1970/71 Astral English Made 35mm 17 Jewel Gentleman's Stainless-Steel Watch

This Smiths Astral has the ultimate seventeen jewel manual wind movement and represents one of the final watches made at the Che;tenham factory in 1970 or 11971.
Totally original with a perfect off white dial. This watch is likely to prove an excellent investment!
There were two  factories making Smiths watches. In Wales they made the Empire ranges, which were pin pallet 5 or 7 jewel movements . These were labelled ‘MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN’ on the dial. But in Cheltenham they made the higher quality movements, and these were labelled MADE IN ENGLAND on the dial. The Made in England watches cost about three times more in 1959, demonstrating the quality difference in pounds, shillings and pence. This is a Cheltenham made watch, in great condition. The case is stainless-steel. The hands are original . The leather strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour if preferred.  
 This is a rare watch and very wearable for the person who cherishes the tradition of the English-made watch.
 Only after the second world war – did Smiths begin to manufacture wristwatches – supported by British government finance - to fill the gaping absence of a quality watchmaker in the UK. From 1946-1970 Smiths produced a range of high quality watches from its Cheltenham factory including; the De Luxe, Astral and later the Imperial and Everest ‘range’ of watches. Smiths holds an important part of English horological history as the last English watch company of any size in a world of watches dominated by Swiss, and Japanese manufacturers.