Smith Sectric

Serial Number: DW 0085

Subcategory: Desk Watch

Status: Display

Description:
This is Smith Sectric clock, made in England, known as bakelite clock, estimated year of manufacture around 1949 1950, mains electric synchronous movement, no chimes. Pretty little clock with a sel-starting Sectric movement.

The watch chronometer and instrument retailer s business was established by Samuel Smith as a jewellery shop at 12 Newington Causeway in south east London in 1851. The firm moved the centre of its operations to 85 The Strand in 1872, next door to the premises of Charles Frodsham. A large business operating as diamond merchants emerged in 1885, based at 6 Grand Hotel Buildings, Trafalgar Square, and from 1895 at 68 Piccadilly.

The firm supplied high quality precision watches to the Admiralty, typically made by Nicole Nielsen of Soho Square. Retailing and wholesaling of Smiths-branded motor accessories was added in 1904 when Nicole Nielsen produced Smiths initial speedometer, the Perfect Speed Indicator, the first of which was delivered to Edward VII for the Royal Mercedes. Nicole Nielsen had to open a new factory in Watford in 1907 to keep up with demand. Growth was fast. Smiths began to manufacture some of their own motor products particularly speedometers. From mid-1913 all motor accessories activities were carried out from handsome purpose-built premises at Speedometer House, 179-185 Great Portland Street ( Motor Row ). The premises in the Strand became a Lyons tearoom but the jewellers establishments were retained at Trafalgar Square and 68 Piccadilly. By this time motor accessories production included Smiths multiple-jet carburettors (designed by Trier Martin), lighting sets, headlamps, sidelights, tail lights, dynamo and electric starters, generators and the Smith s Auto-Clear mechanical horn.

The outbreak of war in 1914 led to the capture of markets around the world previously held by the German competition. By 1915 new War Office contracts for aeroplane accessories, lighting sets etc. and munitions required the speedy erection of a new freehold factory. The new factory, known as Cricklewood Works, was built at Cricklewood, north London. In 1921 Great Portland Street activities were moved to Cricklewood following 1920 s purchase of the former Metallurgique works alongside their Cricklewood Works. Post World War I their accessories became standard fittings in new cars all provided by the manufacturer.