Deluxe Smiths A404 watch. This is the one to buy as well as its sister the A454 Antarctic model. with a chromed brass top and screw in steel case back a neat chunky timepiece, reminiscent of the Morris Minor era. The actual dial pattern that went up Everest is incorrectly assumed to be that of Hillary's watch, but Smiths later advertised this as being the model that went up to the summit, although A409 models were actually supplied to most team members totalling 13 in number. This example dates from about 1955 with a 15 jewel non-shockproof movement and a cruciform dust proof cover/case ring. Plain external back. This example is marked inside Dennison Aquatite. Vintage oversize crown. Old case seal. New crystal. Case diameter without the winding crown is the full 33.5mm. These can lose over 1 mm in general wear and tear.
This A404 Looks far better in the flesh, the pics highlight the case wear, and don't really show the case off properly. The top surfaces are shiny, the sides are brushed. Old strap still useable as it has been re-stitched, but bear in mind its for about a 6 inch wrist. Possibly pigskin as it is soft. The buckle is steel and signed Montal. Lug width is 18mm. There is some scratching on the dial. Original dial and hand lume. This excellent example shows what the watch looked like when originally sold, an impressive piece of expedition associated horology.
Fully overhauled. Good time keeper.
