Here we have a 1957 9ct gold Smiths De Luxe model, which has a presentation engraving from British Rail Western Region for 45 years’ service. It is a 31mm x 31mm 9ct gold case, which is a good even tone, without tarnishing. It has the cream dial with raised arabic numerals and in-set sub-second track, with the ‘Smiths De Luxe’ signing and ‘Made in England’ to the base. The case is of good quality having been manufactured by Dennison and has hallmarking from Birimingham assay office dating to 1957. Inside is the classic gilt finish Smiths Made in England calibre 12-15 movement. It has been recently serviced and is keeping reliable time. It is on its original leather strap, which still has plenty of life left in it. 
 
The watch was presented to William Carpenter Rosewarne Pearce, from Hayle in Cornwall. He was born on December 14th 1897. He started work with British Rail in 1913, aged 16. He was a Railway clerk who devoted his whole working life to the company, retiring at the age of 60. He was born in Hayle and passed away at 9 Chapel Terr, in Hayle, on 19th June 1978.
 
William (Service No. 218800) was enlisted to fight in the great war on the 28th of February 1916 and was mobilized and post to the 4th reserve on the 18th of August 1916. His medical/physical report stated that he was 5 foot 5, weighing 118 lbs with a 34” chest.
It also had the note that his build was “Fair” but “will develop.”
 
He was a Sapper (Private) in Royal Engineers Railway Operating Division from early 1917. He finished within No.2 Light Railway Operating Coy R.E. All of his service was undertaken in France. On the 1st of November 1919 he undertook the trade and special qualification, in which he achieved a Superior grade. In 1922 he was awarded the British war medal and victory medal.
 
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
A further condition report is below.
 
Dial: 
The dial is original and is in good condition for the age. It is a white tone which has turned off-white with age. It has some dirt and light marks associated with age. The hour markers are applied and are good without corrosion. 
 
Hands: 
The hands are thermally blued. The hour hand is of Lance Alpha style and is original. The minute hand has been replaced by a Lozenge style hand. The sub-second hand is original. 
 
Glass: 
The crystal is a good acrylic replacement which is in good condition.
 
Crown: 
The gold tone crown is original but the plating has worn with age.
 
Case:
The case is 9ct gold and is in good condition. The tone of the yellow gold is good and even. There are some light surface scratches noticeable on the sides.
 
Caseback:
The solid case back is formed of 9ct gold and is in good condition for the age. It has a polished finish with some light marking. It has a personal engraving. 
 
Strap: 
The watch is presented on its original leather strap.
 
Movement: 
The movement is a Smiths calibre 12.15. It is a manually wound movement with a jewel count of 15. 
 
It has been recently serviced. It’s keeping time to within -20 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 300 degrees and a beat error of 2.6m/s.
 
Case Dimensions:
Case width: 31mm
Case width with crown: 32.6mm 
Case length: 31mm 
Case length lug to lug: 38.5mm
Case Depth: 9.5mm
Lug width: 16mm