Timefactors' Smiths Everest Expedition

[crownpuller]

As some of you may know - I've been waiting on this one since I first heard about it back in the spring.
As development went on I 'acquired' a couple of reservations about it and had almost talked myself out of it. Right up until order opening Sunday I wasn't certain I was going to get one; but when it came to 'zero hour' I decided I had to find out 'for real' what it was like. As we all know: Pictures (and other peoples' opinions) can only tell you so much.
I had sufficient funds, so sat poised with my debit card to hand. A few clicks later and my order was confirmed.

It arrived on Wednesday
Seems I got number 19:


It feels solid and well put together, a couple of links removed (easy screw-in pins) and moved up a couple of holes in the clasp and it fits nice & snug.

With all links fitted it'd go around an 8½" wrist easily.... though 36mm might look a bit lost on a wrist that large.

Despite what this picture suggests - It sits nicely on my wrist and doesn't move about.


The case sides, bezel, & crown are all highly polished; with the case/lugs top surface brushed.


The crown is screw-down and is a bit of a fiddle to operate mainly due to the polished finish. Like a certain other member here: I'd have preferred a hand-wind, but with this crown ....I'm glad it's not.
It's rated at 100M WR so shouldn't have to worry about taking the kids to the pool with it on.



The dial just reeks of mid-20th century England (to my mind). The blued hands and cream dial work well together, and I'm happy to say that the seconds hand is a little redder than I thought it was going to be. One of the reservations I had was that it looked a bit orange. The other niggle I had was with the gap between DE and LUXE.... In reality it's so small I hardly notice it, even with my glasses on I can barely read it.

Details:


Another reservation was regarding the 'pretend' riveted bracelet:


Close up it gives itself away, but who ever gets that close ? Yes, the 'rivets' look more like caps and shouldn't really be polished, and yes, the machined grooves are too wide and/or should be 'V' cut; but on the wrist it looks the part and for the price point you can't (shouldn't) really complain.

As mentioned elsewhere - The clasp is much nicer than the 'other Everest' & Speedbird adjustable one:


Though I suspect the polished sides won't stay looking that good for very long.

The lume is ok but nothing to write home about:


It works just fine and is neatly applied to the numerals, but doesn't really 'sing' and last all night like the PRS-29B lume does; but I'm putting that down to volume of application - The hands and numerals are somewhat finer than the '29' so there's only so much that can be applied and remain neat.

To wrap up:
I like it. It stirs up a bit of 'Old England' in my memory banks. Feels good on the wrist. The rotor doesn't sound horrid like the 1st generation PRS-25 Everest that I had.
From 16:30 yesterday to now (23:12) it has gained 4 seconds against the GMT web clock.... That'll do for me.

[WWII70]

Congratulations


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[CFR]

Nice watch and thanks for the review.

[tribe125]

Nice write-up.

As you know, it’s the reeking of mid-20th century England that had captured me too. It’s uncanny and potent.

[mlcor]

Already said I like this one—lovely classic vibe.


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[skywatch]

There are Soooo many good things about that watch. It ticks a lot of boxes.

[DJW GB]

Very nice indeed . Super close up of the hands and nice write up. Congratulations.

Billy super duper

[uchinanchu]

Great looking watch

[OhDark30]

Nice one - and thanks for the detailed review!
Enjoy your new watch!

[Strela167]

Stunner !!
Congrats on one of the first mate