Smiths Everest automatic (1960s)

This is a rare Smiths automatic from the early 1960s in a stainless steel case. The automatic movement was the apex of technical development by Smiths, indeed Smiths were the only English watchmaker to ever produce an automatic movement. It was developed in the late 1950s in keeping to the widespread adoption of automatics by the Swiss watch industry in the post war years.The dial of this watch is in outstanding condition - it has a nice warm tone and the printing is very clear. The hands are original and are in good condition. The dial is signed Everest, which Smiths reserved for the top tier of their watches, it refers to the fact that Edmund Hillary carried a Smiths watch on the historic first ascent of Everest in 1953.The cal 104G automatic movement was built in-house by Smiths, entirely in England. The movement is far superior to the early Smiths movements, the automatics in contrast are much better thought through and bear comparison with anything the Swiss were producing at this