English 18K yellow gold open faced pocket watch Circa 1900

Gold open faced keyless lever chronometer watch
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A fine English 18 carat yellow gold open faced pocket watch made by S. Smith and Son in London, circa 1900. It has a mechanical crown winding frosted gilt three quarter plate movement with a lever escapement, a compensation balance with gold timing screws, and an engraved balance cock. It is signed S. Smith and Son 9 Strand London Makers to the Admiralty and Indian Government. The white enamel dial shows black Roman numerals for the hours, an outer railway minute track, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock, and blued steel spade hands. The timepiece is housed in a substantial round three body, 18 carat solid yellow gold open faced case. The case features a smooth polished bezel and back cover, City of London and Master Watchmaker hallmarks, a fluted winding crown, a sturdy round suspension bow, and a polished hinged inner gold protective cuvette.
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Diameter: 45 mm
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Weight: 78.40 g
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Signed: S. Smith & Son, London
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Around 1900, S. Smith & Son was one of Britain’s top watchmakers, rivalling Patek Philippe. Founded in 1851 by Samuel Smith, the London company expanded under his son. They opened luxury stores and gained a reputation for precision and complex movements. They proved their accuracy through testing at Kew Observatory and collaborated with master watchmakers such as Nicole, Nielsen & Co. From 1904, the firm pioneered British car speedometers and odometers. During World War I, production expanded rapidly into aviation and military instruments. This laid the foundation for the industrial conglomerate Smiths Industries.