Drinking coffee on the Everest
I bet that neither Hillary nor Norgay would imagine that almost 70 years after their successful ascent there will still be discussions and arguments about their watches, which one was worn, by whom, where and when. Since it still remains a mystery the probable answer is that the butler did it.
Enter the Smiths Everest, stage left. In the role of the next suspect trying to steal the show is the Smiths Everest. It never went close to this peak, it has no relation to the original Smiths company, and it doesn't even look like the watches that were worn by the members of the 1953 expedition, to which we can also add that it's hiding a Japanese automatic movement inside. It's a pretender trying to free ride on the wings of stolen glory.
Its fame come from an unexpected angle: It's easier to climb the Everest than to buy one. It's a feat accomplished by only a few determined individuals that with their credit cards in hand are willing to brave the obstacles thrown their way from non existing stock, through razor thin purchase windows and onto the astonishing disappearing shopping cart act.
And therefore today I'm celebrating my victory by drinking my morning coffee while wearing a watch from a company that killed any incentive I have to buy another watch from them ever. L'chaim!
PS
The cup is part of a Titanium camping coffee set that includes a cup, a saucer and a tiny sugar spoon, which means there are some chances that it did made it to the top of the Everest and that someone did sat there one day and drank coffee in style.
I'm a big fan of watches that are interesting because they are either unique, have interesting features, well designed or simply offer a great value for their price.
Congrats on the victory! 🍻🥳 One day, I too will be victorious. 😎
Congrats on the victory! 🍻🥳 One day, I too will be victorious. 😎
I'm still on their mailing list and so I was informed that the Everest will only be restocked next year.
I'm still on their mailing list and so I was informed that the Everest will only be restocked next year.
Yep, same here. Patience is indeed a virtue. And mine is quite long, as I'm in no rush. I know I will be victorious eventually. 💪😉
Thumbs up on the pics too!
Yeah, I don't hear great things about this new outfit, wearing an old logo.
Nice watch atleast. Flat dials and heavy domed crystals are a good pair.
I feel your plight. I am no 6243 on the Helm Komodo waiting list. Only 3.8 more years to go (if they keep steady with production)!
Congratulations! It's a good looking watch and I like the morning coffee vibes 🙂
This is you, with that watch...
Congratulations! It's a good looking watch and I like the morning coffee vibes 🙂
It is indeed very good looking but sadly I'm reminded of the sucktacular buying experience every time I strap it on my wrist.
Nice watch atleast. Flat dials and heavy domed crystals are a good pair.
I feel your plight. I am no 6243 on the Helm Komodo waiting list. Only 3.8 more years to go (if they keep steady with production)!
That's not too bad (OK, it's terrible but it could be worse), at least you know that your order went through and you have a way to manage your expectations. In contrast what Timefactors does is a high stress free for all lasting 60 seconds every few weeks.
This is you, with that watch...
Unlikely but I'll still pack my Keith Titanium coffee set with me in any case.
It is indeed very good looking but sadly I'm reminded of the sucktacular buying experience every time I strap it on my wrist.
I guess I was lucky, when I bought my Smiths Expedition I went on the website one lazy Sunday morning and ordered it like on other stores. The only mild inconvenience was that I had to wait a few days before the sale Sunday came up.
That's not too bad (OK, it's terrible but it could be worse), at least you know that your order went through and you have a way to manage your expectations. In contrast what Timefactors does is a high stress free for all lasting 60 seconds every few weeks.
Hey, Helm does a random lottery (not clear how often) where they pick someone out of order from the waiting list to give them the prize of skipping the line. So at least they still give us a bit of false hope hahaha.
If it's any consolation, I deal with the same thing with my other hobby: guitar pedals. Limited releases, waiting lists, flippers. Enthusiasts are just gluttons for unnecessary emotional pain, we have proven this very well.
I fancied a Smith's Everest Expedition a while ago but couldn't be bothered with the buying process. Found one on eBay being sold by an enthusiast (not a flipper) who was selling because they hadn't gelled with it after wearing it once. We had a nice back and forth conversation and I bought it at just under RRP.
So my buying experience was quite pleasant and I enjoy the watch for what it is: a nice homage at a reasonable price.
If you've paid flipper prices or had to endure the entirely un-customer friendly buying experience (and subsequent support) from Time factors then I understand why some might have regrets.
Ah Smiths… best I don’t chime in. It’s handsome, but it’s not a true Smiths, and as you alluded the closest this one has been to Everest is probably the Asda Car Park in Dover.
2023 for the next drop, maybe I’ll have a crack at one of these for a laugh, genuinely see what the fuss is about.
That was a fun write-up, I enjoyed that.
I've had 5 watches from Timefactors now. 3 were Everest's and I think I've settled on my favourite, the Gilt. The other two Everests got sold. Perhaps when the honeycomb dial one comes out, I'll sell my Gilt in favour of it 🤔
So I'm left with the Gilt Everest as it's the favourite 1016 homage I've found, a Navigator and an Air Ministry. (Before YouTube found Timefactors, it was way easier to buy them, in case you're wondering how)