View source for The Smiths Deluxe and Sir Edmund Hillary

==The Smiths Deluxe and Sir Edmund Hillary==

The '53 Hunt Everest expedition was supplied with both [[Rolex]] and [[Smiths]] watches. The definitive example of one of the 13 or so Smiths supplied wristwatches actually confirmed worn by Sir Edmund Hillary to the summit is illustrated in the George White account of The clockmakers of London ( Worshipful Company of Clockmakers collection.) 

That 15 jewel Smiths Deluxe expedition watch was described by the manufacturer at the time as being a model A409. A non-dress wristwatch with subsidiary seconds dial and a Dennison Aquatite case with chromed top and steel screw in back. 

The 13 watches were in all probability precursors of the full production Smiths A409, as there are small detail differences. The subsidiary seconds track has no outer ring, and Made in England is above the minute track. The almost exact replica is found in watches signed J.W Benson. The actual watches were signed Smiths Deluxe. This Benson pattern may therefore be the most desirable smiths watch made.

From 1953 onwards many different models were advertised by Smiths as being Everest watches, or as worn on Everest.

*[[The Rolex Oyster and Tenzing Norgay]]

*[[Famous_Watches_and_Their_Owners|Other Famous Watches and Their Owners]]