I have always found that the best design often comes from utility and perhaps that is why my love for vintage watches began in military pieces. All military watches had three main requirements, to be durable, functional and legible. As a result, to most, all military watches look the same. For me though, it is all the little details that make military so fun and interesting.
The Smiths W10 was issued to the British Army in the late 60’s and made for general service. Sized at 35mm and housed in a stainless steel case, the W10 features long lugs and a six-notch screw down caseback. It has a classic military matte black dial with Arabic numerals and a broadarrow, signifying that it was property of the crown. With military engravings on the back, the serial number is located at the bottom followed by the year it was produced. In this case, it was made in 1968.
One of the distinctive features of the Smiths W10, is that while nearly all of the watches commissioned by the British came from Switzerland, this was made in England, as denoted by the text at the bottom of the dial. Not only that, the W10 is powered by the Cal. 60466E, a high quality, in-house British movement that features a hacking mechanism and an overcoil hairspring.
While these were made in large quantities, prices of the Smiths W10 have slowly been rising, largely due to its attractive looks and accessible price point. For anyone looking to get into military watches, this is a watch I would certainly recommend.
