The Smith Premier 2 featured many changes from the model 1. These included the elimination of the nickel plated and engraved sides for black painted smooth sides with simple pinstripes. The escapement was also changed from a ratcheting style to a rotary escapement which was more reliable. Platten knobs were also added, and the space bar was also changed to use one centered on the bottom row, over the two at the outer edges found on the model 1. Production lasted from 1896-1914 lasting for 18 years with minimal production changes over that time frame.