Smiths PRS-47 Commando Review
I'm procrastinating....I should be at the gym....let's keep this basic....I'm typing on my phone.
This is the Smiths PRS-47 Commando, my 3rd Smiths and my 2nd Commando variant. The first one was an Everest Expedition with a white dial. I flipped that within 2 weeks, low light legibility was an issue for me. The 2nd was the limited black dial Commando collaboration with YouTuber ID Guy.... amazing watch if u can find one.
I got into Smiths as a gateway to the 36mm multiverse. I'm an almost 7 inch wrist, but I've always loved the smaller svelte size on my wrist. My wife stole my Rolex OP34 and I'd been searching for a replacement that I could essentially sh*tkick.
The stock bracelet was a disappointment for me. I just don't like stepped taper bracelets....even on my Tudor BB58. The lack of articulation and friction clasp was a solid MEH for me
I tried a bevy of straps on the Commando, they all look good on the 20mm lugs. I wasn't Thunderstruck until I tried an Uncle Seiko Z199 bracelet, meant for a Seiko SKX013.
For me, this was perfection!
I found myself wearing this watch every day. Every..... Single.....Day.
I decided that I was ready for a Rolex Explorer 36 and sold my black Commando in an act of insanity. The months went by and this tropical dial variant came up on Reddit....I jumped.
This model boasts a fumé brown tropical dial, acrylic crystal, and an upgraded stepped taper bracelet. I immediately swapped out the bracelet for a Z199.
After 2 months of ownership I feel confident that this watch can co-exist with my Explorer.... whenever the AD calls.
The Miyota 9 Series has no ghost position....gains 1 second a day. I love the light play on the acrylic crystal and brown dial....looks amazing in the bright sun.
Buying this watch from Timefactors is a bit of a joke....I've scored 2 from Eddie via the authorized channels. If resale is ur jam these models hold up well.
Brand history/continuity blah blah blah.....it's a beautiful watch.....it's not Swiss pedigree.... I'd lump this in a microbrand category.
It's a keeper....for now 😂
AG
Smiths PRS-47 Commando Review
Yes
No
- 36mm Perfection
- Beautiful tropical dial
- 20mm lugs
- Pairs well with Seiko SKX013 bracelets
- Unnecessary difficult to purchase
- Tudoresque Bracelet
First Responder with a watch fetish. Hit me up on Instagram @WatchGildo
staggering…
I know the feeling of a 36mm Exploreresque field watch constantly vying for wrist time. I don't have the lovely clarity of acrylic nor a warm earth tone dial though.
staggering…
Lol.....I get it......the pollution of the Smiths bloodline isn't something that triggers me....as far as Explorer 369 homages go.....it's Smiths, San Martin, or Pagani Design....pick ur poison.
Lol.....I get it......the pollution of the Smiths bloodline isn't something that triggers me....as far as Explorer 369 homages go.....it's Smiths, San Martin, or Pagani Design....pick ur poison.
You have an homage to something Smiths didn’t make, with the Smiths name on it, that you had to jump through numerous hoops to obtain. I don’t understand the logic, but if you enjoy it that’s fine. I think in a current watch climate where heritage seems important to a lot of people, this is a very strange anomaly. Blah blah blah, as you so eloquently put it.
I'm really liking it but nothing seems to stir emotions like the Smiths original versus new pretender debate!
Alan, that is quite the sales pitch. I am believer. Can't wait to try to find one on the grey market since it's crap shoot to try for the retail route. Thanks for the real world review. 👍