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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Serial-number guide

Smiths Serial Numbers

Needs research

What a Smiths serial number can establish, what it cannot, and how to record a date estimate another researcher could check.

Diagram

maker or gradeserialcase hallmarksimport and assay marks
Schematic: where markings are found. An outline schematic drawn to show the arrangement of the parts discussed here. It is not a dimensioned working drawing and does not depict a particular maker's calibre.

Method

Reading the number, step by step

  1. 1. Find the movement number

    Military issue markings on case backs record issue details, not manufacture date.

  2. 2. Understand what it encodes

    Some watches carry serials and some clocks date codes; conventions vary widely between domestic, motor and military products.

  3. 3. Judge how precise the date can be

    Needs research: identify product line first; state which reference interprets any code.

  4. 4. Check the records behind the tables

    No comprehensive public ledger; British collector research and military issue records assist for some products.

Quick facts

Manufacturer
Smiths
Dating confidence
Estimate only — see notes
Editorial status
Needs research

Sources & references

  1. British collector research on Smiths clocks and watches (secondary)
  2. Published references on British military timepieces

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.

Limits

What the number does not prove

Questions

Frequently asked

Where is the serial number on a Smiths watch?
Military issue markings on case backs record issue details, not manufacture date.
What do Smiths serial numbers mean?
Some watches carry serials and some clocks date codes; conventions vary widely between domestic, motor and military products.
How accurate is dating a Smiths watch by serial number?
Needs research: identify product line first; state which reference interprets any code.
Where are Smiths production records held?
No comprehensive public ledger; British collector research and military issue records assist for some products.

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