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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Military wristwatch

Smiths "W10" Military Wristwatch

Partially verified

This Smiths W10 is a stainless steel military wristwatch dating to circa 1969 for the British military. Dorotheum records an approximately 35 mm case with a screwed back, stamped with NATO stock number W10/6645-99-961-4045, issue number 2143/69, and a broad arrow. The black dial displays white Arabic numerals, minute markings, a broad arrow, and central seconds, alongside an encircled 'T' and 'MADE IN ENGLAND'. The auction house reports a 17-jewel manual-wind anchor movement, calibre 60466E (78), with soft-iron magnetic shielding.

Smiths W10 military wristwatch
Smiths W10 military wristwatch — Dorotheum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.dorotheum.com
Category
Wristwatch · Military wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Smiths
Reference
W10/6645-99-961-4045
Catalogue / lot identifier
10150852
Source-reported date
um 1969
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
2143/69

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Military Identification and Case Construction

The watch is catalogued by the auctioneer as a stainless steel military wristwatch dating to circa 1969 for the British military. Dorotheum records that the screwed case back bears military designations comprising the broad arrow insignia, NATO stock number W10/6645-99-961-4045, and issue reference 2143/69 indicating the issue number and year of commissioning.

The case measures approximately 35 mm in diameter. The cataloguer notes that the screwed case back is partially scratched and that the case has been refurbished. The case back markings are not visible in the provided photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “Armbanduhr für das britische Militär, um 1969”
  • “Gehäuse: Edelstahl, Versorgungsnummer (NATO Stock Number) W10/6645-99-961-4045, Ausgabenummer mit Jahr der Indienststellung 2143/69, Broad Arrow, verschraubter Boden, Durchmesser ca. 35 mm”
  • “Gehäuseboden tlw. verkratzt, Gehäuse überarbeitet”

Dial Configuration and Visual Characteristics

Visual observation documents a matte black dial fitted with white Arabic numerals, a perimeter minute track with luminous dots, and central seconds. A broad arrow symbol is situated on the lower half of the dial.

The dial is additionally marked 'SMITHS', a circled 'T', and 'MADE IN ENGLAND' along the lower edge. The watch is shown fitted with a textured black strap featuring pale contrast stitching.

Evidence for this section
  • “Zifferblatt: Schwarz, arabische Ziffern, Broad Arrow, Zentralsekunde”
  • “Matte black dial with white Arabic numerals and minute track with luminous dots”
  • “Dial marked 'SMITHS', circled 'T', broad arrow symbol, and 'MADE IN ENGLAND' along the lower edge”
  • “Fitted with a textured black strap featuring pale contrast stitching”

Reported Movement and Technical Specifications

The movement is not visible in the provided imagery. According to Dorotheum, the watch is powered by a 17-jewel manual-wind lever escapement movement, calibre 60466E (78).

The cataloguer further describes the movement as featuring soft-iron magnetic shielding ('Weicheisen-Magnetismusabschirmung') and a 'Made in England' designation. Mechanical performance and operational condition are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Werk: Handaufzug, Ankerwerk, Kaliber 60466E (78), Weicheisen-Magnetismusabschirmung, Made in England, 17 Steine”

Open research questions

  • What specific refurbishment was performed on the case, and did it include polishing or reshaping?
  • What markings or calibre stamps are directly observable on the movement beneath the soft-iron magnetic shield?
  • Does inspection of the case back reveal any additional military or service engravings beyond those cited in the catalogue entry?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Smiths "W10" Military Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
NATO Stock NumberW10/6645-99-961-4045“Versorgungsnummer (NATO Stock Number) W10/6645-99-961-4045”
Issue Number2143/69“Ausgabenummer mit Jahr der Indienststellung 2143/69”
Case Diameterca. 35 mm“Durchmesser ca. 35 mm”
Calibre60466E (78)“Kaliber 60466E (78)”
Movement Details17 Steine“17 Steine”
Condition NoteGehäuseboden tlw. verkratzt, Gehäuse überarbeitet“Gehäuseboden tlw. verkratzt, Gehäuse überarbeitet”
Case MaterialEdelstahl (Stainless steel)“Gehäuse: Edelstahl”
Magnetic ShieldingWeicheisen-Magnetismusabschirmung (Soft-iron magnetic shielding)“Weicheisen-Magnetismusabschirmung”
Movement Origin MarkingMade in England“Made in England”

Visible details

  • Matte black dial with white Arabic numerals and minute track with luminous dots
  • Dial marked 'SMITHS', circled 'T', broad arrow symbol, and 'MADE IN ENGLAND' along the lower edge
  • Fitted with a textured black strap featuring pale contrast stitching

Research qualifications

  • Case back markings and movement are not visible in the primary photograph
  • Source notes the case back is partially scratched and the case has been refurbished

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Smiths "W10" - Uhren und Herrenaccessoires 11.06.2026 - Erzielter Preis: EUR 1.170 - Dorotheum

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record ad7b7f321b

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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