Smiths Military - One of the Most Wanted Reissue of a Military Watch // Timefactors
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- Опубліковано 21 тра 2020
- In this watch review I present you two very special reissues: The Smiths Military PRS-29 a and b. The original Smiths watches were produced between the 50s and 70s, many of them for the British military. The Smiths Military PRS is very wanted amongst collectors.
The company Time factors has brought the old brand to new life and produces some very popular watches.
Smiths watches are available at:
www.timefactors.com/smiths.htm
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/ caseback_tim - Навчання та стиль
A collection is only too large if it is not well organized. I have given some watches away, but have yet to sell any. I maintain a spreadsheet of all the information about my watches. I recently added a grading column to evaluate my feelings for each watch. A=Love, B=Like very much, C=Keeping, but would not feel really sad if I gave it away or sold it, D=Taking up space that I may want for future purchases, E=Definitely leaving, F=Fake(I only have one that my father found at a rummage sale and gave to my wife as a joke.), H=Heirloom-to be willed to relatives. When I filled my first wristwatch case, I decided to purchase only the same Songmics 12 slot case (w/drawer) so that additional ones would stack well. Lately, I have been feeling that I was not wearing my watches as much as I would like. So, I have started occasionally wearing a watch on each wrist, like Marc Frankel from Long Island Watch. This is not just randomly grabbing two watches, but a thoughtful selection for a tasteful pairing. For the curious, I have about 100 wristwatches, 30+ stop watches and 9 pocket watches.
This story is basically just pure proof that Tim is the most likeable personality on the YT horology scene...
Well yeah...... Archipoverty is a no good, rat bastid.
Can you imagine some sort of YT watch channel reality show where Tim and that dirt bag Archie had to shack up together in a studio apartment ... For a month!
I pay to see that!!
@@anthonysmith2982 hahahahaha......me too😷🤕👍
Completely agree. That’s why I watch.
JohnstonPettigrew LOL
Tim- first great showing if the Smiths.
Buy the watch! Being a collector is different than being an enthusiast in this regard of dead watches being unworn. A collector will have different variants for historic reference in addition to daily wearers. I have several that I don’t wear much but will post on Instagram every so often then put on a daily wearer.(‘68 Bulova Seaking, 50’s Sellita, etc.;).
Be well and buy the Smiths. IIt fits your vibe and I think you’ll get a lot of wear and pleasure from it.
I've owned three Timefactors watches, and I've come so close to buying one of these many, many times. In my time zone you have to order at 6:00am on the designated Sunday, which is a hassle, but it has stopped my watch collection from growing too fast.
Used, it's literally a timed release and you gotta snap it up online huh
Fun!
Beautiful, will have a Timefactors watch one day. Excellent video as always, Cheers Tim 👍🏻👍🏻
Watches are like little vacations on your wrist.
You paid to be there a few days. You enjoyed every minute. You don't feel bad not going back. In your drawer are your Polaroids of the trip.
Great production Tim, matched by your sartorial style. Magnificent.
Greetings Tim
Love everything you do you are a man of great deportment, as for The Smiths black dial buy it do not hesitate, I have The Smiths Everest which is basically a homage to the Rolex 1016 Explorer, I have regulated that watch to 2 seconds a day, it's a much better made watch than the original Rolex because it uses modern materials, the quality of "Time Factors" watches is superb and the equal of many big names that cost thousands
regards keep up the good work Tim
The Everest is the only watch I’ve seriously though about buying twice. I dread losing mine.
I have had an Itay Noy skeltonized Watch on my wrist that I bought over one year ago but had never worn until yesterday. I quite like it and deciding to wear it yesterday was mostly by accident. I quite like the case and lug design of the Smiths watch, the clean dial and the historic size. I have always intended to buy a Stowa or Laco flieger B-uhr but I tend to find the dial to busy and the straps too chunky. I bought a Longines Heritage Military 1938 because of the clean dial, lack of a calendar window, hand winding and the two non-chunky straps which were included. I have not been able to find another Longines Heritage Military/Aviation reissue that I like without regard to pricing. When I put them on my wrist nothing happens. The Smiths is a wonderful and fairly price recreation of the original. On the right strap, it would be a great value addition to a collection. The other English military watch purveyor is CWC but they have a more extensive line, more quartz references and more aviation references. The Time Concepts reference is an easier choice. As always, your work is both thoughtful and thought provoking.
I can relate to that feeling. I also have too many watches lying around. But my taste is evolving and as I move towards another style, I make a list of what watches don't stand a chance on being worn, and I just consider a sale. Not that I started already, but I see that happening soon. The ones I see staying are in no special order: Seiko 5 automatic, Orient Marshal EM7E004F, Tissot PR50 dual tone bought back in 1994, Mido Commander silver tone and my two Citizens Eco (one dress style in gold tone and the other an incoming Promaster 200M-long overdue want). Thank you for all the effort you put on bringing these videos, and congrats for being able to bring not only one Smith's, but two. That's a huge endorsement to your channel.
Thanks for that . I looked up the watches you mentioned. Interesting . Nice spread.
Great review Tim I am having one! Thankyou !
These watches are GORGEOUS! And perfect dimensions etc! -- and no date!!! I need one.
Yes I have some watches I do not wear often.I find it hard to let go of them.I did give a Movado to a friend for his birthday and he loves the watch and wear it all the time.I do like the black dial.I really like the SMITHS EVEREST 'EXPEDITION' PRS-25W,and want to add it to my collection.
I love these videos! Tim is such a personable character and really shows his love for the craft of watchmaking--btw, buy the watch!
my mother bough me a smiths watch 60 years ago still going the real one
Thank you very much Tim, love your channel
the white dial Air Ministry watch is a homage to the 1942 Omega Air Ministry 6B/159 RAF Spitfire Pilot’s Watch just as the black dial is a homage to the 1960s Smiths W10 field watch.
I too “feel bad” about watches I don’t wear very often. I’ll do research to find what I want, then find another model I like better 6 months later. It hasn’t gotten too far out of hand-yet.
I bought the white Air Ministry and later the Navigator . The Air Ministry was my first watch since I stopped wearing them as a teenager .i have been so impressed by the quality of both .They are highly accurate , hard wearing and have a feel of quality , being well finished with an attention to detail , are solid , functional and attractive. I’ve seen many watches costing far more that have used the same movements , the eta and Sellita . I can’t understand why I ever stopped wearing a watch . I find the Sellita far smoother and easier to wind than the ETA but both keep chronometer time .i can’t think of anything negative to say really , apart from the stiff wind on the Air Ministry . It’s just a shame they’re so difficult to buy on a Sunday !
Sometimes I feel obligated to wear certain watches when I would rather wear others. I know I should sell some of my watches but I can’t seem to let them go.
It would be interesting to see people’s lists of watches they’re ambivalent about. I often find that I ca suddenly like what used to be out of favour
Gift some of the watches that you don’t wear...If some of them are expensive you could always look at some of the forms that trade back and forth. Easy way to try out Something new.
That’s a must have, great choice, thanks I enjoyed this video.
Thanks so much for reviewing these. Lovely watches. That Air Ministry...bravo.
Thanks for watching!
I was lucky to pick up a used black dial PRS-29A... absolute beauty. I didn't expect much but it is superb... quality, feel, accuracy, vintage vibes, 36mm, hand winding.... if this said Rolex Explorer on the dial, I would think "yes fair enough, nice little rolex"...it's a wonderful choice for a daily watch
Lovely, genuine review. No hyperbole, just straight facts and sensible opinions. Seeing Tim struggling with the idea of buying the watch made him seem like 'one of us'. I agree that the black dial watch had the special something. Simple, but not at all dull; and perfectly proportioned. The white one seemed somehow 'hollow' and a little more ordinary, in comparison.
In its time, Smiths was more famous for the production of instruments, speedometers, tachometers, altimeters, for automobiles and aircraft. Classic 1950s Jaguars have Smiths instruments.
I have the black version of this watch. On a black leather strap it gets pretty close to a dress watch, elegant and restrained, despite its military ancestry.
And, yes, I also have too many watches. You know that's true when you can't decide which watch to wear for a particular occasion. What to sell, what to sell?
I received the black dial version yesterday. I own many good watches, but this watch is just outstanding quality. Even nicer than the Everest. A definite keeper. I hope you kept yours Tim. Thanks for another terrific video.
Well Tim, if you like both, one way is to buy one for yourself and one for your partner! Remember going to a Grammar school a few miles from Cheltenham in Gloucestershire where the Smiths watch factory was then still in operation I think most of the pupils wore Smiths as they could take a fair amount of hard wear that children can dish out to their possessions. My brother in law was in the SAS for fifteen years and always wore a Smiths even in the Konfrantase with the Indonesians in Sarawak, so it must have stood the test of combat in a wet climate.
OH NO! Too many watches. Whatever will you do? Buy the black one. Life is too short to be timid. LOVE your work. You are one of my favorites. Boldness!
Thank you!
Thanks for this great video. Very nice this two watch. I prefer the black dial.
I wear 2 watches on both hands when I'm at home! You don't need to feel bad, keep all the watches, they are art, not just watches!
Thanks Tim 👍
Go for it. Trust your heart. Both look very inviting. I have a similar watch in the Hamilton Karki field white face. It’s the cheapest watch I own, but probably gets more wrist time
Just discovered your channel and found it to be very interesting and informative. There are far to many watch "retailers" using UA-cam to "sell".
Thanks for introducing a new watch brand to me, lovely looks esp the 36mm size but just wished it has an exhibition case back.Damn, you're wearing that famous Seagull chronograph, must get one myself now!
If you buy the W10 homage, you will wear it. It is iconic, practical, right sized for your wrist, and does everything that a watch needs to do and nothing more. The only challenge will be pairing it with the strap that best suits you. I don't much care for the rivets on that strap borrowed from the seagull 1963. This watch calls for something simpler and more elegant, in brown IMO, with a 2mm taper from 18 down to 16 at the clasp. Of course, it would be remarkable on an MN strap as well.
I find the hand winding movement to be an endearing feature. It invokes the ritual of winding up with the morning cup of coffee.
Call me "Everybody" its a very stunning simple watch... I want both!
I only have two arms and more watches than arms... I feel bad and sometimes wear three different watches throughout the day just to satisfy.
I really like the white dial and blue hand model.
I have the older version of the black dial one -- it's slightly larger, 38 or 39mm, I think. It is by far my favorite watch; elegant and understated, perfectly balanced design. I wear it in preference to some much more expensive and famous watches.
I prefer black dials because I find them usually more readable than white ones, but this white dial PRS-29 is definitely on my list.
Some Time Factors watches have all the benefits of vintage watches without the reliability and repair issues.
I am very happy with mine PRS-25W.
Rocking that ascot Timothy!
PS. I’ve got the watch itch that needs scratching occasionally , so have bough up to eight watches over the past year or two. .i do feel torn when I wear my regular Omega Seamaster and see my other watches looking out at me . I even bought a beautiful Seiko Lord Marvel in 14 ct with 18 ct indices and hands that i wear on a handmade two tone strap and I feel it’s calling me back . I own a Smiths original watch , one of their first post war watches from 1948. It has a rather light steel case owing to the lack of steel after the war and it seems quite delicate compared to later and contemporary watches but it has a history and is a watch of its time . Anyway, the dial is so nice and it even keeps good time .
That is a good looking watch Tim. 😃👍
Hi Tim
Just buy it. It’s an excellent watch. I have the Smiths Everest 36mm which is the best ‘bang for buck’ watch out there at the moment. It’s very beautiful.
Great work from one Tim to another, I have a new PRS-25 in the box ready to open. Not sure about German military strap and British military watch combo 😎
Great review, Tim! Really like the look of the black dial, either with NATO- or leather strap. Just give yourself a push, buy it and enjoy it. I think you may regret when you send them both back 😉
Merci pour cette revue 👍🏼
Merci d'avoir regardé.
I have no problem at all having watches that I just look at and play with every now and then but hardly ever wear, mate. Just having them is enough for me. :-)
I wear watches since my 10th birthday. Now I'm 50. You can imagine how many watches I worn. I don't even remember. But I always tend to possess 1 watch. When I get a new one, I wear it. And the old one gets another owner, or eventually ends in a trash bag.
I've worn all sorts of watches (but not super expensive luxury ones) and now, through all those years, I've profiled my preferred style of watches. I've find out I enjoy practicality, accuracy, comfort and reliability... and that's why I'm now wearing the square G-shock (GW-B5600). That watch is the best watch in the world. No watch can compare with it. Maybe it's not a beaut like some analogs, but I don't care anymore. This one has everything a man could need.
Tho, I like to peek at some other designs, just like watches in this video. Who knows, maybe I'll change my mind in the future. But I will never wear a mechanical watch anymore. That's for sure. There's too much trouble with them. Except maybe if it's Sinn 556 I RS. Just maybe. :)
After mentioning that Sinn I would bet some money that the industry of mechanical wristwatches will have another customer sooner or later ;-)
@@CasebackWatches I have to admit, your bet would be a good one. That Sinn, on a leather strap, is as beautiful as sin. :)
Really like the Smith in white with the blue hands. The simple design would lend itself to both casual and dress straps, allowing for a variety of dress options.
Looking at this again…I’m really starting to like it. I wish the black dial had the fancier Smiths logo like the white one. I can’t decide between this and the Navigator PRS-48.
NATO straps are a bit anachronistic since ithey didn't exist when these models were made originally. They should have leather, or possibly some kind of pre-NATO type ("Zulu").
Zuly straps weren't introduced until the 2000s.
Yes, hence the quotes. I meant "Zulu like", or in the style of; trying to keep the comment brief. Zulu was actually a brand and not the first single piece "waist band type" strap. There were simpler precursors of the NATO strap, most famously the one Sean Connery wore in Goldfinger which often is incorrectly referred to as a NATO, despite the fact that it was filmed 9 years before NATO (or G10, which is a better term) existed.
The watch also looks very good on a Perlon strap.
Thanks for looking at the Smiths. I like them very much and have been considering picking up one of them.
I have too many… Far too many… I often times give them away as a gifts...The more expensive ones I sometimes flip to buy other watches but that doesn’t really keep my number down(Hovering well above 30 at the moment)...
Wow! What a compliment! Two loaners from Eddie?? That’s unheard of!!!
The black! Probably, for me, because, like you, it seems 'pure' to the style and function of the watch! Being a 'practical' guy, though, i do like date, or day/date, so I have a seiko 5, black dial, in "flieger" style, with a very legible dial, good lume, and clear day/date. When i want to have something a bit more 'stylish', i have a 42 mm Eco-Drive, black dial, and wear it, also, for its accuracy and reliability, without worrying if it's powered enough...
6the Seiko 5 would not keep wound when i was doing a lot of 'office work', and made me have to look to my phone for time :-( )
I also like the Junkers GMT watch that I have, and a Citizen Exceed, Titan, that has a 10-seconds-per-year calibre, and is my 'suit watch'. But, I'm no collector, just like that they are functional, the only 'jewellery' that I wear. Oh, and, a Casio W-800H dual time zone, as a real 'beater' watch ;-)
great video
I was listening to Djangoholics the other day, and I must say, I've had a great time! It is rare that I listen to an entire album in one take, but I did. Although I like your channel very much, we do not have similar taste in watches, but your music is just great! I dig your style man.
And sell all the shitters as the gentleman from Brisbane would say. :)
I have the black one ( payed 300 € for almost brand new) and Stowa Marine 36. Both different but equaly great. I have a problem being a keeper. I love all my pieces. And unfortunately at least few more that I dont own and I can not afford... yet. (; Keep the black one and enjoy.
I do feel bad about buying another watch, because I have enough, but I can sympathise with you, I am addicted.
I feel bad only for a moment then remember that I dont have to wear them all to enjoy them all. I say, buy it and enjoy it, that is if your budget can afford to do so. Thanks for sharing!
reminds me of my seiko 5 :) would you review g shocks in your military serie, I think its still the most have watch for new recruits
I am really feeling the lighter dial version.
Excellent job, Tim! Definitely the black dial, for me. Now, would you consider give us your thoughts on the Marathon GSAR Automatic? Or are you tired of military and military inspired watches?
You love your watches. So do I (with my watches 😃). We need to stop feeling guilty when we buy another watch. Just keep what you like, never sell timepieces you really like.
I will be looking out for the black dial when he starts production again.
Just buy it 🙂 I have a watch I bought new back in 1989 and at some point it ended up in a drawer, untouched for about 15 years. Now I'm really glad I did not get rid of it 😍
Is it a Daytona with a Zenith movement? 👍🏻
ingleby Bhoy 😂😂😂
Hey Tim, great video!
I often associate certain uses or purposes for my watches in order to keep wearing them all. One is for cooking, another for studying, another for sports etc. some uses are obvious like a diver or chrono for cooking but sometimes the 'purpose' for wearing the watch is rather arbitrary. Of course I still wear a select few watches the most but attaching specific and arbitrary proposes to them gives them a routine for wearing
Kind regards
You have watches for studying?
I have one for dressier occasions, one for going out and about, some beater watches for when I'm doing physical stuff/know I will sweat a lot
Did not expect to hear the word "vibe" on this channel.
I dig that! 🤪
"I have too many watches but..." haha yes. Love the black dial one. It is on my shortlist of watches I don't buy because I have too many.
I must say, I've always wanted a watch with that broad-arrow as used by the Brittish & Commonwealth forces. But that said, it's the cream dial pilots watch for me - and on that brown riveted strap too. A perfect combination. I think I could get away with it, even on my 8"+ wrist. The riveted straps with the detail near the lugs, fools the eye and gives a piece more wrist presence. Too many watches. I can't have them all....
Tim. Please look into the Serica WWW WMB field watch. It cost $710 US dollars. Just received mine last week truly outstanding purchase.
the trouble i have with having alot of watches is , which to wear when your going out , i must change my watches at least twice before i decide on one , then when i get out , i wished i'd put the other one on , haha .
Yeah, buy it. You can always gift your watches to friends and family further down the line and that way you get to see them again.
subscribed for the neckerchief !!!!
Yes, I feel bad when I can't wear my watches. I don't even have that many, but I mostly wear my everyday watch (a Damasko). In particular, I really like more "dressy" watches, but I very rarely can wear them. Doesn't fit my life style and profession. I'm actually considering buying the white dial Smiths now, I really like it, in the hope that it could double as a "dress watch" and get worn on other occasions as well...
i like your music
I have way more than 30 watches of all make, tiers, types and prices. I buy what I like and keep them for ever. But both and then you can enjoy when you feel like.
They are perfect on the natos they have, well, for me they are. Thank you for showing
Hi Tim, I prefer the black dial too...I like the profile of the lugs, a bit tudor-like
Maybe wait a fews days and then it will be clearer if you really want it or not
But I admit that's a one I could easely pull the triger on....I have 6 watches and up until 10 watches i think we should not worry too much
What about the space between the spring bars and the edge of the case? Is there a big gap when you wear it on slim leather strap? (your leather strap seems quite thick so it might hide the gap)
I could never part with a watch I dont think, but even with a very modest collection I'm reluctant to consider any more.
Always appreciate reviews that are off the beaten path.
Although too small for me, sharp looking watches.
I much prefer the black dialed version, but then to my eye black is classy and white is pleasant, but rather plain. I’m in the minority, which is fine by me, but I’ve never purchased a white-dialed watch.
I too feel bad about a watch I'm not wearing. Which is why I sold my Fortis B42 GMT. And now I miss it. So here's my recommendation: if you want to collect them then do, wear them from time to time and have fun. If you buy watches for wearing then get rid of those you don't wear as it will bother you every time you look at them. My guess is you are a collector and I'm a wearer.
I am really thinking about getting one of those Smith watches, they look like they would be a good buy.
I try to wear a new watch everyday, so i can keep my collection up to 30 watches, anything over than that has to be sold :D
Well, I got 8 watches and most of them are very affordable vintage pieces (4x Prim, 1 Slava day-date and 1 Junghans from 50s) and then Casio diver and Zeppelin with moon phase which I wear the most. But I don't regret any of them even though I don't wear those vintage pieces so often (one of the reasons is that I have home office so it's not so necesarry for me to wear a watch).
Great review….Smiths makes nice watches, but I got turned off by the ordering experience. I believe watches should be worn. Unless you have some pieces with strong sentimental value (family heirlooms for example) if don’t wear them regularly, sell them so that others can enjoy them and use the funds to get something you’ll enjoy on the wrist, not in the box. Thanks for another great video!
Thanks for watching!
I always faced the same problem you have. My solution is whenever I feel the urge to buy a new watch, I will look into my collection and ask what in my collection can’t replace the new watch? What is so special in the new watch that my current collection lack? Often I end up not buying the new watch but occasionally I do buy it and sell the duplicate one in my collection.
36mm to 38mm is a sweet spot.
Ww2 thru cold war made watches were approx 33mm maybe 35mm. And these were worn by soldiers world wide. So you can't say dainty. Back in the day people were slimmer and shorter. So form followed function.
I just happen to own watched from the former soviet union. 33mm also. Nice to wear at office , home or out and about.
I do have chronograph watctes that are roughly 42mm but that is because they have 3 subdials and slide rule (which I have put to use).
In the movie, The League of Gentlemen, there is a great image the white dail Smith's. The watch appears only momentarily but it is the exact.
The ascot is a nice touch.
hi Tim congratulations for this fantastic presentation !!! what is your wrist size that the watch fits so well ? thanks
Thank you! My wrist size is 17 cm.
Yes , I do feel bad when I don't where a watch for a while . But when I do it's like an old friend has come to hang out with me while listening to some smooth Jazz...
Hello Tim can you review the Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pionier?
guilty as a sinner. lusted for prs-25 36mm black dial and (don´t ask me why) delayed buying until it was sold out. must admit i´ve been taking glances at Timefactors products quite regularly for last 3-4 years. especially at 36mm ones...
I am looking to buy the Everest Expedition Cream dial, a homage without looking like a copy 👌
Since money it's not the problem, buy both of them and send me one. Thanks again for another great video!!
Thanks for watching!
I do have a bunch of really old vintage watches which I obtained for investment purposes (retirement scheme) rather than for wearing. So I don't feel bad for not wearing them. However I do wind them up from time to time to make sure that they don't seize up. And I do wear the odd one or three of them occasionally. I would feel bad about not wearing my more modern watches much though and am contemplating selling or trading a couple of them as I aim at a really desired piece.
My advice is do what you enjoy. I suffer from the same sickness.... too many watches and some I don’t wear. However in some cases I have sold these or given them to love ones. Either way a good watch is never a waste in my opinion, not if it stirs something in you. John
I also feel bad, especially when I recall that I've left my hand wound watches alone for a tad too long and it's stopped. Same thing for the automatic. Also just in general for all of them, including my quartz, when I don't wear them.
Have been thinking recently that 3 or 4 is a good number to have a range PLUS love them equally. Unfortunately I keep finding myself scouting even more new ones.
Drawn to the Everest with the bit of red print
Been trying to buy a Smiths for a couple months now.. can’t get on quick enough to order one when he does reopen the store. Now they’re sold out till August.