Smiths LY Empire

Description

Unlike the caliber RY Empire, the Smiths LY Empire, a pin lever movement with a diameter of only 8 3/4 lignes = 19.0mm, looks pretty modern and well made.

Outside the UK this movement was probably not seen very often, as the competition with pin lever movements was just too big.

Interestingly, it reminds visually and in some points also technically of an UMF M33.

The base plate shows, that this pin pallet movement was already half massive, and even when there are not many bearing jewels, the execution looks pretty well.

At least, the escape wheel is beared in rubies and the balance wheel even in two three-leg shock protections!

The Smiths LY Empire uses the common wheel train with mainspring barrel (whose ratchet is on the dial side), directly driven center minute wheel, third wheel, seconds wheel at 6 o’clock (to carry the decentral seconds hand) and finally a steel escape wheel, but here only for a pin lever escapement.

The code “61” might be an indication for its production year 1961.

The Smiths LY Empire works with a beating frequency of 18000 A/h, which can be regulared on the hairspring key only. The anular balance has got no screws, but is already shock protected.

Really odd is the use of a true setting lever spring for a rocking bar winding system. While it is technically not really neccessiary, it looks very well. And together with the three leg shock protection and the very well executed ratchet, the dial side makes a very good impression, although the dial plate itself is very crude.

Technical data

Usage gallery