Lot 531: A Smiths M1 8-Day Bezel-Wind Dashboard Clock
A mid-20th-century Swiss-made mechanical dashboard clock manufactured for Smiths. The instrument is housed in a circular polished white metal case with a flat mounting flange featuring three pre-drilled screw holes. The matte black dial features white Arabic numerals and a railroad-style outer minute track. It is fitted with two cathedral-style hands and a red adjustable pointer positioned beneath the glass. The movement is wound and the time set by rotating the knurled bezel. The dial bears several printed marks: at the twelve o’clock position is a white printed M1; at the centre is the maker’s name SMITHS in a serif font above CRICKLEWOOD and LONDON; to the left of the centre is the vertical text 8 DAYS; and at the bottom edge, flanking the six, are the words SWISS MADE. A further SWISS MADE mark is visible at the very bottom edge of the dial, partially obscured by the bezel.
Condition report:
The dial surface shows minor dust and spotting (photo 1). The luminous material in the hands has darkened to a brown tone, and there is a small area of loss to the material on the minute hand (photo 1). The glass crystal exhibits numerous fine surface scratches and scuffs across its surface (photo 1). The metal case and mounting flange show light oxidation, surface scratches, and minor pitting, particularly around the mounting holes and edges (photo 1). The mechanical function, including the 8-day power reserve and timekeeping accuracy, is untested.
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