Collectible! Circa 1950 Smiths Small-Seconds UK Cal C31834 15 Jewels Mechanical (OH)

Make: Smiths (UK)
Type: Mechanical
Model: Small Seconds
Year of Production: Circa 1950
Movement: C31834
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 15
Hand and Dial: 3D Arabic Numerals with Syringe Hands
Width: 30.2mm
Lug to Lug Height: 37.3mm
Thickness: 9.6mm
Lug Width: 16mm
Bracelet: Brand-New Hi-Quality Bambi Brand Genuine Leather Strap with Silver Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

The story of Smiths Watches begins in England in 1851 when Samuel Smith started a clockmaking workshop in London. In 1904, the company registered as S. Smith + Sons (Motor Accessories) Ltd. They diversified into automotive parts and accessories, including speedometers that became a significant part of their business.

In the early 20th century, Smiths began producing pocket and wrist watches. During World War II, the company played a crucial role in producing military timepieces for British soldiers.

After the war, Smiths introduced a variety of watches, including the Smiths Deluxe, the Everest, and the Astral. because of their involvement in motorsports, they produced dashboard instruments for many British sports cars and were the official timekeepers for events like the Monte Carlo Rally and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Despite its earlier success, Smiths Watches faced challenges in the latter half of the 20th century. The company struggled with increased competition from foreign manufacturers, changing consumer preferences and the introduction of the quartz watch. In the 1970s, Smiths ceased watch production altogether.

In recent years, there have been attempts to revive the Smiths brand. Time Factors UK established by Mr Eddie Platt in 1996 purchased the brand name and have been producing modern Smiths watches with a vintage twist.

Here we have a truly rare Circa 1950 Smiths Small Seconds Cal C31834 18J in stunning condition.

The dial and hands had undergone a painstaking cleaning process, and almost all imperfection were meticulously removed. It's original ivory-white dial has taken on a creamy beige hue, and the indices and hands have aged very well and are still in excellent condition. The crystal was given a good buff and is also in excellent condition.

The silver case was given a deep cleaning and a good buff thereafter; however, miniscule scratches do remain but barely noticeable.

The movement was carefully stripped, meticulously cleaned, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 9 December 2025. It should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

The crown is original and located at the 3H position. The hands are adjusted in the traditional manner of uncorking the crown.

Equipped with the classic C31834 movement, it has 15 Jewels that operate at 18,000 BPH. The time-grapher shows excellent readings of 0 seconds and amplitude of 230! Such readings are truly exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, the meticulous care provided over the years, and the painstaking calibration conducted.

The case width and height are approx. 30.2m (w/o crown) and 37.3mm respectively. The lug width is 16mm and the genuine leather strap can accommodate wrists up to 19.0cm; hence, suitable for men and the modern women.

The watch comes with a brand new hi-quality Bambi Brand genuine brown leather strap with silver buckle.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Smiths components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket or modified parts.

Due to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested.

The pictures provided shows the watch in excellent condition, and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear + tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. A brand-new EVA pouch is provided instead. 

Bear in mind this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life and should be cherished and well taken care of for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty. The case-back tell the story of a wife giving her husband this watch as a gift in 1950! Nice!

This vintage watch will make a beautiful birthday present for that special someone, and its value will appreciate over time.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for an overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate, and S$ 100.00 to polish and tighten the bracelet links (if applicable) - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is an extremely rare Smiths Small Seconds Cal 31834 in stunning condition; so, be unique and own a rare watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition.