Smiths Astral Smiths Astral is part of the Smiths watch brand, which was a prominent British watchmaker known for its high-quality timepieces. The Astral line is characterized by its simplicity and classic design, often featuring a central seconds hand and a thin bezel, making it suitable for dress wear . Smiths watches, including the Astral models, were initially made in England with British movements. The Astral watches are appreciated for their understated elegance and historical significance as part of British watchmaking heritage. Description Vintage Smiths Astral are very hard to find and are highly sought after. Here we have an incredible Smiths Astral 9ct yellow gold dress watch which has been previously restored. The outstanding previously restored silver-white dial looks perfect against the 9ct yellow gold case. This watch sits beautifully upon the wrist and is easily read in any light. This watch carries the extremely high grade calibre 17 hand-wound movement which has been freshly serviced and is running wonderfully. Key Points 100% Genuine & All Original, Fully Inspected, Serviced and Guaranteed, All in Absolutely Top Grade & Simply Stunning Condition, A Beautifully Well Cared for & Previously Restored Example, High Grade Smiths Astral 17 Jewel Hand-Wound Movement, Previously Restored Silver-White Dial with Mixed Hour Indices, Good Size 33mm Case, Excluding the Correct Unsigned Crown, High Quality 9ct Yellow Gold Smiths Astral Swiss Made Case, Smith Astral Presentation Box Included, as Shown, Black Leather Strap with Plain Gold-Plated Buckle, VGWL 24-Month Written Mechanical Warranty Included *, VGWL Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee, Free Worldwide FedEx Delivery, Free UK Special Delivery The Dial This dial is the most iconic of vintage Smiths Astral dial designs, which in essence carries through to this day. The previously restored silver-white dial carries gilt ‘dauphine’ hands with mixed '3 - 6 - 9 - 12' standard Arabic numerals along with 'arrowhead' hour indices, all of which make this dial very easy to read when on the wrist. The dial catches the light beautifully, as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs, however it looks even better face to face in real life. The dial is signed with ‘Smiths Astral’ at the very top of the dial below 12, along with ‘Made in England’ at the very bottom of the dial below 6. This dial has been previously restored to a very high standard yet remains in outstanding condition. The Movement The watch carries a high-grade Smiths Astral 17 jewel hand-wound movement. This is the original movement, which, as can be seen, is in sparkling condition, having just been fully overhauled and serviced by our Master Watchmaker. This involves complete disassembly to all its component parts, close inspection under high magnification and replacement where necessary using only original manufacturer parts before careful re-assembly, lubrication, calibration and testing. This watch winds and sets smoothly and is currently keeping accurate time, consistently, to within +/- 14 seconds per day! This is outstanding for any vintage watch of this age. We therefore have no hesitation in offering this watch with our 24-month mechanical warranty.* This movement is correctly signed with ‘Smiths Astral’, ‘Swiss’ and ‘Seventeen 17 Jewels’ Our 24-month mechanical warranty is included at the displayed price, including where the watch is shown at a reduced sale price. The Watch Case The very high quality and substantial 9ct yellow gold watch case measures 33mm in diameter, excluding the correct unsigned crown. The case, the case-back and bezel are all in superb condition with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. The watch has been beautifully well cared for and so after a close inspection, has simply required a careful clean and a gentle polish to bring it back to its current, almost as new condition. The inside of the case back is correctly signed with ‘Smiths Astral’, ‘Swiss’ along with the correct Swiss 9ct hallmarks. As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times. The Strap & Buckle A high quality black leather strap has been fitted, along with a plain gold-plated buckle. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock, in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin, but can also obtain most types and colours of strap from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of straps if you wish, here . Box and Papers Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to c1974. Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt and 24-months’ warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than 100% genuine, authentic and original, we will attend to the issue where possible. If this is not possible, a full refund will be given” . The original Smiths Astral presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale. Payment and Delivery If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number. Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and, unfortunately, out of our control. We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges; however, attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base. For those who happen to visit London on occasion, we are, of course, more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and hand your watch directly to you there. As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy. In Conclusion This is a truly first class example of a vintage Smiths Astral which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use. If treated with care, it will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece. Even though vintage gold Smiths Astral prices have risen markedly recently, we still feel good examples such as this are still undervalued and as each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold Smiths Astral watches continues to expand, prices will continue to climb ever higher.