Smiths De Luxe Australian Military Issue

Regular price $9,750.00 AUD

Size: 34mm
Year: 1960s 
Movement: Manual 

 

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Offered here is an exceptionally rare Smiths De Luxe military wristwatch dating to 1961, one of the most fascinating and elusive military watches produced by Smiths.

This example carries the Australian military stock number 6645-66-010-6032 engraved to the case back and features the highly desirable thin-arrow dial, distinguishing it from the British Ministry of Defence-issued examples which typically featured the larger “fat arrow” marking.

Long-standing collectors and researchers believe these watches formed part of a production run of approximately 600 pieces supplied to Australia in 1961. While traditionally attributed to the RAAF, the lack of surviving documentation has led many specialists to believe they were more likely intended for use by the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Australian Navy. Regardless of the exact branch, these remain among the rarest Australian military wristwatches encountered today.

The watch features its original black military dial with luminous Arabic numerals, railroad minute track and broad military handset. Particularly important is the presence of the original dial configuration with the correct thin-arrow marking and “Made in England” designation.

The stainless steel Dennison case remains in excellent honest condition with sharp lines and military engraving still clearly visible to the case back. Inside is the original Smiths 17-jewel movement, manufactured in England during the final years of Britain’s domestic watchmaking industry.

Examples of these Australian-issued Smiths are seldom seen on the open market. Of the estimated production run, only a very small number have surfaced among collectors over the past several decades, making this one of the most desirable military Smiths models available.

Condition

The watch presents beautifully overall with honest wear consistent with military use and age. The original dial remains highly attractive with pleasing patina to the luminous material. The stainless steel case retains strong definition with light wear throughout. The military engravings remain clear and legible.

Specifications

  • Smiths De Luxe
  • Australian military issue
  • Dated 1961
  • Stainless steel Dennison case
  • Original black thin-arrow dial
  • Military stock number: 6645-66-010-6032
  • 17 jewel manual wind movement
  • Made in England
  • Fixed bar military case
  • Acrylic crystal
  • Approximately 34mm excluding crown

 

An exceptionally scarce piece of Australian military watch history and one of the rarest Smiths military watches available to collectors today.