S. Smith & Son Observatory Chronometer Pocket Watch

Inventory Number: PW2303012LC

Made circa 1900, signed S. Smith & Son. 50 mm. 18K yellow gold open-faced case, it was awarded an A class certificate and marked on the dial. Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds, blued steel spade hands.

Gilt three-quarter plate, 52 1/2-minute karrusel with lever escapement, diamond endstone, engraved Admiralty badges to the movement plate, numbered gold cuvette with maker's mark SS for Samuel Smith.

On loan from the private collection of Mr. Yeung Sau Wong.

About Smith &Son.

Samuel Smith was a watch and clockmaker, he opened his first shop in Newington Causeway, in London, in 1851. His business expanded rapidly, as he gained a reputation for offering a fast and friendly service. He had a son, also named Samuel, who developed the business to manufacture clocks and dials for automobiles. By 1830 they were in a factory in St John's Square, Clerkenwell, and remained until the late 1980s. By 1851, Smith and Sons were one of the top six largest clockmakers in England. It’s one of the leading clockmakers from the smallest to the largest timepieces, which were exported all over the world.