This Smiths Imperial has the nineteen jewel manual wind movement and an original black dial. Model reference I.201.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From checking this watch model against the Smiths catalogues, we can see it is listed in the 1958, 1959 and 1960 catalogues. This watch could be from any of these years, so we have simply picked the middle year.
CONDITION
There were two distinct factories for Smiths,and the quality of the watches was deliberately different. In Wales they made the Empire ranges, which were pin pallet 5 or 7 jewel basic movements and cheap. These were labelled ‘MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN’ on the dial. But in Cheltenham they made the higher quality movements, and these were labelled MADE IN ENGLAND on the dial. The Made in England watches cost about three times more in 1959, demonstrating the quality difference in pounds, shillings and pence. This is a Cheltenham made watch, and a nice example at that. The original black dial is in great condition, and has arrow head markers in between the numbers on the quarters. The case is only chromed, but is in very good order. The hands are original but there is some marks to the thin, red tipped second hand. The 19 jewel movement is all working well. The leather strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour if preferred.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box 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 37.2 mm
Width without crown 34.8 mm
Between lugs 18 mm
Lug to lug length 42.9 mm
Case Thickness 10.4 mm
All sizes are approximate.
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.
