Smiths Clocks and Watches
c.1955 The name of Smiths English Clocks was changed to Smiths Clocks and Watches.
1956 Smiths offered clocks with the new "floating balance" movement invented by Hettich in Germany and licensed to Smiths.
In 1958 and 1959, Smiths patented moving coil clocks incorporating transistors, but did not put any models on the market until 1962
1960 They offered a smaller version to their own design, which was widely used as regulation was easy and precise. The floating balance had advantages over older escapements It is robust and less sensitive to disturbance, as for example when dusting, or to being out of level.
1962 Announced the Sectronic, the first with a moving coil movement. This movement had three hairsprings which served to carry current to the coils.
1970 They introduced a range of clocks using the Tensator movement in which a special spring provided constant torque and potentially better timekeeping.
Throughout the '70s many more ranges were produced.
1977 Smiths carried out another reorganisation of the clock and watch division, forming two separate companies, Smiths Industries Clock Co and Smiths Industries Watch Co.
1979 Smiths ceased to produce clocks for the domestic market.