Smiths De Luxe Ref. 6B/542 RAF-Issued Wristwatch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1965
This Smiths De Luxe wristwatch is a military-issued timepiece produced to meet British Ministry of Defence requirements. Dated to approximately 1965, the final year of production for this reference, the watch is estimated to be one of roughly 300 units delivered.
It features a 36mm stainless steel case that remains in an unpolished condition. The matte black dial retains its original Radium-luminous markers and a white-painted sword handset, distinct from many military watches that underwent service-contract dial replacements using Tritium-based materials. The watch is powered by the British-made Calibre 27.CS manual-winding movement. The dial is marked with the 'Broad Arrow' symbol above the 6 o'clock position and 'MADE IN ENGLAND' at the lower periphery.
It is presented on a green NATO strap. The caseback displays military engravings, and the crown is noted as original.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1965
- Type
- Military wrist watch
- Maker
- Smiths
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Movement
- Calibre 27.CS
- Case size
- 36mm
- Reference
- 6B/542
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- Smiths
- Production estimate
- Approximately 300 units
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in a 36mm stainless steel case that the auction description reports remains unpolished. It retains the original military-specific caseback engravings. The matte black dial features the 'Broad Arrow' military mark and painted hour numerals. Unlike many examples that were updated with Tritium-based dials during service intervals, this piece is stated to retain its original Radium-luminous markers. The handset consists of white-painted sword hands that match the aging of the dial plots. The condition of the dial surface is reported as exceptionally clean.
- Visible features
- • Matte black dial with painted white numerals • Broad Arrow symbol on dial • Original sword hands with aged luminous material • 36mm stainless steel unpolished case
- Design and Development
- The Smiths De Luxe reference 6B/542 was developed to satisfy technical specifications set by the British Ministry of Defence. The project required manufacturers to produce a timepiece that maintained accuracy while providing resistance to external factors including shock, dust, and magnetism. The result was a utilitarian watch produced for military service, reflective of Smiths' engineering capacity during the mid-twentieth century. This specific unit is dated to circa 1965, a timeframe cited as the conclusion of the production run for this model. Documentation indicates that only a limited number were manufactured for delivery, with estimates suggesting approximately 300 units were produced in total.
- Movement and Provenance
- The timepiece is powered by the British-manufactured Calibre 27.CS manual-winding movement. Smiths assembled these movements domestically, contributing to the marque's reputation for British-made mechanical horology during the era. The watch is currently fitted with a green NATO-style strap. Given its military origin and the lack of standard service-contract modifications, the piece is presented as a preserved example of a military-issued watch.
Identification
- Reference
- 6B/542
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Unverified exact production count
- Research required: Uncertainty regarding original status of the crown