J W BENSON LONDON TROPICAL SMITHS 16j WITH THE CORRECT PATTERN NUMERALS FOR THE '53 HIMALAYAN EXPEDITION imperial The strap that came on

The strap that came on this watch was a clip on so presumably not an original

The two piece case with clip on back is 33

This fine example dates form 1959 according to the Edinburgh gold assay marks on the BWC case

The dial lacquer has patina as do the hands and hour markers

these are normally  marked waterproof anti-magnetic

J W BENSON LONDON TROPICAL SMITHS 16j WITH THE CORRECT PATTERN NUMERALS FOR THE '53 HIMALAYAN EXPEDITION imperial The strap that came onJ W BENSON TROPICAL SMITHS WITH THE CORRECT PATTERN NUMERALS FOR THE '53 HIMALAYAN EXPEDITION . This is an interesting watch in that Smiths seem to have allocated the dial design to J W Benson, that was actually used by E. Hillary on the Everest expedition. The dial is in average condition with some damage. This is the type of Dennison Aquatite with the signature inside. 33. 5mm case with screw in back, serial number 151757. Movement number 178440,