{"product_id":"collectible-restored-circa-1940-smiths-astral-cal-393-small-seconds-15-jewels-mechanical-fs","title":"Collectible! RESTORED! Circa 1940 Smiths Astral Cal 393 Small-Seconds 15 Jewels Mechanical (FS)","description":"\u003cp\u003eMake: Smiths (UK)\u003cbr\u003eType: Mechanical\u003cbr\u003eModel: Small Seconds\u003cbr\u003eYear of Production: Circa 1940\u003cbr\u003eMovement: 393\u003cbr\u003eBPH: 18,000\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Jewels: 15\u003cbr\u003eHand and Dial: 3D Arabic Numerals with Dauphine Hands\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 32.1mm\u003cbr\u003eLug to Lug Height: 40.1mm\u003cbr\u003eThickness: 8.6mm\u003cbr\u003eLug Width: 17mm\u003cbr\u003eBracelet: Brand-New Hi-Quality Pegasus Universe Hand-Stitched Genuine Leather Strap with Gold Buckle\u003cbr\u003ePouch \/ Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the early 20th century, Smiths began producing pocket and wrist watches. During World War 2, the company played a crucial role in producing military timepieces for British soldiers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere we have a truly rare Circa 1940 Smiths Astral Small Seconds Cal 393 15J in stunning condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dial and hands had undergone a painstaking cleaning process, and almost all imperfection were meticulously removed. Its original white dial has taken on a creamy butterscotch hue, and the indices and hands are still in excellent condition. The crystal was given a good buff and is also in excellent condition albeit scratches do remain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gold case was given a deep cleaning and a good buff thereafter; however, miniscule scratches do remain but barely noticeable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe movement was carefully stripped, meticulously cleaned, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 2 August 2026. It should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner peace of mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe crown is located at the 3H position. The hands are adjusted in the traditional manner of uncorking the crown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEquipped with the classic 393 movement, it has 15 Jewels that operate at 18,000 BPH. The timing shows approximately 11 seconds deviation daily which is well within the 30 second requirements for by brand new modern automatic watch standards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe case width and height are approx. 32.1m (w\/o crown) and 40.1mm respectively. The lug width is 17mm and the genuine leather strap can accommodate wrists up to 22.0cm; hence, suitable for men and the modern women.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe watch comes with a brand new hi-quality hand-stitched Pegasus Universal Brand Genuine Rosewood leather strap with gold buckle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Smiths Astral components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket or modified parts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDue to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBear 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis vintage watch will make a beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in 1940, and its value will appreciate over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an extremely rare Smiths Astral Small Seconds Cal 393 in stunning condition; so, be unique and own a rare circa 1940 watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition or purchase it for that special someone instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Altimate Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44464573055065,"sku":null,"price":929.0,"currency_code":"SGD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0279\/7590\/9465\/files\/IMG20260804152508.jpg?v=1785857918","url":"https:\/\/shop.altimate.sg\/products\/collectible-restored-circa-1940-smiths-astral-cal-393-small-seconds-15-jewels-mechanical-fs","provider":"Altimate Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}