SMITHS Everest PRS-25: My Favourite Everyday Watch (Review)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2025
- A Discussion and Review of the Smiths Everest PRS-25. The watch that I always wear and continually return back to. A Homage to the Rolex 1016 Explorer, a Tribute to the Smiths name and its Everest summiting glory days.
#SmithsEverest #RolexExplorer #Rolex1016
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IDGuy the new one dropping soon, in April, advertises a new rivet bracelet with a smaller clasp?
@@yousefgeorge3060. The 'riveted' bracelet has been the supplied version since the first batch of Everests sold out.
They are also going to make a dive watch called Caribbean
Do you know were can i find this watch?(in stock)
Thanks!
i realize I'm kind of randomly asking but do anyone know a good website to stream new tv shows online?
I have to say this channel is under subscribed by about 1,000%. It's really well done. Exquisite. A channel that can cover Rolex and Parnis with equal love and care, is quite the achievement.
Totally agree, most underrated.
“The beauty of simplicity is that it wants you needing more, however, it teaches you to appreciate what you have.“ I may be paraphrasing a little but oh my, that’s a wonderful statement!
The only watch that looks like a Rolex Explorer without being one that I respect. My daily wearer is an Explorer in 36mm. Great watch you have there, this Smiths!
Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa Tsukuba member by any chance???
AGREED! :)
As someone that owns a few references from the explorer line , you are speaking my language here Bru!
I think all explorer enthusiasts gravitate to the design for the same reasons.
Simplicity, Legibility , funcatlity.
Is the 1016 worth what they are currently trading for? No. I would not buy one or any vintage rolex at current valuations. With current global situation I think they will sooner rather than later lose some air from their bubble.
I was fortunate to be interested in this line years ago before the prices got crazy and probably missed my chance at cashing in at the top . I did sell a few pieces out of the collection that "no longer fit" but the 1016 will be the last one to leave as it will have to be pull from my dead body.
Thank you for not using the term "under the radar". This term is used at nauseum in the watch world and specifically with the explorer line and yes the explorer is not recognizable to the "normies" but to the enthusiast it is a needle in the haystack!
In my opinion The smiths is not a homage but a tribute and when I see people posting them It shows appreciation for a design. Those people are enthusiasts and I would take one of them over 10 super collectors that buy gaudy watches for the bling factor.
Great work my friend Hope you and your family are safe and doing well
Cheers
I have a real soft spot for the 36mm Explorer's for the reasons you mentioned (simplicity, legibility and functionality). I just couldn't get my head around paying similar money for pre owned, when I could get brand new with superior build quality etc.
I opted for a brand new 36mm datejust which was another watch I have always admired.
I normally don't have time for homages, but the fact that this carries the Smiths name really has me intrigued. Is it worth buying to scratch the Explorer itch but without breaking the bank? Hmm
The 1016 always gives me goosebumps when I see it. When I saw it the first time I felt in love, only to be left heartbroken when I saw the prices and the age of the vintage models. Should I win the lottery, would probably buy it, but as a normal low income guy I can't not even dream of the 114270 which I really like. Then I saw the Tudor Heritage Ranger and also liked it very much. Even tried it and liked it. Also more affordable for me to get in the future and maintain. But after having now the Smiths Everest for a bargain I feel I can't go back to a 41mm watch if the Smiths ticks most of the boxes of what I felt when I say the 1016 for the first time. It always makes me smile and goes with me to do what the amazing Explorer was design to do, to explore the mountains. I call it super homage, but tribute is certainly a great term given I've been following the story of its design in Timefactors's forums. There's a lot of love put in this watch that sets it appart.
@@mazrashid6549 short answer to that is "yes". The only trouble is actually finding/securing one: it's quite a scramble.
There's nothing boring about this stunning timepiece. Great review, very personal and honest.
Sir Hillary himself wrote a letter stating that he never wore a Rolex during the successful summit - that he only wore a Smith's. Rolex themselves then published a congratulations to Smith's and expressed regret at their previous adverts which had stated that he wore a Rolex. There is a fantastic in-depth article about this written by Mathew Wright. Rolex make and have always made superb watches and I'm sure many have subsequently been worn on the summit of Everest, but on Hillary's wrist that fateful day at half past eleven, there was no Rolex.
After watching this, honestly, I feel you don’t even need any other watch.
I think he needs a great dive watch (Omega 300), a great dress watch like a Lange &Sohne Lange 1 for a great three watch collection.
Ant G. ⌚️👍🏼Great to see you on the blogs. I had the same feeling after seeing this video.
@AlexAlexAlex You might be able to get this one any day, but you'll need two weeks of any days for that Explorer.
Just got one in a few months ago and even with a pretty versatile collection this piece is really hard to take off. Beautiful, all around watch that’s slick with any outfit and performs great with that 9 series Miyota high beat movement.
I actually get a lot of inquiries when I am wearing it. If your not a collector or any have a couple , this is one that could be a one watch collection on a budget. Hope you grab one 36mm or 40mm.
What about dishonestly?
Interesting video. I find myself questioning if it is a homage. It has a genuine claim to its heritage, in its own right. I too really like it. Timefactors deserves a bit of You Tube time.
I own the watch and for me is certainly a homage. Some call it a super homage with some distinctive design details and feature changes from the 1016. While, for me at least, a clear homage, there's a sustantial difference with other direct copies like you can see in other lower quality homages of watches. Nevertheless the way it looks and feels and the story behind the brand purchased by Timefactors sets it somehow appart from other homages I've been checking.
Wow dude. I wasn't sure what to expect clicking onto your channel. That was a beautiful love letter to your watch. Subbed.
I bought my Smiths (36mm) after seeing it first on your channel. Love both the watch itself and the backstory of the Smiths name. Thanks and keep up the great content!
The finest review of the PR-25, so well presented.
Love that explorer. Never before has a plain, everyday run around watch looked so good. Simplicity meets beautiful. One day I'll have one.
The concluding comment "It has a summit all to itself" made me go "Ahhhhhhh nice one"
I have been waiting along time for your review of this fantastic watch. I have the new model with the rivet bracelet. I think one thing needs to be pointed out. The watches themselves are manufactured and assembled in Hong Kong but all the designing is done by Eddie Platts himself in Sheffield. Great video and looking forward to your livestreams. Thanks, Brian.
So poetic, what an amazing review! You captured what I feel about the Explorer but could never express so eloquently.
I almost bought it once. But I think I would get it any other time. But now I think I want an everedt explorer, the red second hand and white-ish dial are great.
Just one clarification, Eddy claimed that Timefactors watches are made in Hong Kong, not Sheffield. That is why its written 'Great Britain' instead of 'Made In England'.
I know the feeling! It's the same for me and my Hamilton Khaki. Simple, small, versatile, a true everyday watch
giannis cy Me too. The Hamilton has me questioning my self every time I consider other watches
I have the Hamilton khaki field auto 38mm but what I really want is the PRS29a. To me it’s a fire and forget kind of field watch. Good movement and to me the anti shock anti magnetic resistance is just perfect.
If the Hamilton has anti magnetic properties it would be the perfect watch and I would not buy another watch
@@Not-a-bot222 I had the Khaki Field 42 mm and was a tad to large although I was able to wear it with no problem. It was also a bit about the simetry on the dial and the lack of a screw down crown that made me sell it. I thought the 36mm Smiths could be maybe too small, but here's am I wearing it most of the time with the confidende of the great build quality and awesome versatility.
Update to my last comment. I sold my hammy a month or so back and purchased a marathon (medium) GSAR. It’s night and day between the two. The lume being tritium is freaking outstanding, the Lume in the second hand lets you know with confidence she is ticking when you checking it at night. The bulk is there especially it’s thickness but it gives you comfort in that it practically a tank of a watch. I don’t worry about scuffs, scratches or anything.
The PRS became to difficult to get ahold of and in my line of work I realized the watch was too nice and I wanted a tool watch with with near disaster proof specs and still
“Budget” friendly. Maybe the Sinn U50 will be my next watch in a few years. Anyways have a happy fourth everyone, stay safe
@@Not-a-bot222 That Marathon looks like a little beaut. Enjoy. I have a Hamilton Khaki mechanical and I recently got lucky and bought the PRS29a which is a bit better in every way. I think you would have found it a bit more solidly built than your hammy and I've been appreciating just how useful antimagnetic is.
What's the Sellita movement been like for you?
Such a classy review. Beautiful articulation throughout, a real love letter
It's all about the love for the watch. Congratulations on finding that love 👍🏼
My first luxury watch was an Explorer! I wanted a one and done watch-since then I’ve purchased a few more one and done watches! I need another watch like a fish needs a bicycle-I guess I’m a fish that “really wants” a bicycle!! Best regards
Underachieving Watch Collector Aren’t we all !?!
I’m still looking for the “one and done watch”!!! I think there’s one somewhere in my huge collection!!!! Cheers!
Elegant analysis of an elegant and historically important piece. Well done!
There’s a new version out with the 9039 no date movement so no ghost position. Also comes on rivet bracelet similar to the one in the video but much better fit and finish, tapers from 20mm to 16mm (the old bracelet was NOT a match fir the watch at all)
Billeh New bracelet/clasp rocks!
I do not remember how many times I watched this video. Once again thank you very much.
Almost a year to this review (or this love letter) and I'm here watching it for a few times already, such an eloquent expression of this timepiece, and yes it is such a beautiful tool that Ive been wearing it for almost a month now, I cant seem to take it off my wrist. I cant wait to go back to nepal and the himalayas and bring it on its natural habitat, thank you for your review.
Lovely review, enjoyed it very much. I own the Smith myself and can relate to everything you said. And I switched the stock bracelet for an Steinhart aftermarket myself, much more fitting, as it tapers to 16mm.
Hi, I m interested in what you said. Could you tell me which S bracelet you baught ? Did you experience any problem to adjust it with the Everest ? Thanks for your answer ^^
I love the Smith- I did not know about this company, thanks for reviewing it (I know you have shown us the Everest when you announce your, "wrist watch check" before the LIVE shows. I too own a 36mm watch and I absolutely love it; I swap out the OEM oyster style bracelet once-in-a-while with a leather strap or NATO strap- I love mixing it up.
Excellent video. Beautiful production.
The Smith's is so classic with such a great story and it looks great on the rivet bracelet. Thank you for a fantastic review Guy 😊👍
You said some magic words in this video. "...the charm of an Explorer has been fulfilled by this piece."
I have just viewed and commented on your video about price/value watches with the graph you made up, May 2020. I came back to this video, the videos on your decision making process as well as the Parnis Panda videos to get a retrospective of your thought process and evolution.
I am a bit behind you in how long I have been on the watch obsession. I have seen my decision process evolve as I contemplate purchasing an heirloom piece. You are one of the few TH-camrs who documents your process and evolution. Than you for that.
My process at this moment is focussed on your magic words. I am scratching the various "itches" in the wide variety of watches. On the one hand I am progressing towards my grail watch. On the other hand, I am continually refining what that grail watch might be.
This is likely my favourite watch video out there. Your points are cleverly and sincerely put forth, the footage is stellar and, yes, the watch is probably one the most endearing homages out there. Not for sale here, either.
Lovely watch, a jack of all trades it represents good taste and historical value along with practicality to the wearer.
Another great and thought provoking review from you, I grew up with Smiths time pieces all around me, I thought they had long gone.
I think you've just introduced me to my "affordable" grail watch.
In the end I felt, again, an urge for a watch from this area. Funnily enough, though, not this one but a Junghans Max Bill.
A lot of the characteristica you mention fit that "old" design and simplicity as well.
Wonderful words.... wonderful watch. A piece of history on your wrist. Priceless.
its simplicity makes it so beautiful....im just afraid with an nearly 8 inch wrist it would look slightly out of place, I fell I would still wear it...…..Thank you for bringing this to the attention of us watch newbies
They offer this watch in 40mm which would wear more like the current Explorer in 39mm but I feel you can't go wrong with the 36mm, and like I did, you may find out that you don't want any watch much bigger. It really is that good of a watch. Thanks, Brian.
You mentioned in a previous video about your dislike for date windows, I had never thought about them before but now i'm prefering a plain face too or if there is a date window I prefer it small and at 6 o'clock. The Smith's watch in this video is a great looking watch.
This was an excellent review or commentary abut this watch and your particular experience with it, thank you for sharing your personal thoughts. One thing that sticks with me, is the part about grabbing it when you 'don't want to think about watches' and what to wear. I find myself doing that all too often and realize that I do not have 'that' watch in my collection.
Only just seen this wonderful video.....perfect in every way. Thank you for publishing. ✅
I’ve been waiting so long for this, thank you!
I've got my grandfathers Smiths pocket watch ..... it still works perfectly.
Unlike so many other Rolex models, you can see the time at a glance on the Explorer. A handy feature.
Nicely done ID Guy...nailed it and all the emotions this watch gives you..that's what watches do!
Lovely video and you are getting at some important ideas associated with classical beauty. My smallest watch is an IWC mechaquartz chronograph which is very special to me (38.5mm). I must confess, while I deeply appreciate all the points you are making on style, I simply don't care for simple time-only pieces. I need a date, second time zone or chronograph, or something more complicated. As a result, I settled on the Sinn 856 UTC for my field, explorer watch. It's got an explorer-type dial, but with a utc function, date, hardened case and special anti-moisture capsule. A bit too military, though, so not as dressy, but tough as nails. Best of luck while saving for your first luxury piece!
Awesome watch I own the 36mm. Great video and very eloquent as always .
Same thinking here with the Sinn556a. A modern 1016, with the additional benefit of a smart date window
I have the same thought about my Seiko Alpinist sarb017, it does everything I need. I can easily spend much more, but dont feel the need. The explorer is a great watch, but, especially when market manipulated to maximise profits.
Now thats what I call one hell of a nice watch! I normally wear chronos, but recently bought a 36mm Stowa Marin manual. Its so simple, yet everything is just so right. I get the same vibe from the Smiths: its such a clean, functional and wearable design. Stunning!
Like with most other simple but great designs, it took me a while to warm up to this one. The more I see the Explorer, the more I like it. What really converted me however was when, a couple of weeks ago, I went to a grey market dealer in town (feels like it was decades ago, actually :/) and saw an Explorer sitting in the window, surrounded by "flashier" Rolex sports-models. Yachmaster IIs, a Pepsi and a Batman GMT, Submariners, etc. It almost got lost in that crowd due to its size (I *think* it was a 39mm) and lack of flashy features. But once my eye had found it, it always kept wandering back to it.
I really like the simplicity of this piece
Another fantastic review video IDGjy. Your Smiths is an excellent watch, but I still think that you would get much enjoyment from either a Rolex 114270 or an 214270 Explorer. They are absolutely amazing all round watches. That being said, whatever watch you chose as as you first luxury watch, I’m sure it will be a well thought out and interesting watch. I look forward to the reveal, whenever it happens. Keep the great videos coming.
Blueshirt Buddah ⌚️👍🏼Great to see you on the blogs. I felt the same after seeing this clip.
Well made video introducing this little gem. Thank you.
Great review. I had an Explorer 214270 Mark 2 for the great part of a year before I sold it. It was wonderful, but with its 39mm size and design, it was just too large and bold for my 6-3/4” wrist. I love the features of the Everest, especially the fully lumed numbers. Thanks!
I’m a bit more intrigued by the Smiths watch modeled after the one Hillary and Fuchs took on their Antarctica expedition.
You would be referring to the Smiths Everest Expedition. Same case and movement but the dial is a real ringer for the watch they wore on the arctic expedition. It sold out in a short time but will be back in stock in the near future.
Fine portrayal of a watch with credibility and history. I would prefer that the movement was modified by Smiths, to add some interest and bespoke design style, and that the indices were applied. Thank you for bringing this to us☘
Great video. Love the thought process and an insight to you 👏👏
Smiths, the auto parts arm, is still around, I believe. My 1978 MG B has Smiths gauges - speedometer, odometer, etc.
Great piece and for anyone wanting to buy one now in 2020, they have remixing that over engineered clasp so the rivet style bracelet is good to go. 👍🏽
Great review. Mine is arriving next week. Cannot wait.
What a great review. Now you have me thinking about one of these.
Well done video. Less > more. ⌚👍🇬🇧
Absolutely wonderful review. Thank you for sharing!
Nicely written , cheers
I just tried to buy one and they are closed 😩 I sometimes feel I have to take my explorer off for yard work etc... this looks amazing!! Love at first sight!
I have one and love it, almost perfect for the money. Considering a guilt dial on Sunday.
I went through the same journey ... admired SMITHS because I remember the brand on all the gauges in Dad’s V12 Jag. My grail was the Explorer 1 too (not 2 :)). But it’s not a reissue of the original Hillary wore to the summit. In the end I found something better spec’d than the Explorer and bought the Sinn 556a (German and original to its core). My grail is now the Reverso Duoface.
Well done review. Thank you.
Bravo! Such a great grounded analysis
I have the ivory dial / temp blued hands version, and it’s just perfect! It’s getting virtually all of my wrist-time - everything you say is point on👌 Best all-a-rounder available (mine isn’t for sale either!)
Where is the bracelet from? I am also looking to replace mine and this looks amazing!!
Great video, perfectly captures the watch and the emotion of owning one!
Outstanding content as always. Bravo!
Another amazing video! Bravo!
Its simplicity is its strength. Readability fm each angle, no fail. Cheers fm Singapore+
You may say otherwise, IDGuy, but I see a Rolex Explorer in your future. It's the ideal watch for you.
I hope he does get one , one day as he is a true enthusiast with appreciate for the design and not the value
Watch the video
He does have an interest in cars, doesn't he? There is an interesting reflection in the segment between 10:25 and 10:53 that ends above a 6263. Foreshadowing? In the past he has made some interesting observations regarding the balance of this dial compared with the newer design. It would require considerable “saving-up."
Superb video presentation - planning to get myself SMITHS EVEREST PRS-25 - 36MM - GILT DIAL when available !!!
Ha! I was looking for some watch review to listen to while cooking, stumbled upon this video while wearing the 36mm 9039 white dial version I bought last year. The new 20-16 rivet bracelet and slim clasp are def. an upgrade and worth the wait. I find the Smiths logo to be executed better on the white dial versions too. Cheers!
Love the Smith's PRS, it's been on my list for some time. I've been down the 'Hillary Quest' for many years now and research lead me to the Rolex 6084; it was a watch Hillary purchased for his first Everst expedition and while it may not have made the final push it is closer in look to the prototype Explorer he wore and has a bit of understated appeal to me.
Great content
I have a MKII Vantage, which MKII sold for a few years in the late 2000s. It's a 39 mm 1016 homage (ETA2824) which I bought after I decided the then current Explorer at 36 mm was just too small for my 8" wrist. A couple of years later Rolex released the 39 mm Explorer, and MKII discontinued the Vantage, which now trades at a premium. I feel the same way - it's a perfect "only watch". Subtle, beautiful, and at 39 mm perfectly understated for my wrist size. The 1016 is beautiful compared to the squared off numerals of the Explorers of the last 20 years, it's perfect.
Lovely video. Can I ask which aftermarket bracelet it is that you have it on, and from where you got it?
Hi. Nice review. I wonder if you can say whether or not the rivets on the bracelet impede the use of the micro adjust on the clasp? Do the rivets extend beyond the width of the clasp/ make it impossible to slide the link into the clasp?
Think it's brilliant. Especially for the price. I do enjoy your style of videos. Thank you for putting the work in
The design is timeless, which is why you enjoy this Smiths. It's a fantastic homage style watch, and there is a 40mm variant for those who have larger wrists or like a larger watch. Usually I'd say a field watch shouldn't be that large, or a dress watch shouldn't be that large...but this design fits with so many sizes and occasions...almost any size 40mm or under is acceptable. For me though, a 38mm is always in the sweet spot.
Tob Raham I thought at 36mm it would feel smallish, but paired with the sweet 20mm SS bracelet it feels fantastic!
I just bought one this morning
Brilliant video! Subscribed
I've been subscribe to your channel since the parnis didun watch days. I love your channel because I can tell you have a true appreciation for watches and design. I hope you find the right luxury watch for you. Aesthetics, history and fitting your lifestyle seem to be what is important and the smiths does all three. The explorer has all three too but with a bigger price tag. My vote for your watch is the iwc ocean 2000 or another watch that is unique enough that you won't be likely see someone else wearing.
Great watch. Thanks for the review
Great video! Love the watch and hopfully your dream of a luxury watch by the end of the year will come true!!!
lovely piece & awesome review
Smiths should have reissued an "Everest" watch to look like the ACTUAL Smiths watch that was worn by Hillary, a watch that looks nothing like the Explorer 1016. Reissuing a "Smiths Everest" as an Explorer 1016 ripoff disrespects the brand's own heritage and its own place in the expedition
HokeyBear The did. It’s called the Smith Everest Expedition.
@@willardhooton920 Doesn't look at all like the "small seconds" watch Hillary wore, though.
I agree, esp. as the Rolex 1016 does not look like the actual Rolex Hillary wore. They'd have had the advantage with a truer homage. Perhaps it would be hard for them to source a small seconds movement.
Well said. Smiths couldn't have done worse than this.
@@misterbianco6202 Agree 100%
I love this Smiths Watch. I've owned many watches. Mostly I really like plain watches. Less is more.
Loose Unit You would really enjoy this model!
Now only if they'd had put the older style Smiths logo with the crown on the dial.
Great review, I think you sold me on this. Though may I ask where you got the bracelet you mention you replaced, and how did you custom this exactly? Thanks in advance, take care and stay safe.
Love your work brother. What are your thoughts on that myota?
if it is too small for anyone, i would consider the Traska Summiteer at 38mm, it isn't a straight homage, it is more a modern take on what a perfect everyday/field/sports / do it all -watch is, following the footseps of the Explorer and likes. It also sits super thin at 10mm, so wears perfectly, and has a brushed finish for the case and bracelet, and a coating that prevents scratching.
I have the 124270 and just placed an order for the PRS-25. Crazy right? I just like watches.
I have the 36mm version ( old without the rivets ) with a new clasp and its great. Really comfortable, legible and smart.
Lovely watch. Great review.
The thing with homages is that you know that the original is out there and that you want it.
Future classic. I love mine.