One of the earlier Smiths watches, this Twelve-Fifteen was so called as it had a full 12 months guarantee and 15 jewels. Model reference 12.15.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
Smiths announced wrist watch production in 1947, and their Cheltenham factory got to work. We have two adverts from 1951, announcing the 12.15 launch at a price of £7.19.6. In the 1952 catalogue the dial is slightly different, and the logo is larger, so we believe this watch had to be made in 1951.
CONDITION
Smiths had two watch factories, one in Cheltenham making the higher quality products, and one in Wales producing cheaper, pin pallet watches for the working man. So the way to spot the difference is the lower quality watches are marked MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN, whereas the better watches are marked MADE IN ENGLAND – which is what we see at the foot of the dial on this watch. This 12.15 has horned lugs on the three part chromed case, and a simple design of dial that is very legible. The dial does have a few marks, as does the case. The manual wind movement is clean and all running well. The leather strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour or material if preferred. The watch is signed on the dial and movement.
This watch will be supplied with our branded and reusable zipped travel case and cleaning cloth, and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 33.0 mm
Width without crown 30.9 mm
Between lugs 16 mm
Lug to lug length 39.9 mm
Case Thickness 11.1 mm
All sizes are approximate. The watch is photographed on a wrist of 190mm/7.5 inches.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.
