Buyer, beware, gents. Sorry to be a wet blanket, but I also used to be an enthusiastic PRS-18A (different model, same company) owner... ... until the cheap bezel inscription wore off completely, rendering the bezel nearly useless. The circular ratchet spring inside the bezel broke repeatedly -- rendering it COMPLETELY useless. And this was supposedly a German-made PRS-18A. I ordered a new bezel spring from Timefactors. The watch repairman who installed it politely offered that this is not an uncommon problem with dive watches. He was not entirely correct, which I'll get to below. When I ordered my second or third ratchet spring from Eddie Platts, he very gruffly told me he would not sell me more springs because they are in limited supply. I wish he had advertised that on his website before I plunked down a few hundred euros for the watch. Note that as of this posting, the PRS-18 IS NOT OFFERED. There's probably a good reason for this. Also in a very uncivil tone, Platts told me that “no, it is NOT a common problem for bezel springs to break.” Indeed, he was correct that this is not a common problem -- when I became the happy owner of a CWC dive watch. The now five-year-old CWC looks almost as new as it did the day I bought it. My Precista is now nothing more than an expensive paperweight that bears witness to “you get what you pay for” and “buyer beware.” At this point, my Precista isn't even good enough as a “beater” watch since THE CROWN WON'T CLOSE BECAUSE THE THREADS NO LONGER CATCH. Not an attractive feature in a dive watch. I'm writing this because it's true. Save your money and get a SOLID watch from a reputable company that also has good customer service AND COMMITS TO AFTER-SALE CUSTOMER SUPPORT. Still smitten with Timefactors as I was? The risk is yours to take. Maybe you'll be lucky, but maybe you'll have an experience like mine. Buyer, beware.
Thanks for the heads up, back to seiko I go :) at least I easily get parts for them if something breaks, and they repear under warranty without making any problems
I bought both this and the gilt version .....i'm now selling the rest of my watch collection.....There was no point owning any others because these look and wear better than everything else i owned. Perfect look, perfect size, and very good quality.
I hear you. I've sold my PO and NTTD since getting the Smiths. I may try for a Gilt version when they come back in stock in July. They really are a joy to wear and punch well above their weight price wise.
@@polleriaosvaldo Both are great, but i wear the silver as my every day watch. Classy and understated.....I save the gilt as a spare or for an occassional change.
My 114270 Explorer is getting a little loose in the joints but has been a regular on my wrist since I bought it as a graduation present for myself back in the 2000s. I just bought the Everest gilt version, and they've done a superb job - the size, haptics and materials used are just right, and I love the little touches - the gold gilt dial, the 'Great Britain' text at the bottom. The bracelet is excellent, it feels more solid than the now rather worn oyster on my Rolex. The way the lugs curve down is just beautiful - the watch at it's price point easily presents excellent value and beats watches with RRP many times the value of this - I'd rather have this than the new, boring, Tudor Ranger.
Hey Matt. Thanks for the comments. The gilt version is a beauty and I agree that it trumps many watches in it's price point. Sure the movement isn't amazing, but the design is superb. Yep the Tudor Ranger was an easy no for me too. Enjoy your Everest in great health. Cheers.
I stayed up 'til 1am here in Tasmania to get the gilt version - bit of a palaver but worth it. The gilt details are lovely as they shimmer in any light source. I immediately took it off the bracelet (very easy) to wear it on a NATO for a while - getting the bracelet back on however was an exercise in pure torture as the drilled lugs don't help out. I had to use a shorter spring bar on one side, the tolerances so tight I couldn't get the original back in. No more strap changes on that then!
Very dedicated and nice one on scoring the gilt version. It looks amazing. I'd heard the bracelet was tough to put back on. Thankfully I will never have to face that as it will never be worn on the bracelet ever.
Great video! I bought the white/cream dial Everest a little over a year ago and love everything about it. I did try to get the gilt dial in February - had it in my cart but didn’t get shipping info in quick enough and missed out. Will definitely be getting one, but really have to get lucky as they sell out literary in second
Thanks Peter! Really appreciate it. I'm torn between the gilt or the white next. You havew to be so quick! I still can't believe I got one on my first attempt. Maybe I should buy a lottery ticket? 🤣
Well, Dan, after seeing your photos on Instagram, I was hoping you would do a video of this watch! I opened up UA-cam, and here you are! Over the past couple of years, I have had my eyes on the Smiths model, thinking it might replace my 36mm Explorer which I sold a few years ago. I seem to have somehow always missed my chance, however. Well, maybe next time! I can see that this watch is well worth more than the price. Your video is the first I have seen about this watch. I can honestly say there is really nothing not to like! Cheers, Carl
Well I haven't seen a 36mm Explorer IRL, but I can imagine this might help that itch. It's a joy to wear, but not easy to buy. You gotta be super quick.
I got the Smith's PRS-60 a couple months back and love it. Now, I want the PRS-25 to complement, but should I go with the guilt or non guilt version? Hard decision.
Great looking watch, very comprehensive review! I like the Everest Expedition cream dial. Waiting for the store to reopen...I hear they sell out within minutes.
I'm interested in this watch but am concerned about the rotor on the miyota movement. I've had one in a different watch but couldn't stand the endlessly spinning sound and feel. Have you noticed any rotor spin or anything? Thanks for the upload!
Great review, Dan! As someone who's always admired the Explorer, and hoped to own one some day, this is definitely a viable alternative. I know now that I'll never own an Explorer as I'm sick of the ROLEX bs. I might even buy both this iteration and the gilt version. That's if I can get my timing right and be on the site when they are available. Thanks for review! Always appreciated.
Cheers René! It certainly is! Of course it isn't a Rolex, but if you're after the 1016 vibe then this watch nails it. Yep the gilt is beautiful. I'm keen to get one too 😁
@@TheSurreyWatchGuy Why not just let people pre order instead of having to wake up at 6am for a chance to buy a watch before the website crashes. Never seen someone make it so unpleasant to buy something.
It's a fantastic piece and it looks amazing on the bracelet or a vintage leather strap but it looks bloody awful on a nato! Especially the 'Craig' bond nato you've used there. Mind you; does any watch really look good on a nato?
Got mine this morning, not opened the box yet - I will still wear my Apple watch on the other wrist. I was going to cobble some sort of video together but you have it well covered. I have a BB58 in my collection, so for rivets, I'm well covered.....
You have a lot more patience than me Tim! 😂Since getting my Everest I use the Apple watch for running only and the Smiths now dominates the wrist time.
Just got one , the latest generation and I agree with the review , superbe product for the money...more impressive when you handle it. Accuracy so far has been + 3-4 seconds a day, pretty much the same as my Tudor BB58
Let’s be honest. It is copy and a homage just like Steinhart, but I got no problem with that when the original is discontinued and/or sell for astronomical prices. Good review.
I’m sold!!!! As soon as I’ve got the ££s I’ll try and get one. Amazing value, exactly what I’d be looking for. I also like your plans for the gilt one.... hmmmm!
I have a 40mm and 36mm. However I am a little bit disappointed for 36mm. I think 40mm version proportion, domed Cyristal and craftman ship seems much better. 40mm version bracelet quality is also better however clasp is so thick. 36mm version bracelet is so so but clasp does not lock properly. Probably I will buy gilt version and commando version of this watch. Anyway I love 1016 design.
I haven't seen the 40mm size personally, but the 36mm is certainly a small watch for some wrists. As for craftsmanship, these aren't expensive watches, but they're certainly well built and finished for the money IMHO.
@@TheSurreyWatchGuy I still like my 40mm version but I really disappointed of 36mm 1. Sapphire Cyristal is not the box type. 2. Luminous is not the same 3. Crown motion creepy 4. Bracelet feeling is cheap 5. Clasp does not lock properly
It was all good until you said about it being made in China. For the ttention to details & finishing it looks comparable to a San Martin or a Chronos, which are @£100 cheaper ( e.g.62 Mas). Plus the scarcity ( limited factory access due to other brands? ) . Plus the clasp. Mmm ..not sure now .
The San Martin is also very good quality, I have a 39mm myself with custom dial and absolutely love it. But the San Martin has an NH35 and the new Smiths come with Miyota 9000 series.
They bought the Smith's name. However, not made in England but China. You decide how "real" the watch is. San Martin makes a similar watch for less money and a better bracelet if Chinese made is not an issue for you.
If I change my name to Napoleon, can I claim to be the emperor of France? This is what you are doing associating Timefactors chinese made watches to the heritage of Smiths watches - the only relation they have is the logo printed on them. You can also buy a chinese made rolex and claim that you have bought a rolex for yourself... then start bragging of the heritage of the brand and associate its history to your chinese knock-off.
325 pounds ? you must be joking. A made in China, bog simple watch,miyota mechanism. A watch of these specs on many Chinese shopping sites that sell watches would be under $100 or 50 pounds All i can say is apart from some thin providence and a old brand that is not really this brand is somebody is making a killing. The finish is good enough but thats what you get on a $100 watch these days. Have a look around for yourself on Alliexpress just for one example. 325 pounds ? Tell him he’s dreaming and they’re sold out? Shocking . How many did they make ? Like 50? Ridiculous amount of money for such a simple basic watch. This thing is in Timex country. I like its simplicity for a everyday house watch but not worth that kind of coin and talking it up here like its a bargain.
Buyer, beware, gents.
Sorry to be a wet blanket, but I also used to be an enthusiastic PRS-18A (different model, same company) owner...
... until the cheap bezel inscription wore off completely, rendering the bezel nearly useless.
The circular ratchet spring inside the bezel broke repeatedly -- rendering it COMPLETELY useless.
And this was supposedly a German-made PRS-18A.
I ordered a new bezel spring from Timefactors. The watch repairman who installed it politely offered that this is not an uncommon problem with dive watches. He was not entirely correct, which I'll get to below.
When I ordered my second or third ratchet spring from Eddie Platts, he very gruffly told me he would not sell me more springs because they are in limited supply.
I wish he had advertised that on his website before I plunked down a few hundred euros for the watch.
Note that as of this posting, the PRS-18 IS NOT OFFERED. There's probably a good reason for this.
Also in a very uncivil tone, Platts told me that “no, it is NOT a common problem for bezel springs to break.”
Indeed, he was correct that this is not a common problem -- when I became the happy owner of a CWC dive watch. The now five-year-old CWC looks almost as new as it did the day I bought it.
My Precista is now nothing more than an expensive paperweight that bears witness to “you get what you pay for” and “buyer beware.”
At this point, my Precista isn't even good enough as a “beater” watch since THE CROWN WON'T CLOSE BECAUSE THE THREADS NO LONGER CATCH. Not an attractive feature in a dive watch.
I'm writing this because it's true.
Save your money and get a SOLID watch from a reputable company that also has good customer service AND COMMITS TO AFTER-SALE CUSTOMER SUPPORT.
Still smitten with Timefactors as I was? The risk is yours to take. Maybe you'll be lucky, but maybe you'll have an experience like mine.
Buyer, beware.
Thanks for the heads up, back to seiko I go :) at least I easily get parts for them if something breaks, and they repear under warranty without making any problems
I bought both this and the gilt version .....i'm now selling the rest of my watch collection.....There was no point owning any others because these look and wear better than everything else i owned. Perfect look, perfect size, and very good quality.
I hear you. I've sold my PO and NTTD since getting the Smiths. I may try for a Gilt version when they come back in stock in July. They really are a joy to wear and punch well above their weight price wise.
Hi, what differences did you find between the two versions? Which do you prefer?
@@polleriaosvaldo Both are great, but i wear the silver as my every day watch. Classy and understated.....I save the gilt as a spare or for an occassional change.
It is a HUGE 👍 from me. I especially like that it is a 36mm case.
Now is only they would do it with a VH31 movement in an 8mm thick case.....
My 114270 Explorer is getting a little loose in the joints but has been a regular on my wrist since I bought it as a graduation present for myself back in the 2000s. I just bought the Everest gilt version, and they've done a superb job - the size, haptics and materials used are just right, and I love the little touches - the gold gilt dial, the 'Great Britain' text at the bottom. The bracelet is excellent, it feels more solid than the now rather worn oyster on my Rolex. The way the lugs curve down is just beautiful - the watch at it's price point easily presents excellent value and beats watches with RRP many times the value of this - I'd rather have this than the new, boring, Tudor Ranger.
Hey Matt. Thanks for the comments. The gilt version is a beauty and I agree that it trumps many watches in it's price point. Sure the movement isn't amazing, but the design is superb. Yep the Tudor Ranger was an easy no for me too. Enjoy your Everest in great health. Cheers.
Those dogs you walk will love the domed acrylic crystal 😁
I stayed up 'til 1am here in Tasmania to get the gilt version - bit of a palaver but worth it. The gilt details are lovely as they shimmer in any light source.
I immediately took it off the bracelet (very easy) to wear it on a NATO for a while - getting the bracelet back on however was an exercise in pure torture as the drilled lugs don't help out. I had to use a shorter spring bar on one side, the tolerances so tight I couldn't get the original back in. No more strap changes on that then!
Very dedicated and nice one on scoring the gilt version. It looks amazing.
I'd heard the bracelet was tough to put back on. Thankfully I will never have to face that as it will never be worn on the bracelet ever.
Yep. Consistent problem with this watch... Also the owner is an arse.
Great video! I bought the white/cream dial Everest a little over a year ago and love everything about it. I did try to get the gilt dial in February - had it in my cart but didn’t get shipping info in quick enough and missed out. Will definitely be getting one, but really have to get lucky as they sell out literary in second
Thanks Peter! Really appreciate it. I'm torn between the gilt or the white next. You havew to be so quick! I still can't believe I got one on my first attempt. Maybe I should buy a lottery ticket? 🤣
Well, Dan, after seeing your photos on Instagram, I was hoping you would do a video of this watch! I opened up UA-cam, and here you are! Over the past couple of years, I have had my eyes on the Smiths model, thinking it might replace my 36mm Explorer which I sold a few years ago. I seem to have somehow always missed my chance, however. Well, maybe next time! I can see that this watch is well worth more than the price. Your video is the first I have seen about this watch. I can honestly say there is really nothing not to like! Cheers, Carl
Well I haven't seen a 36mm Explorer IRL, but I can imagine this might help that itch. It's a joy to wear, but not easy to buy. You gotta be super quick.
Great review I picked one up this month for my retirement birthday pressie....
I got the Smith's PRS-60 a couple months back and love it. Now, I want the PRS-25 to complement, but should I go with the guilt or non guilt version? Hard decision.
No guilt is better but a little bit of guilt will always be there if you buy too many watches especially when they look almost the same
Gilt all the way. Looks so good!
Great looking watch, very comprehensive review! I like the Everest Expedition cream dial. Waiting for the store to reopen...I hear they sell out within minutes.
Thanks for your kind words. Yep they sell out very quickly indeed! Good luck.
Great thorough video, I’m totally convinced, this is a a beauty 😍 just need to be patient now!
Thanks Eduardo. You'll love it I'm sure. Are you waiting for one to ship, or waiting for the store to open again?
@@TheSurreyWatchGuy I was waiting for them to re-open the store to orders, however it looks like they may have actually sold out!
@@EdwardHTilley Yep they're currently sold out. Sign up for the email newsletter so you'll know when it will next open.
Is the rotor movement noisy/scratchy sounding?
If you hold the watch right to your ear there is a faint noise.
Yes It Is ...
I'm interested in this watch but am concerned about the rotor on the miyota movement. I've had one in a different watch but couldn't stand the endlessly spinning sound and feel. Have you noticed any rotor spin or anything? Thanks for the upload!
There was a little bit of noise, but nothing to worry about.
Great review, Dan!
As someone who's always admired the Explorer, and hoped to own one some day, this is definitely a viable alternative. I know now that I'll never own an Explorer as I'm sick of the ROLEX bs. I might even buy both this iteration and the gilt version. That's if I can get my timing right and be on the site when they are available.
Thanks for review! Always appreciated.
Cheers René! It certainly is! Of course it isn't a Rolex, but if you're after the 1016 vibe then this watch nails it. Yep the gilt is beautiful. I'm keen to get one too 😁
I like their watches, not so much their practice of only opening the shop for a few minutes.
Well they only have so much stock to sell and the chap is a one man band IIRC.
@@TheSurreyWatchGuy Why not just let people pre order instead of having to wake up at 6am for a chance to buy a watch before the website crashes. Never seen someone make it so unpleasant to buy something.
@@knowyourhistory Agreed. Certainly not ideal for everyone. Thankfully 2pm here, but still difficult to buy regardless.
It's a fantastic piece and it looks amazing on the bracelet or a vintage leather strap but it looks bloody awful on a nato! Especially the 'Craig' bond nato you've used there. Mind you; does any watch really look good on a nato?
Your voice has a commanding presence. People probably listen intently when you speak :)
Haha. If only that was true. Thanks though.
Got mine this morning, not opened the box yet - I will still wear my Apple watch on the other wrist. I was going to cobble some sort of video together but you have it well covered. I have a BB58 in my collection, so for rivets, I'm well covered.....
You have a lot more patience than me Tim! 😂Since getting my Everest I use the Apple watch for running only and the Smiths now dominates the wrist time.
Vry good episode. This watch is well worth a review and well done.
Thanks so much. I'll do a follow up after a month of wearing.
Just got one , the latest generation and I agree with the review , superbe product for the money...more impressive when you handle it. Accuracy so far has been + 3-4 seconds a day, pretty much the same as my Tudor BB58
I like smiths so much I just bought one, the commando 36 mm. this could be the one watch. not too many of these in the USA.
Nice review. I caught the link from a thread on TZUK.
Thanks so much. I didn't realise there was a thread. I'll go check it out.
Let’s be honest. It is copy and a homage just like Steinhart, but I got no problem with that when the original is discontinued and/or sell for astronomical prices. Good review.
Good video. Great watch. You lucked out, man. Congrats. These watches are very hard to get.
Cheers Rich. I feel pretty damn lucky I can tell you 😁
Great review mate.
Cheers Hervé 😁
Well done mate! Lets talk about it over a pint...great watch indeed, it makes you want to collect all the Timefactors Smiths!
Cheers Charles! I'm guessing that you're local to Surrey then?
I’m sold!!!! As soon as I’ve got the ££s I’ll try and get one. Amazing value, exactly what I’d be looking for. I also like your plans for the gilt one.... hmmmm!
Nice watch, was after the cream dial but sold out in seconds. I'm sure they'll punt more on Ebay at a mark up soon 😁
For sure they will, but wait. The store is opening quite often currently.
Great review, thanks.
My pleasure. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
good review!
Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed it.
I have a 40mm and 36mm. However I am a little bit disappointed for 36mm. I think 40mm version proportion, domed Cyristal and craftman ship seems much better. 40mm version bracelet quality is also better however clasp is so thick. 36mm version bracelet is so so but clasp does not lock properly.
Probably I will buy gilt version and commando version of this watch. Anyway I love 1016 design.
I haven't seen the 40mm size personally, but the 36mm is certainly a small watch for some wrists. As for craftsmanship, these aren't expensive watches, but they're certainly well built and finished for the money IMHO.
@@TheSurreyWatchGuy I still like my 40mm version but I really disappointed of 36mm
1. Sapphire Cyristal is not the box type.
2. Luminous is not the same
3. Crown motion creepy
4. Bracelet feeling is cheap
5. Clasp does not lock properly
Another great review I had the chance to buy a explorer about 18 months ago from Rolex 39 mil and I bloody try it on I should of bought it
Something stopped you. If it wasn't the price then you did the right thing. No regrets.
It was all good until you said about it being made in China. For the ttention to details & finishing it looks comparable to a San Martin or a Chronos, which are @£100 cheaper ( e.g.62 Mas). Plus the scarcity ( limited factory access due to other brands? ) . Plus the clasp. Mmm ..not sure now .
Haha! Well thats fair enough. I hate the bracelet on the watch so the clasp is a mute point for me. For £300 it's a great watch and cheap.
The San Martin is also very good quality, I have a 39mm myself with custom dial and absolutely love it. But the San Martin has an NH35 and the new Smiths come with Miyota 9000 series.
Great review. Love those watches.
Thanks so much. Great watches. I'm sold on them!
Great video and great watch!
I have cream dial one it’s around 3 secs a day
nice but this watch can be made for about 1/5th the price
Something called profit....
Why don´t you try it on the wrist?.
It wasn't sized and I'm not a bracelet fan. In a follow up video it will be shown from many angles 😁
Great watch - Congrats!
Thanks so much. It's super for the money.
I love these Bracelet there is another company Watch Gecko that carrys a nice Riveted Bracelet.
Thanks, I'll check that out.
Question, there’s one on eBay where “EVEREST” is more bold than this. Is this a sign that it’s fake? Its going for 1250
That would be a first issue of the Everest.
Dog walker? You should be a voice actor lol. Great review btw
People keep on telling me that!
Yep 100% I'am, but thanks for the compliment. A new career perhaps?
Decent looking very practical watch.
So are these fake? I have two late 1950s Smith's watches.
No they aren't fake. Check out the timefactors website.
They bought the Smith's name. However, not made in England but China. You decide how "real" the watch is. San Martin makes a similar watch for less money and a better bracelet if Chinese made is not an issue for you.
Your vintage watches...? 500 to 2500 pounds.
Buy the San Martin explorer V2 . It's just as good . If not better .
Not a fan personally. But to each their own :-)
With anti magnetism?
Lost my interest when you said made in China.
Yep..so Great Britain markings but assembled in China. I'll stick with my Zeno-Basel super precision 38mm , oh yeah, " Swiss made ".
When you make watch review you have to wearing a watch.
Im selling my 36mm everest black dial in the UK if anybody is interested..
If I change my name to Napoleon, can I claim to be the emperor of France?
This is what you are doing associating Timefactors chinese made watches to the heritage of Smiths watches - the only relation they have is the logo printed on them.
You can also buy a chinese made rolex and claim that you have bought a rolex for yourself... then start bragging of the heritage of the brand and associate its history to your chinese knock-off.
I agree, these are not Smiths watches, Eddie just pinched the trademark.
@Jimmy Carr. You do realize you don't have to buy one right?
325 pounds ? you must be joking.
A made in China, bog simple watch,miyota mechanism.
A watch of these specs on many Chinese shopping sites that sell watches would be under $100 or 50 pounds
All i can say is apart from some thin providence and a old brand that is not really this brand is somebody is making a killing.
The finish is good enough but thats what you get on a $100 watch these days.
Have a look around for yourself on Alliexpress just for one example.
325 pounds ? Tell him he’s dreaming and they’re sold out? Shocking . How many did they make ? Like 50?
Ridiculous amount of money for such a simple basic watch. This thing is in Timex country. I like its simplicity for a everyday house watch but not worth that kind of coin and talking it up here like its a bargain.
Bloke who owns the company is a nasty little man
Lol. So i have heard.