Smiths 12.25-12.26-27.SC

When Smiths entered the civilian watch market in 1947 they introduced their calibre 12.15 This was a sub seconds 15 jewel movement. The jeweller J.W. Benson had a special 12.16 version that featured 1 additional jewel. The final version (27.SC) with centre seconds was used in British army issued W10 watches up unto the early 1970’s. That version was fully shock protected, featured hacking lever and had 17 Jewels.

Smiths Calibre: 12.15-27.SC

  • Made approximately: 1947-1970 
  • Made in United Kingdom
  • Power reserve 41h
  • 25-27 Jewels 
  • 18000 B/A
  • Lift angle 52°
  • DM XX mm
  • H XXmm

Surface finish on the 12.25 consists of gilt plating with no surface decoration. All the screws are polished. The bridges have chamfered edges. Ratchet and crown wheels are well made, but lack any fine finish.

Surface finish on top side of the plate and bridges: 6

Surface finish on screws: 7 Points

Surface finish on crown and ratchet wheel: 5 Points

Movement Jeweling: 6-7* points 

The movement was a standard design for 1947

Movement design innovation (for 1947):  6 points 

The Smiths base plate has no decoration, but has a decent finish. Winding mechanism is very solid. Gear train has a nice finish on wheels and pivots. 

Base plate finish: 6 Points

Setting and winding mechanism: 7 Points

Gear-train finish: 8 Points

Movement durability: 7 Points

First model did not have shock protection. Later versions had shock protection and the final version also had an adjustable stud carrier. 

2* Bonus points for beat error adjustment 

3*Bonus points for shock jewel modernisation. 

Hacking lever.

4* Bonus points

The Smith calibre 12.15 in good condition are usually good timekeepers. Accuracy: 8 points 

Power reserve is fair: 7 points  

Smiths calibre 12.15-27.sc summary: 

Surface finish on bridges and top side of base plate: 6

Surface finish screws: 7

Surface finish on ratchet and ratchet wheel: 5

Movement Jeweling: 6*7

Movement innovative design for ca 1947: 6 

Base plate finish: 6

Setting and winding mechanism: 7

Gear-train finish: 8

Movement durability: 7

Total bonus points: 0-9*

Accuracy: 8

Power reserve: 7

Grand total: 73-82*

*Bonus points. *Higher jewel count

Weakness: barrel arbour surface in barrel bridge gets worn. A sign of this is when you see wear marks of the ratchet wheel in the barrel bridge surface. Re bushing of barrel bridge solves the problem.