A Smiths Astral wristwatch in BRONZE OR BRASS and steel, it has survived very well. Case width 32.7mm. the thickness of this watch is 11.9mm. Fitted with a 16mm strap. English frosted gilt finished 17 jewel 12 ligne movement with flat hairspring on a plain balance, with kif shock proofing. Movement batch number 596. Fully overhauled and guaranteed. with steel clip on back. Astral grade escapement. Good solid functional every day watch.. Featuring an exceptionally clean Astral grade 27 c.s which keeps excellent time. Will come packaged in a presentation box. Not mint but very wearable. The watch as it came had the original large rolled gold winding crown, and the seal on the pipe or neck, also a seal inside the case. These are original but the watch is no longer waterproof. This watch is one of the heavy duty cased examples with extra proofing that were sold as waterproof, probably to 50 metres. This watch is the only example I have seen that has not been electroplated, and was originally lacquer coated. The base metal is pretty hard and may have been intended to be sold as a bronze case, either that or it missed the plating tank, which I doubt. As a result of cleaning off most of the lacquer coating, although some stains remain on the case, the watch will slowly revert to a deeper bronze finish. All in all a very interesting and possibly unique piece.
