Smiths PRS-25 or avoid frustration?
As many people have posted previously, the Rolex Explorer homage (?) in the form of the Smiths PRS-25 is frustratingly difficult to purchase owing to Timefactors.com strange one Sunday in a blue moon opening times and high demand for small batches manufactured.
But... I really like and want it! But not to the point I'd buy it from Chrono24 or eBay for twice the RRP.
The Explorer is my grail watch, and to scratch the itch I think the Smiths Everest would be a decent compromise. The look and specs offer good value for money in my opinion.
But is it worth the agony of trying to bag one this Sunday when the store opens? I've tried before but was nowhere near quick enough. Then they were sold out. I felt pretty miserable by the whole experience.
On a side note, I have so far had good experiences with AliExpress and could be swayed by the Cronos homage...
Relative Time did a great review of this here and I'm a fan of his videos and similar taste. Also with the 11:11 sale this weekend, I could probably get this at a third of the price of the Smiths, with the option of 36mm or 39mm (more my kind of size) and Miyota 8215 or 8315 movements.
Anyone with experience with either of these watches and care to share their thoughts?
I have also looked at the Lorier Falcon III which clearly has more originality to it, but is more expensive and I think I'd be hard pressed to find it in the UK therefore may suffer from additional VAT and customs duty. Again, any comments would be welcomed.
I'm keen to not spend a fortune, as one day in the very far future I may be able to consider an Explorer, but not any time soon.
Any other suggestions? The 369 and simple design would be a must though.
Apologies for any offense caused to the homage haters 😬
UK 🇬🇧. Royal Navy Submariner. Things I like: Single Malt Whisky, Books, Coffee, Cribbage, Photography, oh... and Watches.
You sure the Smiths is an Explorer homage? The Cronos? Yes. The Smiths? I don't think so.
You sure the Smiths is an Explorer homage? The Cronos? Yes. The Smiths? I don't think so.
The Smiths is a (mediocre) copy of the original Rolex 1016 Explorer.
You sure the Smiths is an Explorer homage? The Cronos? Yes. The Smiths? I don't think so.
Well this is the actual Smiths watch that maybe went up Everest...
And then Smiths disappeared around the quartz crisis to be reborn years later, with the PRS-25 which looks very similar to the Explorer. So I'm not holding much on the heritage front of the current Smiths brand, but maybe it is unfair to call it a homage.
The Smiths is a (mediocre) copy of the original Rolex 1016 Explorer.
If we're talking original Explorer I'd agree. The pic of the Cronos caused my confusion as that is clearly a homage to the current one.
@RelativeTime I couldn't tag you in the original post
Maybe not helpful because it'd also be an import for you, but I'm a fan of the Traska Summiteer. 3/6/9 simple dial, but pretty different hands from the explorer: https://www.traskawatch.com/collections/summiteer-collection
Also an import, but the Vaer Tradition is a bit cheaper. 3/6/9, a bit more field-watch styled, but you'd have to be okay with the faux patina: https://www.vaerwatches.com/products/a3-tradition-36mm-automatic
The Serica 6190 Denali has a 3/6/9 dial and is on pre-order now, but it's more expensive than either of the previous two 😛 https://www.serica-watches.com/en/product/6190-denali/
The Clarence Munro is in the UK and on pre-order now, but it's a 2/4/6/8/10/12 dial instead of 3/6/9: https://www.clemencewatches.com/product-page/munro
The Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctica is very explorer-like, but also a bit more expensive than some of these (and I'm not sure what country they're based from): https://nivadagrenchenofficial.com/collections/super-antarctic
Time factors give you the rolex homage watch with rolex buying experience 👍
Maybe not helpful because it'd also be an import for you, but I'm a fan of the Traska Summiteer. 3/6/9 simple dial, but pretty different hands from the explorer: https://www.traskawatch.com/collections/summiteer-collection
Also an import, but the Vaer Tradition is a bit cheaper. 3/6/9, a bit more field-watch styled, but you'd have to be okay with the faux patina: https://www.vaerwatches.com/products/a3-tradition-36mm-automatic
The Serica 6190 Denali has a 3/6/9 dial and is on pre-order now, but it's more expensive than either of the previous two 😛 https://www.serica-watches.com/en/product/6190-denali/
The Clarence Munro is in the UK and on pre-order now, but it's a 2/4/6/8/10/12 dial instead of 3/6/9: https://www.clemencewatches.com/product-page/munro
The Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctica is very explorer-like, but also a bit more expensive than some of these (and I'm not sure what country they're based from): https://nivadagrenchenofficial.com/collections/super-antarctic
Wow, thanks for taking the time to comment with links! Yeah i do like Nivada Grenchen... i almost think that I've i took the plunge on that, I wouldn't ever need the Exlorer so could more than scratch the itch. I've also got the Steinhart Ocean 39 Adventure on my list but didn't mention it in my list. Will have a proper look at the links you posted now. Many thanks. 👍
Maybe not helpful because it'd also be an import for you, but I'm a fan of the Traska Summiteer. 3/6/9 simple dial, but pretty different hands from the explorer: https://www.traskawatch.com/collections/summiteer-collection
Also an import, but the Vaer Tradition is a bit cheaper. 3/6/9, a bit more field-watch styled, but you'd have to be okay with the faux patina: https://www.vaerwatches.com/products/a3-tradition-36mm-automatic
The Serica 6190 Denali has a 3/6/9 dial and is on pre-order now, but it's more expensive than either of the previous two 😛 https://www.serica-watches.com/en/product/6190-denali/
The Clarence Munro is in the UK and on pre-order now, but it's a 2/4/6/8/10/12 dial instead of 3/6/9: https://www.clemencewatches.com/product-page/munro
The Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctica is very explorer-like, but also a bit more expensive than some of these (and I'm not sure what country they're based from): https://nivadagrenchenofficial.com/collections/super-antarctic
Oh and I missed another nice one I had been following, the Baltic Hermétique. Unfortunately it doesn't come in black, but if you like the other colors I think it's a sharp looking 3/6/9 dial: https://baltic-watches.com/en/collections/hermetique
Wow, thanks for taking the time to comment with links! Yeah i do like Nivada Grenchen... i almost think that I've i took the plunge on that, I wouldn't ever need the Exlorer so could more than scratch the itch. I've also got the Steinhart Ocean 39 Adventure on my list but didn't mention it in my list. Will have a proper look at the links you posted now. Many thanks. 👍
Best of luck!! I lost myself down a rabbit hole looking for microbrand watches with 3/6/9 dials, so I'm glad to have someone to share these links with 😅
I had a very bad experience with Timefactors (you can see in my channel) and to be honest, the Everest is not a true homage. Is a direct design copy which is fine by itself, but when talking about direct design copies you have a lot of them out there with similar or better qualities, like Addiesvive, San Martin, Pagani Design... and at least they don't pretend to be anything else. I have the Explorer in 36 but I'd advice, as @tubers suggests, to check Traska or Nivada Grenchen. I have the Summiteer 36 both in black and sandstone and, first, this watch is a true homage or tribute of the classic 1016, not a direct desing copy, two, it is both affordable and scratch resistant (with hardened case) that you can truly use as a tool watch without being out of place in more formal or elegant situations.
You sure the Smiths is an Explorer homage? The Cronos? Yes. The Smiths? I don't think so.
The Smiths is an homage, bordering on copy. The Cronos is a pure copy.
Yep it's frustrating alright I fid the last Direnzo drop and nearly had a heart attack. There's plenty of good explorer hommages out there. I went for a more modern take on the explorer, the Echo/neutra averau got the explorish vibe stunning loom and a strap monster as well
Comes on a nice h link bracelet but I like it on this nylon
Maybe the Steinhart Adventure?
I got mine pre owned for 400€ with 1,5 years warranty left and since it's a Steinhart it is once again very very well made :)
Get the superior Nivada Grenchin model.
I’m genuinely curious why you don’t consider it an homage.
Me to
Lorier Falcon III may be a bit more expensive (with import taxes) but it is still worth it! I was also thinking about the Smiths Everest but to be honest it seems more likea a copy of Rolex 1016, whereas Falcon has more original design imo. Moreover, guys at Lorier seem to be more sympathetic than Timefactors and stories I've read about them.
Lorier Falcon III may be a bit more expensive (with import taxes) but it is still worth it! I was also thinking about the Smiths Everest but to be honest it seems more likea a copy of Rolex 1016, whereas Falcon has more original design imo. Moreover, guys at Lorier seem to be more sympathetic than Timefactors and stories I've read about them.
I agree. I've spoken to Lorier already and they replied straight away (I was trying my luck to see if they offered any military discount - if you don't ask you don't get). Unfortunately they don't, I was trying to see if I could offset the tax and customs (approx £110 added). I am moving to the US for 3 years in 2025... I'll be cashing in on US brands then!!
The more I look, the more I'm swayed by the Steinhart
I was impressed not only by the watch, but by the buying experience! By cutting out the middleman, they've made it so easy to own the watch. You buy it from their site, and it ships immediately. I had the watch in hand four days later - and shipping from Germany to the US was a whopping $35!
There is a new video on Youtube about the new Smiths PRS-25
https://youtu.be/EzzAKzx3WZo?si=o2tHN4O7vJwvawBw
I’m genuinely curious why you don’t consider it an homage.
Yes. So am I! 🤓. I think I narrowed my focus so completely on the subtle distinctions that I quite literally lost sight of the forest for the trees.
I’m glad you brought this absurd error to my attention! Looking at it now, it’s a really ludicrous comment. I meant well…
In truth I do like the Smiths far more. I think it looks much more refined but still means business, which I hope makes some sense.
Cheers! ✌️
Had one. Loved it, though the clasp on the oyster styled bracelet seemed seiko 5 cheap. Ultimately I couldn't get down with the 36mm size, so I ended up gifting it to my brother before I even resized the bracelet. Felt solid and the higher spec miyota movement felt decent to operate. Screw down crown was a little grainy, but nothing crazy. Took two tries to get. If you don't add it to cart and checkout within the minute, you'll lose it. Auto fill on your phone for cc info helps.
Had one. Loved it, though the clasp on the oyster styled bracelet seemed seiko 5 cheap. Ultimately I couldn't get down with the 36mm size, so I ended up gifting it to my brother before I even resized the bracelet. Felt solid and the higher spec miyota movement felt decent to operate. Screw down crown was a little grainy, but nothing crazy. Took two tries to get. If you don't add it to cart and checkout within the minute, you'll lose it. Auto fill on your phone for cc info helps.
Thank you for the comment 👍
Although it doesn't have the brand, the San Martin Sn0021 is a killer watch. I picked one up for $180 to scratch the itch of the 1016 and it does a decent job. Actually an exceptional job when you think about value. It doesn't get worn as much as it should, but none of them do. Lume is surprisingly good and doesn't have the fake patina look, but also isn't stark white. Also, the raised indexes give it a bit of a modern look.
The Watch Idiot on YouTube has a good review of it.
Although it doesn't have the brand, the San Martin Sn0021 is a killer watch. I picked one up for $180 to scratch the itch of the 1016 and it does a decent job. Actually an exceptional job when you think about value. It doesn't get worn as much as it should, but none of them do. Lume is surprisingly good and doesn't have the fake patina look, but also isn't stark white. Also, the raised indexes give it a bit of a modern look.
The Watch Idiot on YouTube has a good review of it.
Thanks. I actually ended up with the Steinhart Ocean 39 Adventure in the end, which I am really pleased with. I had looked at the SM. There are so many options for an Explorer alternative or homage.
I was also after the smiths Everest gilt, but not going 2 pay double for it & technically its homage to older explorer but the case is current model'ish.. So chose cronos 39mm (latest version) & it's very well made & got a great deal, you don't hear rotor noise (unless nxt 2ur ear) as u say it scratches the itch & looks great on wrist..
The Smiths is an homage, bordering on copy. The Cronos is a pure copy.
Eddie (timefactors) bought the rights of smiths to produce watches iirc. So technically he is the owner
Eddie (timefactors) bought the rights of smiths to produce watches iirc. So technically he is the owner
Both technically and factually, but the Smiths Everest PRR-25 is an homage to the Rolex Explorer 1016.
The Smiths DeLuxe, that "conquered" Mt. Everest, looked completely different. And so did the Rolex prototype that Hillary kept in the base camp as a back-up.
Both technically and factually, but the Smiths Everest PRR-25 is an homage to the Rolex Explorer 1016.
The Smiths DeLuxe, that "conquered" Mt. Everest, looked completely different. And so did the Rolex prototype that Hillary kept in the base camp as a back-up.
That i didnt know! I just love Eddies work with Timefactors, insane quality watches for really good prices.