic_stand.jpg?v=1684331342"},{"product_id":"cwc-g10-fat-boy-1980-copy","title":"CWC G10 (1985)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"left-side\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eThis is a British Military issue wristwatch, it was supplied by the Cabot Watch Company (CWC). CWC supplied a variety of different models to the British Army over the years, but are perhaps best known for this general service watch, which they supplied over a long period to all branches of the armed services. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe case backs of military watches are engraved with the stores reference, which tells us a lot about the individual watch. This particular watch has an engraving which reads 0552\/6645-99, to break this down: 0552 refers to an item issued to the Royal Navy, 6645 is the code for a “Time Measuring Instrument” and 99 is the country identifier for the UK. The number below, 1633 is the serial number of the individual watch. The two digits at the end of the engraving is the year of issue, so 1985 in this case. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe design of these watches was laid out in a Ministry of Defence specification, which detailed such things as the colour of the dial and numerals, the case material and dimensions and so on. These watches make great everyday pieces - they were designed to be robust and hard wearing. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe movement has been fully serviced and the timekeeping is great, as one would expect from a quartz mechanism. The case has been lightly cleaned, but as with all out vintage watches we have left it unpolished. The crystal has been replaced and the watch has been fitted with a Nato one-piece nylon strap. The watch comes with our standard 12 month guarantee.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCase diameter: 35.75mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCase material: stainless steel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStrap width: 18mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTime keeping: grade A\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\" class=\"centre\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43499181015222,"sku":null,"price":395.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/files\/VW187-menu.jpg?v=1727339552"},{"product_id":"rolex-oyster-perpetual-6564-1959","title":"Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref 6564 (1959)","description":"This is a rare chronometer-rated wristwatch made by Cyma. Although Cyma are no longer in business, they were a well respected manufacturer, producing a wide range of calibre including chronographs. The British Military used Cyma pocket and wrist-watches throughout the 20th century. Indeed this particular watch uses an upgraded version of the cal 234 that is found inside the Cyma WWW Dirty Dozen military watch. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis particular watch is chronometer rated, meaning it has passed a series of tests under controlled conditions These tests comprised setting the watch in various different positions. These positions varied from testing station to testing station, but at a minimum the watch was tested for 24 hours dial up, dial down, and crown up. The watch was also tested at different temperatures, again for 24 hour periods. If the daily rate of the watch did not exceed a set number of seconds (normally +6 to -4 seconds per day) during all these tests, then it received a certificate of accuracy and the manufacturer could identify it as a chronometer.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFor some manufacturers, notably Rolex and Omega, submitting chronometers for testing was a core part of their business. However for a manufacturer like Cyma, the time and expense (plus the uncertainty of the outcome) meant that they submitted watches for testing rather rarely. Chronometer rated watches would be retailed for a significant premium on a run of the mill watch, so they were dependent on finding an educated clientele who would pay for this accuracy. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis particular watch is a very handsome example, the dial has developed a patina commensurate with it's age, but this doesn't detract from the elegant layout of the dial and the slightly flamboyant 'chronometre' script! The case is stainless steel and a good size at 35mm diameter, excluding the winding crown. The calibre 234 movement is beautifully finished and in excellent condition. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDating the watch is not really possible as serial number records no longer exist, but the number is fairly close to serial of the movements found in the WWW Military watches, which were manufactured in 1945. So I think safe to put it to somewhere in the mid to late 1940s\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe watch has been fully serviced and is performing excellently. Although not quite at chronometer standard, it is still superbly accurate for a time piece that is 70 years old. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter: 34mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: Stainless steel \u003cbr\u003eStrap width: 18mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43499195433142,"sku":"vw189","price":5950.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/files\/VW189-menu.jpg?v=1727340975"},{"product_id":"smiths-everest-aquatite-1961","title":"Smiths Everest aquatite (1961)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is an English made Smiths Everest waterproof gold watch from 1961. The case is 9 carat gold and in good condition, it has a long service inscription on the rear from Albion Motors, who manufactured motor cars and other vehicles in Glasgow up until the 1970s (more details about Albion Motors \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.scottishbanner.com\/2023\/12\/26\/albion-motors-a-glasgow-great\/\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003ehere)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dial has raised gold indices and arabic quarter marker, it has aged to a lovely even off-white tone. The design and overall appearance is a really good example of late mid 20th century design and has a lovely feel for that period. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis model is branded \"Everest\" - Smiths watches were carried to the summit of Everest by Hilary and Norgay and this model celebrates that. Smiths reserved the \"Everest\" branding for their highest quality of watches. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe case is made by Dennison in Birmingham and is hallmarked for 1961 . The case is one of their Aquatite line of waterproof cases, this specifically refers to the screw down case back. I have replaced the seals on the case back but I would consider a watch of this period to be more water-resistant than water-proof. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe movement is a Smiths cal 104, which was a considerable revision of their original (1940s) calibre 1215.  The new and improved movement was launched in the late 1950s and is a much improved piece of engineering being both both reliable and easy to service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe movement has been fully serviced and regulated and the time keeping is excellent. This is a super wearable watch and perfect for the person who cherishes the tradition of the English-made watch. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter (excluding winding crown): 32mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: 9 carat gold, hallmarked Birmingham 1961\u003cbr\u003estrap width: 16mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003etime keeping: grade A\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eabout Smiths watches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmiths were the last English producers of quality watches. Their watches aren't very well known today because it's over 30 years since they stopped production, but the quality of their watches bears comparison with anything the Swiss were producing. Smiths produced a variety of styles of watch for both ladies and gentlemen in chrome, steel, silver and gold cases. The gold cased watches were particularly popular as long-service presentation gifts and the case backs are often engraved with a presentation inscription. We don't remove these inscriptions as we feel they are an important part of the story of each watch. They developed an automatic movement watch and also were contracted by the British army to produce a wristwatch for general service use (the automatic and the military Smiths are amongst the most sought after and command high prices).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese days we associate the Swiss with high end mechanical watches, but in the 19th century it was English watches that occupied this prestigious position. The Swiss began to compete with the English watchmakers by producing low cost watches. The English were slow to adapt to this new competitor, they took great pride in the relatively small volume of high-quality hand made watches that were produced in England. The Swiss gradually swamped the watch market - beginning with low cost watches, later they produced watches of a comparable quality to the English hand-made watch, but at a lower price. The Swiss developed machine production of watches, this meant that the quality could be kept consistent and replacement parts were interchangeable. Ultimately the English industry couldn't compete and by the early 1930s pretty much all watches were imported.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the run up to the second world war, the government became concerned that there was no indigenous watch industry left. They turned to S. Smith \u0026amp; Sons who were a long established a watch and clock producer and underwrote the development of a new factory in Cheltenham. Precise timing mechanisms were important for the war in things like bomb timers, as well as more traditional time pieces.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter the second world war, Smiths switched over to civilian production with the first of their watches coming onto the market in 1947. They continued production up until the late 1970s, when they rather suddenly split up the watch and clock division of the company. By this time Smiths Industries was more focussed on civil and military avionics and probably felt that the watches were part of their past. It seems odd that nobody else sought to take over the business as they were clearly profitable, possibly the impact of quartz watches was a factor in their decision to end the business.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43499198808246,"sku":"vw190","price":900.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/files\/vw190-menu.jpg?v=1727342247"},{"product_id":"smiths-for-benson-everest-pattern-copy","title":"Smiths Edmund Hillary pattern","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is an extremely rare Smiths watch which matches that used on the famous Edmund Hillary - Tenzing Norgay ascent of Everest in 1953. Edmund Hillary's original watch is part of the Worshipful Company of Clockmaker's collection and is on display in the Science Museum in London.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor reasons best known to Smiths, the model they used to equip the 1952 Everest expeditionary force was produced in rather small numbers and differs from the model that Smiths used in their advertising around the Everest ascent. These really don't come up very often.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe watch has a Dennison made Aquatite case, the body is chrome plated which is showing plenty of wear (as these often do - the plating was not terribly well applied). the stainless steel back is in good order. The original dial is in excellent condition - there are some minor marks on it, but the overall impression is very handsome - the lume plots are clean and all intact, and there's no sign of water ingress. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe movement has been fully serviced and the timekeeping is excellent. The case has been brushed clean, but as with all out vintage watches we have left it unpolished. The crystal has been replaced and the watch has a new pigskin strap. The watch comes with our standard 12 month guarantee.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA rare chance to acquire one of the iconic Smiths pieces. There's a lot of excellent material about the watches the expedition used online, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mwrforum.net\/forums\/showthread.php?87929-Smiths-were-the-only-watches-worn-on-the-summit...\" target=\"_new\"\u003ethis forum post\u003c\/a\u003e is a good place to start to learn about this fascinating moment in Smiths history:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNB you will need to register for a free account on the Military Watch Forum to view the above post\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter: 33mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: chrome plated body and stainless steel back\u003cbr\u003eStrap width: 18mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmiths watches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmiths were the last English producers of quality watches. Their watches aren't very well known today because it's over 30 years since they stopped producing, but the quality of their watches bears comparison with anything the Swiss were producing. Smiths produced a variety of styles of watch for both ladies and gentlemen in chrome, steel, silver and gold cases. The gold cased watches were particularly popular as long-service presentation gifts and the casebacks are often engraved with a long-service inscription. We don't remove these inscriptions as we feel they are an important part of the story of each watch. They developed an automatic movement watch and also were contracted by the British army to produce a wristwatch for general service use (the automatic and the military Smiths are amongst the most sought after and can command high prices).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese days we associate the Swiss with high end mechanical watches, but in the 19th century it was English watches that occupied this prestigious position. The Swiss began to compete with the English watchmakers by producing low cost watches. The English were slow to adept to this new competitor, they took great pride in the relatively small volume of high-quality hand made watches that were produced in England. The Swiss gradually swamped the watch market - beginning with low cost watches, later they produced watches of a comparable quality to the English hand-made watch, but at a lower price. The Swiss developed machine production of watches, this meant that the quality could be kept consistent and replacement parts were interchangeable. Ultimately the English industry couldn't compete and by the early 1930s pretty much all watches were imported.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the run up to the second world war, the government became concerned that there was no indigenous watch industry left. They turned to S. Smith \u0026amp; Sons who were a long established a watch and clock producer and underwrote the development of a new factory in Cheltenham. Precise timing mechanisms were important for the war in things like bomb timers, as well as more traditional time pieces.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter the second world war, Smiths switched over to civilian production with the first of their watches coming onto the market in around 1947. They continued production up until the late 1970s, when they rather suddenly split up the watch and clock division of the company. By this time Smiths Industries was more focussed on civil and military avionics and I guess felt that the watches were part of their past. It seems odd that nobody else sought to take over the business as they were clearly profitable, possibly the impact of quartz watches was a factor in their decision to end the business.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43555751985334,"sku":"vw192","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/files\/VW192-menu.jpg?v=1729607433"},{"product_id":"audemars-piguet-vzssc","title":"Audemars Piguet VZSSC","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a super example of an Audemars Piguet dress watch featuring their legendary VZSSC movement, that is their VZ movement with the centre seconds. This ebauche or base movement was used by a number of high end firms, both for chronograph or calendar watches and also for high precision time-only watches as is the case here. The base movement was made by the Valjoux and then finished to an extremely high standard by Audemars Piguet's watchmakers. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere is a great deal of hand polishing and refinement visible on the movement, one detail I especially like is that the teeth of the winding wheel has polished faces - this is the silver wheel just above the \"Adjusted to temperature and four (4) positions\". This would have relatively little, if any, discernible benefit to the winding of the watch, but clearly for the Swiss master craftsmen it was important that attention was paid to even this minor aspect of the movement. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnother area where the very high level of detailing is visible is on the pallet bridge, beneath the balance wheel - this bridge has been black polished to create a flawless mirrored surface; You can see the same finish on the components of the swan-neck regulator on the balance cock. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere is an excellent introduction to these movements and some details of the variations that exist here:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.stetzcowatches.com\/2018\/12\/28\/origins-the-13-ligne-valjoux-vz-movement\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.stetzcowatches.com\/2018\/12\/28\/origins-the-13-ligne-valjoux-vz-movement\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt this time Audemars Piguet's output was relatively small and they didn't really produce consistent models or references from year to year, more or less each watch was a one-off. This example is, I think, a really handsome and timeless piece with tyhe original white dial in superb condition. The 18 carat gold case is an excellent, wearable size at 35.5mm diameter excluding the crown. Fully serviced and regulated and ready for someone to wear and enjoy. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA really special and rare watch for someone to treasure and enjoy. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter: 35.5mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: 18 carat yellow gold\u003cbr\u003eStrap width: 18mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: superb!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43555807920310,"sku":"vw193","price":19500.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/files\/VW193-menu.jpg?v=1729607991"},{"product_id":"longines-dirty-dozen-www","title":"Longines Dirty Dozen WWW","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a British Army issued Longines watch from 1945. The watch was issued to soldiers in the army, it has a steel case and a black dial with white numeral for clear legibility. The watch is in great condition (by no means a given for a military issued wristwatch). The dial and hands are all original and in excellent condition, the luminous material on the dial was in very poor condition when I got the watch, so this has been restored by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thealchemistrelumer\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eJames Hyman\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Ministry of Defence in the 1940s developed a specification for military issue wristwatches. The specification is referred to as W.W.W., an acronym which stands for Watch, Wristlet (i.e. not a pocket watch) and Waterproof. W.W.W. is marked on the case back along with the serial number and manufacturer code (F for Longines). In all there were 12 different manufacturers who produced watches to this specification for the MoD, collectively they are referred to as “The Dirty Dozen”, there’s an excellent introduction to these watches \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.hodinkee.com\/articles\/dirty-dozen-twelve-military-watches\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNote: often this watch is referred to as a “Greenlander”, this derives from the misapprehension that these watches were supplied to members of the British North Greenland Expedition (1952-54). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe watch has an beautiful Longines 12.68N movement with Breguet overcoil and blued screws contrasting nicely with the gilded plates. This is really the last generation of Longines movements which featured this sort of traditional finishing. The movement also has shock proofing on the balance pivots, designed to absorb the sort of jarring-impacts which can damage or break the staff. The watch has a great solid stainless steel case, which at 38mm is large for a vintage watch, but well suited to contemporary tastes. The watch has fixed lugs to hold it securely to the strap, even in combat. The watch has been fully serviced and regulated and the time keeping is of the highest order.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAll in all a charismatic watch in excellent condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter (excluding winding crown): 38mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: stainless steel\u003cbr\u003estrap width: 18mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A+\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43555825516726,"sku":"VW196","price":6750.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/files\/VW196-menu.jpg?v=1729608681"},{"product_id":"smiths-w10-1969","title":"Smiths W10 (1968)","description":"This is a Smiths W10 watch supplied to and issued by the British Army in 1968 (the caseback identifies it as watch 0232 from 1968). The watch was part of a contract that Smiths won to supply the army with a General Service watch, they supplied the watches for the years from 1967 - 1970. The watch has an all stainless steel case and the movement inside is protected from magnetic fields by an iron dial and an iron dust cover which sits inside the case back.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe movement of the watch is Smiths 27.CS which has been significantly improved over the standard Smiths offering. The movement also features a device to stop the mechanism when the winding crown is pulled out, this allows the movement to be accurately set to a reference time source and was part of the military specification.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe dial conforms to military specification - that is having a black base colour and large, legible numerals in white, along with a minute \/ seconds track. The watch dial and hands had a luminous compound to allow them to be read in the dark, although normally this is almost completely exhausted. The dial bears the pheon which is used to identify all British military property.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe time keeping on these military watches is far better than the majority of Smith’s production, showing that they could certainly match the best of the Swiss industry. It makes it all the sadder that the firm wound up the watch and clock making divisions only a few years later.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe stainless steel case is a good everyday size at 35mm and is in fair condition - this was after all a piece of equipment for soldiers to use in combat and they weren’t always terribly delicate! It has scratches from use, but nothing too bad. The case back, as is often the case, shows signs of mistreatment from someone using the wrong tool to unscrew it. This has resulted in a number of scratches, but I guess fortunate that it’s on the side of the watch that isn’t on show.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe movement has been fully serviced and the timekeeping is excellent. The case has been ultrasonically cleaned, but as with all out vintage watches we have left it unpolished. The crystal has been replaced and the watch has been fitted with a new nato military strap. The watch comes with our standard 12 month guarantee.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter: 35mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: stainless steel\u003cbr\u003eStrap width: 17mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54855234191744,"sku":"vw197","price":1795.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/files\/VW197-menu.jpg?v=1733238219"},{"product_id":"le-coultre-reverso-c-1935-copy","title":"Le Coultre Reverso (c 1931)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is one of the iconic watches of the 20th century: the Le Coultre Reverso, which is still produced today nearly 100 years after it was first released. This watch has an unusual feature that allows the face of the watch to be turned inwards to protect it. The inspiration for the Reverso came to Caesar De Trey while watching a polo match in India. De Trey observed the damage done to watches in the course of the rough and tumble of the sport and conceived of a reversible watch that could be turned inwards in order to protect the dial and crystal. De Trey contacted Jacques-David LeCoultre, with whom he already had business dealings - indeed De Trey had introduced the inventor of the Atmos clock to LeCoultre. LeCoultre was taken with the idea and committed to the development (all of the above and a wealth of further information about Jaeger LeCoultre can be found in the excellent \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.classicwatch.com\/jaeger-lecoultre-book\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\"Jaeger LeCoultre a Guide for the Collector\"\u003c\/a\u003e by Zaf Basha)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular watch is part of the very first edition of the Reverso: LeCoultre in the 1931 didn't produce a suitable size rectangular movement to power their new watch. So up until early 1933 they used a movement from a rival firm: the Tavannes cal 64. These early Reversos are easily identifiable due to the lack of the seconds hand. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe case and dial very clearly reflect the time they were made in - the watch has an elegant Art Deco design, which was at the height of fashion when it was made. The watch is in fair condition for it's age: it's clearly had a life and the dial has developed a nicely aged patina. The watch head rotates smoothly and the movement has been serviced and runs very well. Many people used the large blank area of the case back to have dedications or monograms engraved, although not something that has happened to this watch. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe watch has been fully serviced and is performing well. I feel proud to have got this watch back into working order, it's rather an historic piece and I'm sure it's new owner will cherish and keep it for future generations to enjoy. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase size: 23mm x 38mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: Stainless steel \u003cbr\u003eStrap width: 17mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54855345996160,"sku":"vw198","price":5950.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/files\/vw198-stand.jpg?v=1733239681"},{"product_id":"smiths-gold-automatic-1964-copy","title":"Smiths Everest automatic (1960s)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis 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 automatics by the Swiss watch industry in the post war years.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe dial of this watch is in outstanding condition - it has a nice warm tone and the printing 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe cal 104G automatic movement was built in-house by Smiths, entirely in England. The movement is far superior to the early Smiths movements, the automatics in contrast are much better thought through and bear comparison with anything the Swiss were producing at this time. The automatic winding system was reputedly copied from the IWC cal 853 movement, indeed it is very similar in design and function, but if you’re going to copy any movement then the IWC is one of the very best! The automatic watch was Smiths’ most expensive model and was produced in either a gold case, gold-pated or rarely in stainless steel as with this watch.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe watch has been fully serviced and regulated and the time keeping is excellent. It is supplied with a nos stainless steel bracelet which I think it more or less contemporary with the watch. This is a very rare watch and eminently wearable perfect for the person who cherishes the tradition of the English-made watch.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter (excluding winding crown): 34mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: stainless steel\u003cbr\u003estrap width: 18mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eabout Smiths watches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmiths were the last English producers of quality watches. Their watches aren't very well known today because it's over 30 years since they stopped producing, but the quality of their watches bears comparison with anything the Swiss were producing. Smiths produced a variety of styles of watch for both ladies and gentlemen in chrome, steel, silver and gold cases. The gold cased watches were particularly popular as long-service presentation gifts and the casebacks are often engraved with a long-service inscription. We don't remove these inscriptions as we feel they are an important part of the story of each watch. They developed an automatic movement watch and also were contracted by the British army to produce a wristwatch for general service use (the automatic and the military Smiths are amongst the most sought after and can command high prices).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese days we associate the Swiss with high end mechanical watches, but in the 19th century it was English watches that occupied this prestigious position. The Swiss began to compete with the English watchmakers by producing low cost watches. The English were slow to adept to this new competitor, they took great pride in the relatively small volume of high-quality hand made watches that were produced in England. The Swiss gradually swamped the watch market - beginning with low cost watches, later they produced watches of a comparable quality to the English hand-made watch, but at a lower price. The Swiss developed machine production of watches, this meant that the quality could be kept consistent and replacement parts were interchangeable. Ultimately the English industry couldn't compete and by the early 1930s pretty much all watches were imported.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the run up to the second world war, the government became concerned that there was no indigenous watch industry left. They turned to S. Smith \u0026amp; Sons who were a long established a watch and clock producer and underwrote the development of a new factory in Cheltenham. Precise timing mechanisms were important for the war in things like bomb timers, as well as more traditional time pieces.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter the second world war, Smiths switched over to civilian production with the first of their watches coming onto the market in around 1947. They continued production up until the late 1970s, when they rather suddenly split up the watch and clock division of the company. By this time Smiths Industries was more focussed on civil and military avionics and I guess felt that the watches were part of their past. It seems odd that nobody else sought to take over the business as they were clearly profitable, possibly the impact of quartz watches was a factor in their decision to end the business.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54855517667712,"sku":"vw200","price":1950.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/files\/vw200-menu.jpg?v=1733242045"},{"product_id":"raf-lemania-6b-551-1953","title":"RAF Lemania 6B\/551 (1953)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a rare Royal Air force issued single-button Lemania chronograph. These watches were originally ordered by the Navy for pilots and navigators in the late 1940s and in the early 1950s the RAF also ordered some for themselves. This watch is part of that order, identifiable as such from the engraving on the caseback:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA.M. \/ 6B \/ 551\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e273 \/ 53\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreaking this down: A.M. stands for \"Air Ministry\" which was an old fashioned designation for the Royal Air Force; 6B denotes a piece of equipment for use in-flight; 551 is the identifier for this type of chronograph wristwatch with a single button. 273 is the identifier for this particular watch (i.e. it's 273rd watch in the order) and 53 references 1953, which is the year the order was placed. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe single button operates the chronograph (stop-watch function) - the button in turn starts, stops and resets the chronograph. There is an elapsed minute counter, which allows for timing intervals up to 30 minutes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe condition of both the dial and movement is excellent - testament how well constructed the case is. The size at 38mm is large for a 1950s watch, but well suited to contemporary tastes. The case is all stainless steel and is in very good order - a few marks from wear but overall very tidy. As with all our vintage watches the case has been ultrasonically cleaned, but not polished.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLemania supplied many different armed forces around the world - their movements are very solidly constructed and keep excellent time, making them a good fit for a rugged life in the services. Lemania are something of a cult brand - no longer in existence today, but much cherished by aficionados. The company specialised in the production of chronographs (that is watches with a stop-watch function built in). Chronographs are inherently complicated things to manufacture and for this reason many watch companies brought-in movements from specialists like Lemania. They supplied amongst others Omega (the movement that powered the first watch on the moon was made by Lemania), and luxury brands Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe. Because Lemania often supplied movements to other brands (for which they were uncredited), watches which are signed by Lemania are especially prized.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe watch has been serviced and regulated, the chronograph functions perfectly and the time keeping is of the highest order. It is supplied with what I believe is the original, issued NATO fabric strap.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter (excluding winding crown): 38mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: stainless steel\u003cbr\u003estrap width: 20mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A+\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56707544416640,"sku":"VW204","price":4950.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/files\/VW204-MANU.jpg?v=1760690000"},{"product_id":"smith-1946","title":"Smith English made (1946)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis 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). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe watch can be fairly accurately dated to 1946 since in January 1947 \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1348\/3759\/files\/VW205-article.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ean article appeared in the Horological Journal\u003c\/a\u003e (the British trade magazine for the watch making industry) stating that \u003cem\u003e\"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... \u003cstrong\u003eA few 13-ligne Smith watches had previously been offered to the public \u003c\/strong\u003ebut this production represented the end of a Government contract.\"\u003c\/em\u003e I guess it's possible it dates from 1945 but as WW2 only ended in September it would seem more likely 1946. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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).  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA rare chance to acquire one of the very earliest of Smiths production, these really don't come on the market very often. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter: 33mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: stainless steel\u003cbr\u003eStrap width: 17mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade B\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56708845797760,"sku":"VW205","price":1450.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/files\/VW205-menu.jpg?v=1760704115"},{"product_id":"smiths-australian-gs-deluxe-1961","title":"Smiths Australian issue GS Deluxe (1961)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a Smiths General Service (GS) wristwatch which was issued in 1961. This is the rarest Smiths military watch since this is part of the small batch that were produced for the Australian military in 1961. The overall production number isn't know, but there are approximately 20 known examples that have surfaced and the number spread runs from 155 to 556. Assuming 3 digit numbers were used this would possibly indicate an order of 500 pieces. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe case back engraving gives the NATO item code for a \"Time Measuring Instrument\" (6045) and the country code for Australia (66). It also gives the unique number assigned to this particular watch (257) and the year of the order (1961).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe watch is all original and in simply outstanding condition. The and handset have the original radium-based luminous compound (please note that this no longer creates a glow in the dark - the luminous compound had a relatively short lifespan before it was exhausted). The case is in great condition - the odd rather small mark, but no major chips or signs of misuse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese watches are very similar to the Smiths 6b\/542 watches produced for RAF pilots and navigators. There is a small difference in that the movement on the Australian issue watches also hacks, allowing time setting to the second. The balance spring on the watch has a Breguet overcoil, something Smiths very rarely produced, which helps with precise timekeeping across different positions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe inside of a plane cockpit was a fairly harsh environment for a mechanical wristwatch due to the presence of electromagnetic fields. These watches are shielded from electromagnetic interference by an iron dial and mumetal dust cover, which form an effective Faraday cage to prevent electromagnetic disturbance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe movement has been fully serviced and is running superbly. The watch is fitted with a recreation of the AF0210 type strap, a precursor to the ubiquitous NATO strap which is found on Military watches.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter (excluding winding crown): 35mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: stainless steel\u003cbr\u003estrap width: 17mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56708921819520,"sku":"VW206","price":6950.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/files\/VW206-menu_95adcb37-a10a-4d45-834a-aa49aefea0d2.jpg?v=1760705247"},{"product_id":"lemania-two-button-military-issue-chronograph-1975","title":"Lemania two button military issue Chronograph (1975)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is an extremely rare and desirable Lemania 818 chronograph made for the British Armed forces and delivered in 1975.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLemania were the exclusive supplier of chronograph wristwatches to the British military between 1945 and 1970. The watches they supplied during this period were single-pusher types, the reasoning being that with a single pusher there was less chance of an error in timing or accidentally stopping the chronograph. After 1970 the Ministry of Defence revised their chronograph specifications to allow for the less costly two-button type chronograph movements to be used and so opened up the chronograph supply to other manufacturers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLemania supplied just 500 pieces of the two-pusher type chronograph 250 each in 1975 and 1976. Lemania gave this model their reference 818 and these watches are powered by their excellent 1872 movement (the same movement that was adopted by Omega for the Speedmaster line of chronographs from around 1969 onwards).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis watch is from the first year of issue - 1975 (this is what the \/75 on the case back refers to). The watch is in excellent condition, the case has some minor scratches from use, but really far less that you see on most military issue watches. The dial, handset and movement are all in superb condition - testament to the excellent quality of the construction of the case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stainless steel case is asymmetric, which provides protection for the pushers and the crown, it's a good size at 40mm excluding the crown and it takes a 20mm strap. The watch has fixed strap bars, as per the military specification, for a pull through NATO type strap. The oversized crown makes winding simple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLemania supplied many different armed forces around the world - their movements are very solidly constructed and keep excellent time, making them a good fit for a rugged life in the services. Lemania are something of a cult brand - no longer in existence today, but much cherished by aficionados. The company specialised in the production of chronographs (that is watches with a stop-watch function built in). Chronographs are inherently complicated things to manufacture and for this reason many watch companies brought-in movements from specialists like Lemania. They supplied amongst others Omega (the movement that powered the first watch on the moon was made by Lemania), and luxury brands Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe. Because Lemania often supplied movements to other brands (for which they were uncredited), watches which are signed by Lemania are especially prized.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chronograph functions perfectly and the time keeping is of the highest order. It is supplied with a NATO fabric strap. This is a great watch for everyday use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCase diameter (excluding winding crown): 40mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: stainless steel\u003cbr\u003estrap width: 20mm\u003cbr\u003etime keeping: grade A+\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56899621618048,"sku":"VW207","price":11500.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/files\/VW207-menu.jpg?v=1763455863"},{"product_id":"audemars-piguet-vzssc-1","title":"Audemars Piguet VZSSC","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a large case example of an Audemars Piguet dress watch featuring their legendary VZSSC movement, that is their VZ movement with the centre seconds. This ebauche or base movement was used by a number of high end firms, both for chronograph or calendar watches and also for high precision time-only watches as is the case here. The base movement was made by the Valjoux and then finished to an extremely high standard by Audemars Piguet's watchmakers. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere is a great deal of hand polishing and refinement visible on the movement, one detail I especially like is that the teeth of the winding wheel has polished faces - this is the silver wheel just above the \"Adjusted to temperature and four (4) positions\". This would have relatively little, if any, discernible benefit to the winding of the watch, but clearly for the Swiss master craftsmen it was important that attention was paid to even this minor aspect of the movement. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnother area where the very high level of detailing is visible is on the pallet bridge, beneath the balance wheel - this bridge has been black polished to create a flawless mirrored surface; You can see the same finish on the components of the swan-neck regulator on the balance cock. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere is an excellent introduction to these movements and some details of the variations that exist \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.stetzcowatches.com\/2018\/12\/28\/origins-the-13-ligne-valjoux-vz-movement\/\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ehere.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt this time Audemars Piguet's output was relatively small and they didn't really produce consistent models or references from year to year, more or less each watch was a one-off. This example is, I think, a really handsome and timeless piece with the original champagne dial in superb condition apart from the two scratchs below the 9 o'clock marker. Honestly it makes one weep for the watchmaker who clearly slipped (it wasn't me! The watch came to me like this!) Obviously this has a significant impact on the price, but honestly it's a small scratch on an otherwise beautiful face...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 18 carat gold case is an a large size for the period at 36.65mm diameter excluding the crown. Fully serviced and regulated and ready for someone to wear and enjoy. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA really special and rare watch for someone to treasure and enjoy. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase diameter: 36.65mm\u003cbr\u003eCase material: 18 carat yellow gold\u003cbr\u003eStrap width: 18mm\u003cbr\u003eTime keeping: superb!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56899767828864,"sku":"VW209","price":11500.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/files\/VW209-menu.jpg?v=1763456707"},{"product_id":"omega-constellation-electroquartz","title":"Omega Constellation Electroquartz","description":"\u003cp\u003eOmega Constellation Electroquartz – The Dawn of the Quartz Age\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Omega Constellation Electroquartz is a landmark in horological history. Introduced in 1970 and powered by the pioneering Beta 21 quartz movement, it represented the cutting edge of timekeeping technology. This was Omega’s bold step into the future: an ultra-precise electronic wristwatch created at a moment when quartz technology was reshaping the entire industry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is particularly remarkable. It remains in unworn condition, still retaining its original protective film on both the case and case back, along with the original hang tags — a rare survival for a watch of this era. The angular case design, so distinctly 1970s, has been preserved exactly as it left the factory: sharp, crisp, and with that unmistakable Electroquartz geometry that balances futuristic flair and functional solidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside beats the legendary Beta 21, a collaborative Swiss movement developed by CEH (Centre Electronique Horloger). Revered today for its historical importance and its impressive accuracy, the Beta 21 gave the Electroquartz its signature smooth seconds hand and a level of precision that mechanical watches of the time could only admire from afar. The watch runs fine with a new battery inserted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dial is clean and confident, with the refined markers and understated Constellation branding that anchor the watch firmly in Omega’s luxury lineage. It feels both experimental and elegant — a fusion of high technology and classic design.\u003cbr\u003eTo encounter an Electroquartz in truly unworn condition is to meet the quartz revolution at the moment it began. This piece isn’t just a watch; it’s a time capsule from the early 1970s, preserving the optimism, innovation, and daring that defined the era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Year: 1971\u003cbr\u003e* Case: 37 x 42mm\u003cbr\u003e* Movement: Beta 21 quartz\u003cbr\u003e* Bracelet\/Strap: Stainless steel bracelet\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VAT FREE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56900085088640,"sku":"VW210","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/5161\/1574\/files\/VW210-menu.jpg?v=1763459993"}],"url":"https:\/\/eu.mrjoneswatches.com\/collections\/vintage-archive.oembed?page=2","provider":"Mr Jones Watches EU","version":"1.0","type":"link"}