Smiths RAF Aircraft Dashboard Clock, Model 5ACA / Ref. 6A/2089
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1957
This post-war British military aircraft cockpit clock is signed by Smiths and reported by the source to date to 1957. Fitted into a powder-coated aluminium instrument housing with a square mounting flange, the unit measures 60.5 mm in width.
According to the seller, the rear instrument plate bears code 5 ACA, reference 6A/2089, serial number 24/57, and a British military broad arrow (pheon). The black dial features luminous quarter Arabic numerals, baton minute indexes, a minute track, luminescent hands, a central seconds hand, and a blue-printed Smiths signature above 6 o'clock. It is powered by a manual-wind 10-jewel calibre 302 movement.
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
- Type
- Ship's & marine clock
- Width
- 60.5 mm
- Jewels
- 10
- Calibre
- 302
- Case material
- Powder Coated Aluminium
- Serial number
- 24/57
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Instrument code
- 5 ACA
- Reference number
- 6A/2089
- Maker / attribution
- Smiths
Design
- Visible features
- • Square black-coated flange with corner mounting apertures and threaded metal inserts • Front knurled setting/winding knob situated at the lower bezel edge below 6 o'clock • Matte black dial with yellowed luminous Arabic quarter numerals (12, 3, 6, 9) and baton minute markers • Subtle blue-printed 'SMITHS' lettering positioned above the 6 o'clock numeral • White-finished central seconds hand and luminescent cathedral-style hour and minute hands
- Dial Design and Display
- The instrument features a matte black dial under a glass crystal. Time is indicated with bold luminous Arabic numerals at the quarters (12, 3, 6, and 9) alongside baton minute markers and an outer minute track. In visible inspection, the luminous compound across the markers and numerals exhibits an aged, yellowish coloration. Handset configuration comprises cathedral-style luminescent hour and minute hands paired with a white-finished central sweep seconds hand. A subtle, blue-printed 'SMITHS' signature is applied to the dial plane immediately above the 6 o'clock numeral.
- Reported Markings and Mechanism
- Internal operation is reported by the vendor to be powered by a manual-wind mechanical movement, specifically calibre 302 containing 10 jewels. Because the movement is completely enclosed within the instrument housing, this calibre specification is not verified by visual evidence. The vendor also reports that the rear of the clock is fitted with an original Smiths instrument reference plate recording code '5 ACA', reference number '6A/2089', and serial number '24/57', accompanied by a British military broad arrow (pheon). Neither the plate nor its stamped markings are visible in the supplied object photograph.
- Housing and Physical Configuration
- The instrument is built within a powder-coated aluminium housing measuring 60.5 mm in width excluding the crown. Direct observation shows a square front mounting flange finished in black coating, fitted with corner mounting apertures containing threaded metal inserts intended for dashboard installation. Operation and adjustment are handled via a front control interface. As seen on the lower bezel rim, a knurled setting and winding knob is located directly below the 6 o'clock position. The seller describes the bezel as fixed, noting that it incorporates a cog mechanism that must be pulled outward in order to set the time.
Identification
- Reference
- 6A/2089
- Serial number
- 24/57
- 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: The source text refers to the piece being issued or dated to 1957 in the title and narrative, yet lists 'Date of issue: 1953' in the technical specifications.
- Research required: The rear instrument reference plate, MoD pheon, and calibre 302 movement are described by the seller but not visible in the supplied photo.