I received an Everest PRS-25 alongside a BB58 for my wedding early this year… I haven’t taken the Everest off once since I received it, absolute perfection.
YUP! The smiths packs a mean punch!! A friend of mine let me borrow his Everest! And MAN! I didn’t want to take it off. All of the heritage, none of that Rolex price tag. Get in!!
buyers beware: the owner of Timefactors, Eddie Platts, has a reputation for being terrible to customers (doxxing them, denying them warranty, not admitting to QC issues in his products, etc).
Yeah they guy is an absolute tool when it comes to standing behind his product. I contacted him about my white/cream dial PRS-25 having an issue with the crown tube and the crown not screwing down smoothly and having to force it. He pretty much said he can’t do much about it. Really? You can’t replace a crown or tube? I can do it myself but I shouldn’t have to.
@@sinjon Sorry to hear that. I bought this timepiece 2020, I had no issues at all. Eddie is quite aggressive in his responses though. I asked about the timeframe of the delivery, there was a few weeks delay. His response was as though, he was very stressed and could not cope. Eddie is catching on, needs to offload workload to others. He has no understanding of excellent customer service. It's not just the watch, but the overall experience with the owner and company. He is representing Smiths. Smiths have heritage, level of respect in the watch world. Reviving it, also requires the same level of attitude. Anyway... I do know, that if you take the watch to your local watchmaker/repair/service station, they use the warranty and do it for you. You should have a card with the warranty information. QC is always great with Smiths watches. Thoroughly checked.
I own the Smiths PRS-25 Everest Silver Jubilee you reviewed. I agree with everything you said in your review, it is a fantastic watch. And a bargain compared to a modern Explorer.
I have an Everest 36mm PRS-25. It’s beautiful. Still getting used on wearing a 36mm and its slowly growing on me. It also slips inside the cuffs so easily compare to my other watches. Love the classic lines, shape and case. It’s svelte and timeless. I can see why people are smitten by it.
Hi WatchCrunch, I have had one of these watches for a few months now and it's not been off my wrist since and I have to agree with you 100% even when you mentioned the adventureen quartz dial as at first I was wary of it too but it's an amazing look..Great review...All the very best Davie..
I bought a 1016 Explorer new in 1986 as my first luxury watch. Loved it. Gifted it to my daughter a few years ago. Bought a cream-dial Smith's Everest Expedition a couple of years back and love it. It scratches that Rolex itch. Good vid. Keep at it!
@@mattdevenish83 Thanks. The jeweler who sized it for her asked where she got it, asked whether or not she had any brothers, and said, 'you are one lucky lady!" Fun!
I have a friend of mine that has worn a Smiths Watch for years and it's really a very nice peice. I have 7 3/4" wrists, so 36mm just looks small . I purchased a Rolex Explorer 214270 39mm some years back and absolutely love that watch . I am glad to see Smiths has been resurrected and is making nice looking peices but wish they would upgrade to a good Swiss movement . Good , informative video. Thanx
I was able to score one of these from the website a few months ago. Wonderful little watch and the dial is just gorgeous. And yes it took me 4 tries to get one but it was worth it. Wears great looks killer and my fiancé has come to love it. So now its hers and she looks great with a 36mm in her wrist even if we had to take all but 1 removable link off. Lol. Great vid really digging your channel.
Hi, I was sitting on the fence to pick one of these Everest homage watches up. But I was repelled by many extreme comments about the customer service of Timefactors. In the end I purchased a Traska Summiteer. A watch definitely inspired by the 1016 but with its own twist. Best regards, Claus
I too have heard of the comments on their atrocious customer service. I have a Traska Commuter myself and I love that watch. Inspired by an Oyster Perpetual but as you said, with its own twist
Hillary and Tenzing both wore Smiths to the summit of Everest. Had Evans and Bourdillon summited three days earlier Rolex would’ve been first up; they were wearing them.
People really need to take a look at San Martin homage version. It's an homage to the 1950's but with new style markers. I got tired of waiting on trying to get a smith. The San Martin really is incredibly good for the price. SN021-G-B1
I've had the unique "Nato" watch from this company for a number of years, and really like it. I remember seeing the "Everest" during the purchase process, and while I enjoyed the history behind it I didn't find it very interesting. I'm not generally into direct homages, and I tend to want a less dressed-up tool watch anyway. But this dial variation completely changes my assessment and piques my interest. Thanks for discussing this watch!
I owned the black dial, i sold it for one reason. I would only have it on the oyster bracelet but the friction clasp would keep popping open no matter how loose it was, soon after i moved it on i saw the creator introduced a pusher activated clasp and i’ve wanted it again ever since. I was waiting on Tudor to release a loyal 36mm ranger but i was very disappointed this year, love the Black Bay Pro though. I would recommend the Everest, feels like £1000 of quality. Just if you’re used to chronometer rated watches, the Miyota movement will deviate from a few seconds to 30 a day.
I love the effort you put into producion value, one of the few channels showing the watch in natural light, beautiful cinematography and deep personal opinion with a bit of charm and humility. I don’t grt how you don’t have 200k subs but that will definitelly happen. Thanks brother for continuing to make my days with these vidś
Great video! My favorite SMITHS is the MILITARY PRS-29AM. It is a “re-edition” of my Omega CK 2292. Unfortunately the re-edition is sold out… I do enjoy your content. Thank you!
Lovely to see the smiths getting more attention on the big channels. Lovely shots and I agree that this dial is something else. Imo smiths just do it better than all the other homages of the 1016, if you’ve held one of their watches then you would know why they get a pass and don’t feel like just another homage brand. Plus they have many unique models. 🙌🥳
Today's Smiths (made by Timefactors) has NOTHING to do with the original Smiths English watch company. Timefactors merely mimics the original Smiths watches.
Thanks to you - I got introduced to SMITHS watch through your channel & then I pursued but in vain - alas !!! today I was lucky enough to order my smiths everest prs-25 - 36mm - gilt dial today after much concentration !!!
If you like this watch then check out the San Martin Explorer models. I believe they have them in 36 and 39mm. Excellent finishing and specs for just around $300. I've owned a few of them over the years and have never been disappointed by the brand.
Great video. Didn't even know this aventurine dial version existed. I have no issues with homage watches.. and, I mean to cover from the more obscure design choices to the more derivative definitions of an "homage". Generally speaking, they are great affordable (if not less expensive) versions of which they are taking design inspiration (s) from. I am curious why Smiths hasn't yet released a version of the watch that actually went to Everest? The light dial with the small seconds.. I know they make something similar, but, it's still a central seconds and not quite the same. Would really welcome a more faithful reproduction of the actual Smiths eatcht that went to Everest.
I am one with you on the idea of re-issuing the same watch. I hope Eddie and his team could hear news about this. I think it gonna be an absolute seller for timefactors.
That is very sad news as I am trying to get one having recently woken up to the fact that I will never be able to buy any Rolex let alone the Explorer.
@@ccooper8785 they’re not even being made anymore, can get them on eBay etc but they’re well above market price. Just get a Pagani, value for money is wicked and you can literally buy about 100 for the price of a Rolex 😅
I was able to snag a 40mm Smiths Everest. The 9 series Miyota runs great, other then that chunky and suspect clasp which has a slight gap once closed, the case design, the lume and overall finishing is beautiful. I could see how people would be frustrated with Eddie & Timefactors, similar to Matthew at Helm watches in terms of grabbing one of few models even though the changed system is better now with take a number and we’ll call it when your up and you’ve got 48 hrs to respond or else it goes to the next in line, new buyers will be waiting yrs with only 150 built a month. Other then all that madness if you get your hands on one it’s a solid & sharp looking piece. If anyone knows any 20mm bracelet options for 40 mm Everest model let me know. Thanks for the looks and the video! , it’s definitely a nice piece that’s worth it if you can get one when he’s open for business.
Now I’m a bit sad that I didn’t pull the trigger this morning when a gilt Everest popped up at retail (well, including tax and shipping) on a German watch forum.
Check out the Zeno Super Precision with the AS movement. It is the closest you can get to the Rolex 1016 without being a Rolex Prices are around $500.00 us
I owned the PRS-25 , agree it's a nice watch but the customer service provided by Eddie Platts at TimeFactors is an absolute joke , I no longer own the watch and I will never buy from that company ever again
Looking to purchase the Smiths Navigator PRS 48. (Homage to the IWC Mark 11) I feel like that watch will be a value purchase and 10 to 20 years the value will be solid. I don't hate homage watches but I'm a person that would gladly take the pain and buy the real thing. But again it seems like Smiths do it right . Thanks for the video and the insight .
Wow! Great detailed review with no stone left unturned - except for the fact that the doggone things are untouchable. If you're going to be the personal curator of my watch collection you'll have to start presenting things I can get actually get! Talk about chronos-interruptus! 😳 (Great job, Max! 😃)
My two homage pieces are of the Rolex Submariner HULK and Rolex EXPLORER ii 1655 by Steinhart. Both are 42mm and are tough as nails with both having ETA movements.
I have a first generation Everest 36 with the old logo. Absolutely amazing watch. Top notch quality. The only downside: 1) phantom date wheel; and 2) chunky unwearable bracelet. I understand both have been fixed with the later models.
The big question is the Smiths Everest PRS-25 a viable alternative to the new Tudor Ranger 39mm if you are the type that is disapointed that the new 2022 Ranger is only offered in 39mm? Yes I know that the Tudor Ranger has also been in production on and off since the 1960's but it still was basically a more afordable explorer 1016 even back then or dare I say it was a homage to the 1016?
Great watches. In fact a load of the watches they make are superb. I love the explore range. My favourite is the expedition version. Their watches are extremely good value and incredibly well made. They also sell for more second hand than new because they can be a challenge to get. Let me tell you though. Well worth the challenge. And look out for the upcoming Commander. Oooof.
It’s not an homage to the Explorer at all, it’s an homage to the Smiths Original Everest which as the name suggests was a watch that was with Hilary when he was on the summit .
My issue with the modern explorer is that the dial makes it look to dated as compared to the actual 1016 dial. It seems it got frozen in the late 90s early 00s
How would you stack up the Lorier falcon against the Smiths Everest PRS-25 given they are the same price? You say the Lorier is the best explorer for the money yet you also gave high praise for the Smiths.
I own a 214270 39mm Explorer as well as the latest Smiths Everest PRS-25 with the black dial and Oyster style bracelet. When choosing between the two, I somehow always end up wearing the Everest. Perhaps a 124270 has my name on it?
Nice review. You should also check out the new Steinhart Adventure 39 with a Selitta SW200-1 movement. I have got that one and i am certainly happy with it. About the same price. Best Regards /P
Uhuo Max - I asked my 4 year old daughter if she liked this watch or the 36mm Explorer on my wrist and she said "I adore that watch!" and pointed to the Smiths in the video! Maybe I should follow her advice :D Great video! Thanks for sharing.
Buying/resurrecting a brand with a rich history like Smiths and then manufacturing a homage Rolex Explorer 1 seems like a waste of a fantastic opportunity. Why not just make a modern interpretation of the original Everest and leverage that story? That's not to say that I don't like this watch, but I wouldn't buy it...it's too close to an Explorer 1 for comfort. P.s. great video as always
As someone who owns a few Pagani Design and San Martin watches, I do believe in the merits of a well-executed homage watch. Especially when the real deal watches are completely unobtainable, even if you're willing to fork out the retail price... But seriously, some of the build quality on $100-300 watches from those brands are better than far more expensive watches. Good brushing and polishing (and transitions) on the cases, quality bracelets and clasps, sapphire crystals, and reliable Japanese movements. They beat out the vast majority of original design watches in their price category due to the above.
I own the San Martin 1016 homage version 1 (39MM, printed dial, vintage style lume) and wear it almost daily. I think San Martin's are well worth the money and worthy of a comparative review.
The Smiths gives you a taste for what it is like to own an Explorer. Then you buy a 124270 and realize how luxurious and better built the new Explorer really is.
This. The experience I had with the PRS-25 did trigger a desire for a 124270. Hopefully I get to find one but not at a cost much higher than MSRP. Otherwise, I'm happy with my PRS-25 Gilt.
The Smiths is stunning, the dial is mesmerizing, and Iove the history behind the watch but not the mercedes hand. Would've been almost perfect with different hour hand design. Another amazing filmimg and editing, love the music you put on the background btw. Cheers.
Rolex collected the accolades but it was Smiths that sponsored the successful climb on Everest. Its a shame Smiths couldnt capitalize on things as well as Rolex obviously did. Btw, my surname is Smith 😜
Really nice video Max. I'm not a fan of the Explorer (LOVE the Explorer II though), so this Smith homage doesn't do much for me either, but still a very good video.
homages are a funny thing.......this one gets the nod from watch fans, but the steinhart explorer II homage of that long discontinued model is ridiculed. and it has a swiss movement not a japanese miyota movement......just saying
Much prefer the 1940’s Smith in fact. As far as « modern » 1016 goes, I am a strong believer in the Sinn 556A (yes, I know I sound like a broken record)
have to be honest the Baltany option looks like a better quality option. Applied markers vs printed & with the option of a Selita SW 200 you really have a great explorer alternative that you can wear without worrying about scratching it or whatever.
Dang. Hearing that they're going with Miyota movements instead of Swiss is a disappointment. No knock to Miyota, but if you've ever owned a watch with their movement, it's super loud and crunchy; they only wind one direction and you can feel the rotor.
"I've hear a number of not-so-nice stories about the purchasing process..." As opposed to the great experience of trying to buy a Rolex... Don't get me wrong, getting a Smith's is a genuine pain, especially in the US since the lag time in connectivity all the way to the UK makes a huge difference, but the process is ultimately a lot more fair for the people willing to make an effort, to say nothing of the 15x difference in price.
@@M82RKY yeah the Everest looks great if you can get one. I really like both the Everest and the San Martin. They both have endearing attributes imo. I love the applied indices on the San Martin. It reminds me of a 1016 but with applied indices which Rolex never made. The finishing and build quality are top notch and the bracelet is very nice as well. Mine is running at +2 seconds a day on wrist typically. I may still pick up an Everest eventually but I’m very content for now.
These Spiths watches are like trying to buy value PS5 lol This watch is gorgeous, yes close to an explorer 1016 but with the 1016 being so rare, the Smiths everest stands on its own feet.
The Smiths was on Hillary's wrist when he summitted. Smiths in part sponsored the expedition. But the thing is with Smiths, and I am not knocking Smiths here, well kind of..... is that they had three phases, 100% English made, then British made, but in Wales, with less refined tooling, and much simpler movements which are considered relics impossible to service today, then their non in-house era, using Swiss, then later, Japanese movements. Always fairly cheap ones at that. The latter was the death throws of the company (well the Watch/Clock branch), which in an attempt to stay solvent, stopped making movements and just bought mass produced ones to case (this, btw, is what new Smiths watches do).....however... even in their English made era, by the time they were doing the Everest thing, they were on the decline, had begun simplifying things, and were, not even close to what they had been, in terms of quality, ten years earlier, yet alone before that. This would not work, and they would move some production to a Welsh site and make even cruder simpler watches, but it was, nevertheless, perhaps not the ideal watchmaker for such an expedition. So Hillary WAS wearing a Smiths.... he DID have the Rolex in his kit.... but WHY? Because the Smiths, was marketing, was because they contributed to the expedition..... the ROLEX was a failsafe. So the whole 'To the victor the spoils' thing, many cite, and claims of how Rolex stole the glory, it was actually the British Smiths which did XYZ on the conquest of Everest, yada yada yada, is a little disingenuous. IF they REALLY were SO good... why have a Rolex as failsafe, because you knew THAT indeed WAS a watch which could handle the endeavour?
@@samgrant83 I'd heard he "wore" it, so thanks for he info. Yeah, the Rolex was just in the kit for expedition, and I don't even know if he took all the way up, but Smith's sponsored the expedition in part, and Rolexes role seems to be minimal, if anything of merit at all. My understanding was Hillary had worn Rolexes before, knew them, and had confidence in the brand, that's why he took his, despite wearing Smith's on that expedition. If true, that kind of neuters Smith's bragging rights to some degree, because otherwise those blokes would have left any other watches at home :P
@@samgrant83 Yeah almost all the guys involved, in normal life, were Rolex owners, as, at least one of, their private watches, but as you say, Smiths sponsored the event and their watches were on a number of wrists... including Hillary's, though as you taught me, it appears it was not when he hit the top, though in his bag, so I guess they get the bragging rights. Though to me, that other watches were present... and that they were namely Rolexes, and even Hillary himself owned a Rolex which he took on the expedition, if not to the top, still kind of neuters those bragging rights somewhat. If you have faith in X watch, for Y extreme endeavour, you leave Z personal watch at home.... every extra item is a burden when you are doing things like going to space, or kayaking the north west passage, or indeed, summitting Mt Everest, you know. But yes, I read that originally, up until the 50s and 60s, as things went a bit south, and when they moved some production, also then later, when they went full third party movements, that Smith's made some very good watches indeed. Well, for their time, at least. But it seems as competitor improved the quality and capabilities of their offerings, the fit and finishing, at the same time others went to batteries, they fell off the wagon. Their Welsh period watches, and later 3rd Party watches, from the things I read, which I admit was just a few articles and websites, are, from what I gathered, considered to be ... subpar... and indeed, the authors all seemed to concur the watches of the kind you own, are the ones to get, though in recent years, as you note, incredibly hard come by.
I'm a fan of the Traska Summiteer. Has the Explorer vibe without pretending to be one. Sweetspot dimensions of 38.5 x 46 x 20, sapphire, super-lume, scratch coat, M9039. Factory regulated, 4 positions. Great watch for $550.
Join the conversation at WatchCrunch: www.watchcrunch.com/Max/posts/this-one-is-too-good-8315
I received an Everest PRS-25 alongside a BB58 for my wedding early this year… I haven’t taken the Everest off once since I received it, absolute perfection.
YUP! The smiths packs a mean punch!! A friend of mine let me borrow his Everest! And MAN! I didn’t want to take it off. All of the heritage, none of that Rolex price tag. Get in!!
Do you prefer it on the jubilee bracelet?
7:15 I appreciate your attention to detail in synchronizing the second hands.
buyers beware: the owner of Timefactors, Eddie Platts, has a reputation for being terrible to customers (doxxing them, denying them warranty, not admitting to QC issues in his products, etc).
Better get a San Martin!
Yeah they guy is an absolute tool when it comes to standing behind his product. I contacted him about my white/cream dial PRS-25 having an issue with the crown tube and the crown not screwing down smoothly and having to force it. He pretty much said he can’t do much about it. Really? You can’t replace a crown or tube? I can do it myself but I shouldn’t have to.
@@sinjon Sorry to hear that. I bought this timepiece 2020, I had no issues at all. Eddie is quite aggressive in his responses though. I asked about the timeframe of the delivery, there was a few weeks delay. His response was as though, he was very stressed and could not cope. Eddie is catching on, needs to offload workload to others. He has no understanding of excellent customer service. It's not just the watch, but the overall experience with the owner and company. He is representing Smiths. Smiths have heritage, level of respect in the watch world. Reviving it, also requires the same level of attitude. Anyway...
I do know, that if you take the watch to your local watchmaker/repair/service station, they use the warranty and do it for you. You should have a card with the warranty information.
QC is always great with Smiths watches. Thoroughly checked.
I bought one, it was very poorly packaged and arrived broken. It cost me $100 to return it.
@@villagranvicent San Martin is getting just as bad.
I own the Smiths PRS-25 Everest Silver Jubilee you reviewed. I agree with everything you said in your review, it is a fantastic watch. And a bargain compared to a modern Explorer.
Congrats Danny, you got a keeper!
Danny, can l ask where did you purchase you smiths watch from. Many thanks.
@@johnbell1859 Following.
I’ve had the PRS-25 gilt dial for over a year. It’s a great piece. Built really well and keeps excellent time.
I have an Everest 36mm PRS-25. It’s beautiful. Still getting used on wearing a 36mm and its slowly growing on me. It also slips inside the cuffs so easily compare to my other watches. Love the classic lines, shape and case. It’s svelte and timeless. I can see why people are smitten by it.
Hi WatchCrunch, I have had one of these watches for a few months now and it's not been off my wrist since and I have to agree with you 100% even when you mentioned the adventureen quartz dial as at first I was wary of it too but it's an amazing look..Great review...All the very best Davie..
I bought a 1016 Explorer new in 1986 as my first luxury watch. Loved it. Gifted it to my daughter a few years ago. Bought a cream-dial Smith's Everest Expedition a couple of years back and love it. It scratches that Rolex itch. Good vid. Keep at it!
Your sir are an amazing dad 👊🏼
@@mattdevenish83 Thanks. The jeweler who sized it for her asked where she got it, asked whether or not she had any brothers, and said, 'you are one lucky lady!" Fun!
I have a friend of mine that has worn a Smiths Watch for years and it's really a very nice peice. I have 7 3/4" wrists, so 36mm just looks small . I purchased a Rolex Explorer 214270 39mm some years back and absolutely love that watch . I am glad to see Smiths has been resurrected and is making nice looking peices but wish they would upgrade to a good Swiss movement . Good , informative video. Thanx
I was able to score one of these from the website a few months ago. Wonderful little watch and the dial is just gorgeous. And yes it took me 4 tries to get one but it was worth it. Wears great looks killer and my fiancé has come to love it. So now its hers and she looks great with a 36mm in her wrist even if we had to take all but 1 removable link off. Lol. Great vid really digging your channel.
Great piece. I wasn’t aware of this dial variant, and I didn’t realize this watch was that affordable! Thanks for sharing.
$300 for San Martin Explorer homage version. Comes in SW200 or PT5000 high beat movement.
I'm wearing mine with a Selita.. I Love it. Watch snobs like him hate it though
Hi,
I was sitting on the fence to pick one of these Everest homage watches up. But I was repelled by many extreme comments about the customer service of Timefactors. In the end I purchased a Traska Summiteer. A watch definitely inspired by the 1016 but with its own twist.
Best regards,
Claus
I too have heard of the comments on their atrocious customer service. I have a Traska Commuter myself and I love that watch. Inspired by an Oyster Perpetual but as you said, with its own twist
@@johnnychin what are the comments?
Nonsense.
Both are well done, but if I had to pick one it would be the Traska 👌
Not sure why there are so many dislikes. I have a silver jubilee and it's mesmerizing. Absolutely gorgeous piece
People who couldn’t/can’t complete the purchase at timefactors are just sour. People have to hate on the moonswatch too, because they can’t get them.
I'm suprised how good the Smiths looks, it's not a design I'm into but it looks fantastic on the bracelet.
Hillary and Tenzing both wore Smiths to the summit of Everest.
Had Evans and Bourdillon summited three days earlier Rolex would’ve been first up; they were wearing them.
People really need to take a look at San Martin homage version. It's an homage to the 1950's but with new style markers. I got tired of waiting on trying to get a smith. The San Martin really is incredibly good for the price. SN021-G-B1
I've had the unique "Nato" watch from this company for a number of years, and really like it. I remember seeing the "Everest" during the purchase process, and while I enjoyed the history behind it I didn't find it very interesting. I'm not generally into direct homages, and I tend to want a less dressed-up tool watch anyway. But this dial variation completely changes my assessment and piques my interest. Thanks for discussing this watch!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Smith's make all of the dash clocks in Jaguars and Land/Range Rovers until the 80's?
Unfortunately, scalpers have also ruined this watch. It's going for 3-4x MSRP price..
Scout the forums, they do come up for a small premium 👍
Anything affordable and desirable...you find scalpers in almost every hobby!
totally facilitated by a bizarre ordering process. Great watch. Absurd company.
I owned the black dial, i sold it for one reason. I would only have it on the oyster bracelet but the friction clasp would keep popping open no matter how loose it was, soon after i moved it on i saw the creator introduced a pusher activated clasp and i’ve wanted it again ever since. I was waiting on Tudor to release a loyal 36mm ranger but i was very disappointed this year, love the Black Bay Pro though.
I would recommend the Everest, feels like £1000 of quality. Just if you’re used to chronometer rated watches, the Miyota movement will deviate from a few seconds to 30 a day.
I love the effort you put into producion value, one of the few channels showing the watch in natural light, beautiful cinematography and deep personal opinion with a bit of charm and humility. I don’t grt how you don’t have 200k subs but that will definitelly happen. Thanks brother for continuing to make my days with these vidś
Great video!
My favorite SMITHS is the MILITARY PRS-29AM.
It is a “re-edition” of my Omega CK 2292.
Unfortunately the re-edition is sold out…
I do enjoy your content. Thank you!
Thanks Peter! 😁
Lovely to see the smiths getting more attention on the big channels. Lovely shots and I agree that this dial is something else. Imo smiths just do it better than all the other homages of the 1016, if you’ve held one of their watches then you would know why they get a pass and don’t feel like just another homage brand. Plus they have many unique models. 🙌🥳
Exactly, it does not underwhelm in person
Today's Smiths (made by Timefactors) has NOTHING to do with the original Smiths English watch company. Timefactors merely mimics the original Smiths watches.
And now you cant get it
Thanks to you - I got introduced to SMITHS watch through your channel & then I pursued but in vain - alas !!! today I was lucky enough to order my smiths everest prs-25 - 36mm - gilt dial today after much concentration !!!
Nice content. I also have a 36 mm PRS-25 black dial on a riveted oyster. Wearing it about a year now and I totally love it. Perfect every day beater.
If you like this watch then check out the San Martin Explorer models. I believe they have them in 36 and 39mm. Excellent finishing and specs for just around $300. I've owned a few of them over the years and have never been disappointed by the brand.
I accidentally got introduced to THE STUNNING SMITHS GILT WATCH by this channel !!! Now been trying unsuccessfully to get one !!!
Great video. Didn't even know this aventurine dial version existed. I have no issues with homage watches.. and, I mean to cover from the more obscure design choices to the more derivative definitions of an "homage".
Generally speaking, they are great affordable (if not less expensive) versions of which they are taking design inspiration (s) from.
I am curious why Smiths hasn't yet released a version of the watch that actually went to Everest? The light dial with the small seconds.. I know they make something similar, but, it's still a central seconds and not quite the same. Would really welcome a more faithful reproduction of the actual Smiths eatcht that went to Everest.
I am one with you on the idea of re-issuing the same watch. I hope Eddie and his team could hear news about this. I think it gonna be an absolute seller for timefactors.
I would love an Everest, the issue is it’s harder to get than an actual Explorer…
That is very sad news as I am trying to get one having recently woken up to the fact that I will never be able to buy any Rolex let alone the Explorer.
@@ccooper8785 they’re not even being made anymore, can get them on eBay etc but they’re well above market price. Just get a Pagani, value for money is wicked and you can literally buy about 100 for the price of a Rolex 😅
I was able to snag a 40mm Smiths Everest. The 9 series Miyota runs great, other then that chunky and suspect clasp which has a slight gap once closed, the case design, the lume and overall finishing is beautiful. I could see how people would be frustrated with Eddie & Timefactors, similar to Matthew at Helm watches in terms of grabbing one of few models even though the changed system is better now with take a number and we’ll call it when your up and you’ve got 48 hrs to respond or else it goes to the next in line, new buyers will be waiting yrs with only 150 built a month. Other then all that madness if you get your hands on one it’s a solid & sharp looking piece. If anyone knows any 20mm bracelet options for 40 mm Everest model let me know.
Thanks for the looks and the video! , it’s definitely a nice piece that’s worth it if you can get one when he’s open for business.
Just found your channel. Just subbed.
Where can I purchase this brand in the US? Google search only showed a site in England
Now I’m a bit sad that I didn’t pull the trigger this morning when a gilt Everest popped up at retail (well, including tax and shipping) on a German watch forum.
Rolex gave watches to Hillary and Tensing after the assent of Everest. They wore Smiths exclusively during the assent.
Check out the Zeno Super Precision with the AS movement. It is the closest you can get to the Rolex 1016 without being a Rolex Prices are around $500.00 us
Prefer the Longines Conquest as the definitive Rolex explorer substitute.
Thought the same until I wore it in real life. It wears a bit big tbh.
Where can I buy this watch.
I owned the PRS-25 , agree it's a nice watch but the customer service provided by Eddie Platts at TimeFactors is an absolute joke , I no longer own the watch and I will never buy from that company ever again
I love the art piece in the background. Where did you get it?
Hi Max, what’s your thoughts on the Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic as another affordable alternative to the Rolex Explorer I?
Looking to purchase the Smiths Navigator PRS 48. (Homage to the IWC Mark 11)
I feel like that watch will be a value purchase and 10 to 20 years the value will be solid. I don't hate homage watches but I'm a person that would gladly take the pain and buy the real thing. But again it seems like Smiths do it right . Thanks for the video and the insight .
Wow! Great detailed review with no stone left unturned - except for the fact that the doggone things are untouchable. If you're going to be the personal curator of my watch collection you'll have to start presenting things I can get actually get! Talk about chronos-interruptus! 😳 (Great job, Max! 😃)
Thanks Milan! Yeah I had to buy this one slightly used
My two homage pieces are of the Rolex Submariner HULK and Rolex EXPLORER ii 1655 by Steinhart. Both are 42mm and are tough as nails with both having ETA movements.
I have a first generation Everest 36 with the old logo. Absolutely amazing watch. Top notch quality. The only downside: 1) phantom date wheel; and 2) chunky unwearable bracelet. I understand both have been fixed with the later models.
I had the first gen 40mm the bracelet was way way better than the second version. Eddie the owner was a total dick about it too
Hi. thanks you for this! I've searched all over, can you point me in the direction of where to buy one of these gems? Thank you!
Would love to see a vid on the PRS29a by Timefactors. Another great watch from their lineup.
The big question is the Smiths Everest PRS-25 a viable alternative to the new Tudor Ranger 39mm if you are the type that is disapointed that the new 2022 Ranger is only offered in 39mm? Yes I know that the Tudor Ranger has also been in production on and off since the 1960's but it still was basically a more afordable explorer 1016 even back then or dare I say it was a homage to the 1016?
Great watches. In fact a load of the watches they make are superb. I love the explore range. My favourite is the expedition version. Their watches are extremely good value and incredibly well made. They also sell for more second hand than new because they can be a challenge to get. Let me tell you though. Well worth the challenge. And look out for the upcoming Commander. Oooof.
It’s not an homage to the Explorer at all, it’s an homage to the Smiths Original Everest which as the name suggests was a watch that was with Hilary when he was on the summit .
It is a homage to the Rolex 1016. The Smiths watch that Hilary had on his wrist was the Smith Deluxe with a seconds sub dial.
I have the cream dial/blued hands version- an absolute charmer!
Where can we order the ordinary model?
My issue with the modern explorer is that the dial makes it look to dated as compared to the actual 1016 dial. It seems it got frozen in the late 90s early 00s
Any way you’d part with this watch? I live in Seattle and would be interested in it!
How would you stack up the Lorier falcon against the Smiths Everest PRS-25 given they are the same price? You say the Lorier is the best explorer for the money yet you also gave high praise for the Smiths.
loved my prs29 but wanted a bracelet watch in the end. now I see this I might get one of these in the future
I own a 214270 39mm Explorer as well as the latest Smiths Everest PRS-25 with the black dial and Oyster style bracelet. When choosing between the two, I somehow always end up wearing the Everest. Perhaps a 124270 has my name on it?
How soon is now?
If there was a Smiths Everest XL at 40 or 42mm I would be interested.
Nice review. You should also check out the new Steinhart Adventure 39 with a Selitta SW200-1 movement.
I have got that one and i am certainly happy with it. About the same price.
Best Regards
/P
That dial is wonderful
Really is 😍
Uhuo Max - I asked my 4 year old daughter if she liked this watch or the 36mm Explorer on my wrist and she said "I adore that watch!" and pointed to the Smiths in the video! Maybe I should follow her advice :D
Great video! Thanks for sharing.
Buying/resurrecting a brand with a rich history like Smiths and then manufacturing a homage Rolex Explorer 1 seems like a waste of a fantastic opportunity. Why not just make a modern interpretation of the original Everest and leverage that story? That's not to say that I don't like this watch, but I wouldn't buy it...it's too close to an Explorer 1 for comfort.
P.s. great video as always
They do make a modern interpretation on their own watch.
Yes, seems they are headed in the right direction
@@iamnew7545 looking at the original Everest and the modern Explorer...it leans far more heavily into the latter IMO
@@m.e.p.r the one that pays tribute to the original Smiths is different than this model.
@@jkhcu The Expedition is a tribute to an original Smiths watch.
News flash. Smiths are 30% of this weekend if you buy in USD (compared to what they cost me a year ago).
As someone who owns a few Pagani Design and San Martin watches, I do believe in the merits of a well-executed homage watch. Especially when the real deal watches are completely unobtainable, even if you're willing to fork out the retail price...
But seriously, some of the build quality on $100-300 watches from those brands are better than far more expensive watches. Good brushing and polishing (and transitions) on the cases, quality bracelets and clasps, sapphire crystals, and reliable Japanese movements. They beat out the vast majority of original design watches in their price category due to the above.
I own the San Martin 1016 homage version 1 (39MM, printed dial, vintage style lume) and wear it almost daily. I think San Martin's are well worth the money and worthy of a comparative review.
Not giving my credit card info to a Chinese company. No PayPal then no deal.
@@aussie8114 aliexpress accepts paypal
@@xPhilz0r Last time I looked they don’t from Australian buyers.
The Smiths gives you a taste for what it is like to own an Explorer. Then you buy a 124270 and realize how luxurious and better built the new Explorer really is.
This. The experience I had with the PRS-25 did trigger a desire for a 124270. Hopefully I get to find one but not at a cost much higher than MSRP. Otherwise, I'm happy with my PRS-25 Gilt.
I waited 4 months for mine at a Rolex AD… no prior purchase history. Just put your name on the list.
It wants to be for £5k more
Inspired idea doing an aventurine dial version. Love it!
The best Explorer homage is the Zeno Explorer, that has an in house movement by Adolph Schild.
Nice review. Thank you!
The Smiths is stunning, the dial is mesmerizing, and Iove the history behind the watch but not the mercedes hand. Would've been almost perfect with different hour hand design.
Another amazing filmimg and editing, love the music you put on the background btw. Cheers.
The Timefactors Commando watch might suit you better then
@@tunokies yes ! This is the first time i hear about it. It's beautiful, thank you !!
What I don't understand is why Timefactors isn't producing more PR-25's. Demand is there but production is not.
Rolex collected the accolades but it was Smiths that sponsored the successful climb on Everest. Its a shame Smiths couldnt capitalize on things as well as Rolex obviously did. Btw, my surname is Smith 😜
always like your reviews
i got a soft spot for the 36mm watch.
Great discovery (for me anyways).
Thanks for sharing!
Where can one buy the watch stand in this video?
This one was limited but the regular prs25 will be available on May 15
@@WatchCrunchOfficial hi max, I meant the watch stand at 2.47, not the Smith. The watch stand looks amazing. Appreciate the reply!
@@kenildoggy it's from aubliq 👍
I like the smith it’s a iconic legendary watch
Really nice video Max. I'm not a fan of the Explorer (LOVE the Explorer II though), so this Smith homage doesn't do much for me either, but still a very good video.
Beautiful watch at an excellent price. Being cursed with a thin, scrawny wrist I think I would go for the Jubilee bracelet as well.
homages are a funny thing.......this one gets the nod from watch fans, but the steinhart explorer II homage of that long discontinued model is ridiculed. and it has a swiss movement not a japanese miyota movement......just saying
I think there's something to the Smiths name given it's 170yr history despite all the controversy
Steinhart deserves more attention due to their quality to price ratio! Superior to Smith’s!
Much prefer the 1940’s Smith in fact. As far as « modern » 1016 goes, I am a strong believer in the Sinn 556A (yes, I know I sound like a broken record)
Haha, yes yes 556 rules them all 😂
have to be honest the Baltany option looks like a better quality option. Applied markers vs printed & with the option of a Selita SW 200 you really have a great explorer alternative that you can wear without worrying about scratching it or whatever.
Looking over a few reviews on the Baltany S4035AB after you mentioned it. Looks like a solid and great looking watch. Thanks for the comment!
Dang. Hearing that they're going with Miyota movements instead of Swiss is a disappointment. No knock to Miyota, but if you've ever owned a watch with their movement, it's super loud and crunchy; they only wind one direction and you can feel the rotor.
I have several homage Invicta watches. I have no problem with the idea of them.
Great review, thanks. 🇬🇧
Crown: screwed down ?
Yes 👍
"I've hear a number of not-so-nice stories about the purchasing process..." As opposed to the great experience of trying to buy a Rolex...
Don't get me wrong, getting a Smith's is a genuine pain, especially in the US since the lag time in connectivity all the way to the UK makes a huge difference, but the process is ultimately a lot more fair for the people willing to make an effort, to say nothing of the 15x difference in price.
Smiths was actually the company which sponsored the trip up Everest.
The real Smiths has a claim to Everest. The current Smiths bought the name and has no claim to any notable history.
I really wanted a Smiths but ordering one became quite challenging. I ended up picking up a V2 San Martin Explorer homage. The San Martin is excellent
Nah, not a classy looking as the Everest.
@@M82RKY yeah the Everest looks great if you can get one. I really like both the Everest and the San Martin. They both have endearing attributes imo. I love the applied indices on the San Martin. It reminds me of a 1016 but with applied indices which Rolex never made. The finishing and build quality are top notch and the bracelet is very nice as well. Mine is running at +2 seconds a day on wrist typically. I may still pick up an Everest eventually but I’m very content for now.
These Spiths watches are like trying to buy value PS5 lol
This watch is gorgeous, yes close to an explorer 1016 but with the 1016 being so rare, the Smiths everest stands on its own feet.
I have to say… Smith uses a Crown. Rolex uses a Coronet…👍🏾🇬🇧😉
The Smiths was on Hillary's wrist when he summitted. Smiths in part sponsored the expedition.
But the thing is with Smiths, and I am not knocking Smiths here, well kind of..... is that they had three phases, 100% English made, then British made, but in Wales, with less refined tooling, and much simpler movements which are considered relics impossible to service today, then their non in-house era, using Swiss, then later, Japanese movements. Always fairly cheap ones at that. The latter was the death throws of the company (well the Watch/Clock branch), which in an attempt to stay solvent, stopped making movements and just bought mass produced ones to case (this, btw, is what new Smiths watches do).....however... even in their English made era, by the time they were doing the Everest thing, they were on the decline, had begun simplifying things, and were, not even close to what they had been, in terms of quality, ten years earlier, yet alone before that. This would not work, and they would move some production to a Welsh site and make even cruder simpler watches, but it was, nevertheless, perhaps not the ideal watchmaker for such an expedition.
So Hillary WAS wearing a Smiths.... he DID have the Rolex in his kit.... but WHY?
Because the Smiths, was marketing, was because they contributed to the expedition..... the ROLEX was a failsafe.
So the whole 'To the victor the spoils' thing, many cite, and claims of how Rolex stole the glory, it was actually the British Smiths which did XYZ on the conquest of Everest, yada yada yada, is a little disingenuous.
IF they REALLY were SO good... why have a Rolex as failsafe, because you knew THAT indeed WAS a watch which could handle the endeavour?
@@samgrant83 I'd heard he "wore" it, so thanks for he info.
Yeah, the Rolex was just in the kit for expedition, and I don't even know if he took all the way up, but Smith's sponsored the expedition in part, and Rolexes role seems to be minimal, if anything of merit at all.
My understanding was Hillary had worn Rolexes before, knew them, and had confidence in the brand, that's why he took his, despite wearing Smith's on that expedition.
If true, that kind of neuters Smith's bragging rights to some degree, because otherwise those blokes would have left any other watches at home :P
@@samgrant83 Yeah almost all the guys involved, in normal life, were Rolex owners, as, at least one of, their private watches, but as you say, Smiths sponsored the event and their watches were on a number of wrists... including Hillary's, though as you taught me, it appears it was not when he hit the top, though in his bag, so I guess they get the bragging rights.
Though to me, that other watches were present... and that they were namely Rolexes, and even Hillary himself owned a Rolex which he took on the expedition, if not to the top, still kind of neuters those bragging rights somewhat. If you have faith in X watch, for Y extreme endeavour, you leave Z personal watch at home.... every extra item is a burden when you are doing things like going to space, or kayaking the north west passage, or indeed, summitting Mt Everest, you know.
But yes, I read that originally, up until the 50s and 60s, as things went a bit south, and when they moved some production, also then later, when they went full third party movements, that Smith's made some very good watches indeed. Well, for their time, at least. But it seems as competitor improved the quality and capabilities of their offerings, the fit and finishing, at the same time others went to batteries, they fell off the wagon.
Their Welsh period watches, and later 3rd Party watches, from the things I read, which I admit was just a few articles and websites, are, from what I gathered, considered to be ... subpar... and indeed, the authors all seemed to concur the watches of the kind you own, are the ones to get, though in recent years, as you note, incredibly hard come by.
I'm a fan of the Traska Summiteer. Has the Explorer vibe without pretending to be one. Sweetspot dimensions of 38.5 x 46 x 20, sapphire, super-lume, scratch coat, M9039. Factory regulated, 4 positions. Great watch for $550.
can i got this watch
Watch looks geeat, but if it's called Everest why not having a more faitfull design to the Smith watch that went to the Everest 🤔
Great watch, but at 36mm it's a no go for me. It will look on my wrist like a children's watch
Hoping the hype dies down hard to get this little gem 😅
Good call! Just time your purchase well ☺️
My best friend owns this watch and we did a comparison with a San Martin, and even he admits the Smith's doesn't even hold a candle to the SM.
Yeah....you're both wrong
The smiths has actual heritage
The SM has none