Lorier Falcon 3 vs Smiths Everest: Help me decide

Traska Summiteer is a great option with some awesome anti-scratch tech; downside not Swiss made. Nivada Grenchen SuperAntartic has several Explorer varients from their reissue back catalogue and is Swiss made - OR look at their vintage sized Antartic with 3/6/9/12 dial at 35mm with a hand wound movement.

https://longislandwatch.com/islander-manhasset-36mm-automatic-watch-with-black-dial-isl-145/

Islander could be a good pick for you too.

C.

I’m partial to the Smiths. You may also want to consider the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander in 36mm as well.

Be cautious when dealing with Time Factors, not a great experience for more then not

Yeah, I have heard that. Also because of their sort of limited drop model, I’d most likely have to buy it second hand which really sucks.

Can look at nivada grenchen super antarctic

I’ve had both, specs are similar but wear VERY different. If you want a sleek, comfort watch, Lorier. If you want something a bit more “proud” on the wrist (for the size), the Smiths. They’re both wonderful. Can’t go wrong.

Many, many options. I went cheap and cheerful in the end. Might look at getting an Explorer in the future but anything else is ......

I like the Falcon better personally, but I have never physically seen either of them. Don’t think you can go wrong.

Quite happy with the Everest myself—the 2021 model, gilt with faux-rivet bracelet—but limited availability may keep that (or one of the newer versions) frustratingly out of reach.

What’s the case size on that Traska?

I have a Smiths. Personally, I don't like the way they do business. But I like the watch. But you'd probably be fine with either.

I have a Smiths Everest Silver Jubilee. It's a terrific watch. Frankly doesn't wear or feel like an homage. It's a delight, with more heft than you'd expect for its size. Regularly complimented and never mistaken for an R yet. That said, mine has the aventurine dial, so a bit different.

I've had it for 2 years and don't expect it'll leave my collection anytime soon, if ever.

38mm or 36mm I think are current sizes.

Isn't Smiths hard to get a hold of? I dunno they look the same Explorer derivatives to me so if that were the case I'd just get the one that's easier to find.

Yip, I was being polite. We often rave about micro brands when in fact they are designers that use Chinese manufacturing. Nothing wrong about that UNLESS you are deliberately trying to deceive.

Nightmare, worst company ever, which is a pity as the product is good.

Yeah, I reviewed it, and too be honest there really isn't anything to moan about. I described it as the only watch you need!

Smith actually made it up to Everest. Rolex just falsely claimed the Explorer did..... So if you ask me the Explorer is the Homage of Smith. 😋

I owned one, and kind of regret selling it. There was nothing really that was wrong with it, however, I have heard the sales is dreadful

Smiths of the present day is a completely different company that just bought the naming rights of the original. So its not quite the same IMO.

The actual model was https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co8557948/smiths-de-luxe-wristwatch-worn-by-sir-edmund-hillary-on-his-ascent-of-mount-everest-1953-wristwatch-lever-movement

Rolex created the Explorer as a celebration of the achievement but do not claim it actually went to the top.

I can only speak for myself, but I do try to be mindful of where I buy goods in our globalized world. As an owner of a Traska not knowing it's place of manufacture, but assuming Hong Kong/Shenzhen, currently tarnishes the amazingly high quality of the product a bit and gives me pause with the trends within the PRC and it's geopolitical actions within the region - example crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong.

Most brands source parts from the PRC, it's unavoidable with global supply chains, but brands can be transparent on sourcing of parts and assembly.

I haven’t had it in hand but I’ve only seen good reviews of the Steinhart Ocean 39

For me, the answer is the Nivada, with the less expensive choice being the Traska. As others have mentioned, for more money the Tudor Ranger is also, in my mind, a clear option. The Smiths is the unobtanium choice, so hardly a choice at all.

Having said that, Serica is about to release a sub-$1k 3-6-9-12 dial variant of the 6190, which to my eyes is damned-near perfect:

So as far as I'm concerned, Serica and Nivada can both shut up and take my money. I'd go Serica Denali and Tropical Antarctic as two distinct flavors and never think about a rolex explorer again.

I have the Smiths and I love it! But even if they have the pedegree that “alows” them to copy/hommage the Explorer 1016 , I found myself sometimes bothered by the copycat issue … So I am contemplating buying a Lorrier Falcon :) (wich I find to be 60%explorer and 40% railmaster)

36.5mm

Have tried both 36 & 38mm. Prefer the more compact dial if the 36

Traska summiteer or nivada grenchen Antarctic if the budget will allow. Nice nods while still being original.

If Marc would walk away from the crappy NH35/36 movements and step these up with Miyota 9xxx series movements, would be a game changer. And 2mm thinner.

The thickness on these has kept me from buying them. The NH35/36 can work fine in a diver but is just too damned thick to use for a well fitting dress or sports watch.

Falcon 3 owner here. If you’re looking for something that will give you Rolex Explorer looks, go with Smiths. I got the Falcon hoping it would satisfy my desire for an Explorer and it hasn’t. But I’ve realized that the Falcon is its own thing. It’s a a damn fine watch and I wear it the most. But I still intend to own an Explorer someday.