Smiths Radio Watch

Back in the day, Smiths clocks and watches were not only found on the walls and wrists of discerning buyers, but can also be seen in cars and ships. Smiths developed a reputation for their products, some of which were specialised for their function. The Smiths Radio watch (PRS-28) celebrates one of these specialised clocks.

The Radio Room Clock with its coloured segments were one of the specialised clocks. The coloured segments, each measuring 3 minutes long indicates periods which radio silence   observed. This is to facilitate listening to any distress calls on the International Distress Frequencies (for many years 500 kHz was the primary international distress frequency).

The red segments indicate the listening period for distress calls made with Morse code, while the green segments indicate the listening periods for voice calls on (usually) 2182 kHz (medium range maritime voice use). Other frequencies include 121.5 MHz for civil aviation and 243 MHz for military use. Current international frequency has been updated to 406 MHz (digital).

The clock.

The watch.

As usual, the beautifully executed case back. A limited edition watch perhaps? Limited to 100 pieces?

The movement.

Photographs: Timefactors

Basic specifications:

Functions: hours, minutes and seconds

Case: stainless steel, 40 mm diameter, 10.35 mm thick, 20 mm lug width

Movement: ETA 2840/42 automatic movement

Crystal: sapphire

Water resistant: 5 ATM

Price: USD 380

For more information:

Timefactors