For sale we have a pleasing example of a circa 1956 Smiths De Luxe with a gold plated 33mm case, with stainless steel screw back. It has a white dial, with matte finish. It has raised tear drop markers with Arabic 9, 12 and 3. It is balanced with the in-set sub-second design. It has the Smiths name, with cornet logo and De Luxe model signing. Inside is a calibre 400 movement which is keeping reliable time. 
This is a lovely example of a mid 1950s English made Smiths watch, with a good presence provided by the long lug-to-lug measurement. The dial variation is not one I have seen before with the tear drop and Arabic numerals.
 
It is an unsigned contract case, reminiscent of BWCs case profiles in the era. It measures 33mm x 33mm and is a neat design with the long lugs adding to the case presence and wearability at 40.5mm long. The gold-plated finish is in good condition for the age, with wear to the edges. The crown is original with the chunky design for ease of use. To the rear is the Steel back, which has a rotating case ring to secure the solid back in place.
 
The dial is original and is in good condition with its silvered matte tone. The sub-second dial is inset and has textured concentric circles. There are tear drop hour markers, with Arabic 9, 12 and 3. The signing is clear with the Smiths De Luxe with the cornet logo. It is also signed 15 jewels and Made in England. The gold Sword style hands indicate the time, with the original sub-second with neat lollipop counterbalance.  
 
The movement is a cal 400. It has a jewel count of 15 and a frequency of 18,000 BPH. It has the classic gilt finish. It is keeping time to within -15 seconds a day.
 
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial: 
The dial is original and is in good condition for the age. The tone is clean and even. There is one area of discolouration between 7 and 8 O’clock. It has raised gold tone hour markers, which shine brightly. The minute track, signing and sub-second track are very clear. 
 
Hands: 
The hands are original and are in decent condition. They are a gold tone which has some signs of ageing. The sub-second hand is also original with neat lollipop counterbalance.  
 
Glass: 
It is a replacement acrylic crystal which is in very good condition with no noticeable marking.
 
Crown: 
The crown is original and has wear to the gold plated finish. 
 
Case:
The case is gold plated and is in decent condition for the age. It has a polished finish and some wear to the plate on the edges. It also has some light surface scratches.
 
Caseback:
The back is good condition. It has circular brushing to the main face with sunburst finish. It has some light surface scratching associated with ageing. The outer ring has some deeper scratches from poor opening attempts.
 
Strap: 
The watch is on a new leather strap.
 
Movement:
The movement is a cal 400. It has a jewel count of 15 and a frequency of 18,000 BPH. 
 
The service history is unknown. The movement is in good condition and is keeping reliable time. It keeps time to within -15 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 280 and a beat error of 4.5 m/s.
 
Case dimensions:
Case width: 33mm
Case width with crown: 35.75mm 
Case length: 33mm 
Case length lug to lug: 40.5mm
Case Depth: 10.5mm
Lug width: 18mm