1971 Smiths Astral presentation dress watch, 9ct gold case with original box
This is a very neat, smart and pleasing dress watch designed under the Smiths Astral range from the early 1970s. The 9ct gold case is a neat size, measuring 33mm x 33mm with a lug-to-lug measurement of 38mm. It has a personal inscription to the rear, whilst it also comes in its original box. The silver satin sunburst dial and stylised Arabic numerals are particularly enjoyable and make this an enjoyable dress watch. The movement is manual wind and is functioning well.
The front of the case is gold and is in good condition. There is light surface scratching on the front of the case. The case back is 9ct gold and is solid. It has a polished appearance with a brushed grain to the centre. It has multiple light surface scratches. The back has a personal engraving “T.S. Luke In appreciation of 30 years loyal service, 5/2/71.
The inside of the case back is marked 9ct, with the London assay office mark and the date letter “q” for 1971. The sponsor mark is SCW.
The dial is in very good original condition. It is a clean design with its silver satin sunburst finish. It is signed Astral below 12 with the Astral symbol. The Arabic numerals are in an interesting font, with single stick markers in-between and double stick batons at 9 and 3 o’clock.
The hands are original. They are in good condition with no bending and minimal corrosion.
The crystal is a replacement which fits the profile of the watch well. It has some surface scratching.
The crown appears to be original and is gold. It has a beautiful coin edge finish.
The strap is a Condor Buffalo Calf strap which is new and is very comfortable.
The movement is an FHF 96 from the mind 1960s. It has 17 jewels, shock proofing, a frequency of 18,000 BPH and a power reserve of 48 hours.
The service history is unknown, but the movement is in good condition cosmetically and is functioning well.
It has a daily gain of +46 seconds, with an amplitude of 271 degrees and a beat error of 1.0 m/s.
Full condition report below.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dial is in very good original condition. It is a clean design with its silver satin sunburst finish. It is signed Astral below 12 with the Astral symbol. The Arabic numerals are in an interesting font, with single stick markers in-between and double stick batons at 9 and 3 o’clock.
Hands:
The hands are original. They are in good condition with no bending and minimal corrosion.
Glass:
The crystal is a replacement which fits the profile of the watch well. It has some surface scratching.
Crown:
The crown appears to be original and is gold. It has a beautiful coin edge finish.
Case:
The front of the case is gold and is in good condition. There is light surface scratching on the front of the case.
Caseback:
The case back is 9ct gold and is solid. It has a polished appearance with a brushed grain to the centre. It has multiple light surface scratches.
The back has a personal engraving “T.S. Luke In appreciation of 30 years loyal service, 5/2/71.
The inside of the case back is marked 9ct, with the London assay office mark and the date letter “q” for 1971. The sponsor mark is SCW.
Strap:
The strap is a Condor Buffalo Calf strap which is new and is very comfortable.
Movement:
The movement is an FHF 96 from the mind 1960s. It has 17 jewels, shock proofing, a frequency of 18,000 BPH and a power reserve of 48 hours.
The service history is unknown, but the movement is in good condition cosmetically and is functioning well.
It has a daily gain of +46 seconds, with an amplitude of 271 degrees and a beat error of 1.0 m/s.
Case Dimensions:
Case width: 33mm
Case width with crown: 34.7mm
Case length: 33mm
Case length lug to lug: 38.3mm
Case Depth: 9mm
Lug width: 17mm