Name: Smiths Australian issue GS Deluxe (1961)
Brand: VAT FREE
Price: 5950.0 GBP
Availability: InStock

Smiths Australian issue GS Deluxe (1961)

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This is a Smiths General Service (GS) wristwatch which was issued in 1961. This is the rarest Smiths military watch since this is part of the small batch that were produced for the Australian military in 1961. The overall production number isn't know, but there are approximately 20 known examples that have surfaced and the number spread runs from 155 to 556. Assuming 3 digit numbers were used this would possibly indicate an order of 500 pieces.

The case back engraving gives the NATO item code for a "Time Measuring Instrument" (6045) and the country code for Australia (66). It also gives the unique number assigned to this particular watch (257) and the year of the order (1961).

The watch is all original and in simply outstanding condition. The and handset have the original radium-based luminous compound (please note that this no longer creates a glow in the dark - the luminous compound had a relatively short lifespan before it was exhausted). The case is in great condition - the odd rather small mark, but no major chips or signs of misuse.

These watches are very similar to the Smiths 6b/542 watches produced for RAF pilots and navigators. There is a small difference in that the movement on the Australian issue watches also hacks, allowing time setting to the second. The balance spring on the watch has a Breguet overcoil, something Smiths very rarely produced, which helps with precise timekeeping across different positions.

The inside of a plane cockpit was a fairly harsh environment for a mechanical wristwatch due to the presence of electromagnetic fields. These watches are shielded from electromagnetic interference by an iron dial and mumetal dust cover, which form an effective Faraday cage to prevent electromagnetic disturbance.

The movement has been fully serviced and is running superbly. The watch is fitted with a recreation of the AF0210 type strap, a precursor to the ubiquitous NATO strap which is found on Military watches.

Specifications:
Case diameter (excluding winding crown): 35mm
Case material: stainless steel
strap width: 17mm
time keeping: grade A

Order processing

We aim to dispatch all orders within 1-2 working days.

When your order is dispatched, your tracking details will be updated.

If you have opted for a custom engraving please allow an additional 1-2 working days.

If you are purchasing during a sale or a limited edition release, you can expect an email update with an estimated dispatch date if there any changes to the timeframe.

If you are in a hurry for your order, please email us. We'll try our best to prioritise your order.

Shipping guide for watches

UK: FREE DPD shipping, 1-2 working days / FREE Royal Mail Tracked 24, 1-2 working days

United States and Canada: FREE DHL Express shipping, 1-3 working days / FREE UPS shipping, 1-3 working days

The EU: FREE DHL shipping, 2-4 working days. To order to The EU, please visit our Euro website here (duties and taxes are included in the price of your watch).

Click here to see the full shipping guide for watches

Shipping guide for t-shirts

Our t-shirts are printed by us, made-to-order and shipped from our workshop in London. This means that occasionally, if your order includes a t-shirt there may be a 2-3 day delay in dispatch.

If you place an order for both a watch and t-shirt(s), they will be shipped together via an express service. Delivery times for these can be found here.

If you order a t-shirt without a watch, it will be shipped via a Royal Mail tracked service which usually takes a little longer, or you have the option to pay an additional fee for an express service. You can see an estimated timescale when you input your address at the checkout.

Shipping guide for watch straps

If purchased separately from your watch, watch straps will be shipped with Royal Mail 1st Class / International tracked shipping, or you have the option to pay a additional fee for an express service.

This takes 2-14 working days depending on location. You can see a more accurate timescale when you input your address at the checkout.

These delivery times are a guide based on the carriers terms of service, products may, in some unusual cases take longer to arrive. If this happens, please get in touch.

Return your watch for an exchange

We are happy to exchange unworn watches.

Fastening the watch will cause damage to the leather. If this is the case, we charge for the watch strap (or we can put the worn strap on the exchanged watch for free).

Please email us directly if you think your watch is faulty.

Return your watch for a refund

To return for a full refund, you have 30 days if purchased online.

If you purchased your watch in-store, we can offer an exchange or store credit only. This is because you’ve seen the watch in person and had the opportunity to try it on. Please let us know if you’re purchasing as a gift.

T-shirt returns and Exchanges

We recommend checking the measurements of our t-shirts on our size guide before placing your order, you can also check them here

However, if your t-shirt is faulty, we can offer an exchange or a refund. In this circumstance, please email us within 30 days of placing your order, with a photograph of the problem, as well as your order number.

To return other products (such as straps) please email us: info@mrjoneswatches.com to arrange this.

UK returns

1) Generate your free returns label here.

2) Print it off and stick it to your original packaging.

3) Take it to your local post office. Find your closest here.

(If you no longer have your original packaging, please ensure your watch is securely wrapped in bubble wrap / something similar to protect it in transit).

NB please include a short note describing the issue with the watch and your contact details.

EU and International returns

Please send the watch to this address:

Mr Jones Watches (repairs)
61 Dartmouth Road
London SE23 3HN
United Kingdom

Ensure the watch is securely wrapped in bubble wrap to protect it in transit.

Please include a note stating:

- the reason for the return
- a detailed description of the problem with your watch (if sending for repair)
- your email address and your order number
- remember to include your return delivery address, (so we know where to send the repaired watch)

We recommend you use a tracked service.

As the UK is no longer in the EU, you will have to fill in a Customs Declaration form.

Please write in the description field "wristwatch, return for factory repair / refund , no commercial value" and list the item value as £10.

This is essential otherwise an import duty will be levied which you will be liable for (there is no way for us to reclaim this charge).

Please note: we do not cover shipping costs for unwanted items, returned from outside of the UK. If you are returning a watch that is faulty we may be able to reimburse shipping costs if your watch is within warranty, please contact us ahead of sending in this instance.

Smiths Australian issue GS Deluxe (1961)