From the mid-1800s through the 1970s, there was a watch company in Britain called "Smiths". They were the last company to make fine (mechanical, not quartz) watches in England. Unfortunately, they fell on hard times during the Thatcher era, and a government loan that would have saved the company went instead to John Delorean (who probably snorted it). Smiths closed their doors for good in the mid-1970s.

I've heard dozens of explanations for the name "The Smiths". But given Morrissey's intensely anglophilic lyrics and early fascination with National Health glasses, hearing aides, etc., I wonder if it's possible that the closing of the last truly British watch manufacturer might have had some small impact on the naming of the group?

If you're even slightly interested, you can pick up a great quality (and possibly even solid gold) Smiths watch on eBay for $20-$50 (do a search on Smiths + Watch). Unfortunately, if they break, they are very hard to repair. Many of them say "SMITHS" across the face in bold letters. They were the type handed out to people upon their retirement, so many of them have sentimental sayings on the back: "For 40 years of service", that kind of stuff.

If you're really, really lucky and you have the money, you can pick up one of the watches that they made for the British military. That's the kind that I have. They are substantially more expensive ($200+), but I think they really recall the National Health glasses look. Plus they Say "Smiths" and "Made in England", which just sounds really cool. The little arrow symbol on the watch face is called a "broad arrow", which means property of the monarch or property of the government of the UK...




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interesting. very well written and informative too. but i have no idea about the name. i always thought the name smiths referred to the common man.