Smiths De Luxe Everest PRS-25

Like a phoenix from the ashes of the quartz crisis, the Smiths brand rises again, but now in the form of its more famous Mount Everest companion, the Rolex Explorer 1016 (the first and most iconic of all Explorers). 

The Smiths Everest PRS-25 stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and craftsmanship of a brand that has navigated the tides of time since its foundation in 1851. Smiths, a venerable 170-year-old British watchmaker, recently rejuvenated by the ownership of retailer Time Factors, echoes the heritage of horological excellence and the respected legacy of the Smiths brand. 

As the story goes, Smiths De Luxe and Rolex share a distinguished place in exploration history, as watchmakers that both outfitted Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay with timepieces as they became the very first humans to summit Mount Everest.

While it remains a topic of debate, some believe it was even the Smiths De Luxe watch that adorned Hillary's wrist at the peak, a claim that adds a layer of intrigue and historical significance to the Everest side of the story. Smiths also has a storied past of providing military-grade field watches to the British military during the 60s and 70s, before ultimately succumbing to the quartz crisis.

Today, the brand's resurgence brings the Everest PRS-25, a watch that quickly sells out due to its limited production runs, making it an enthusiast favourite for its history, remarkable value, and a truly luxurious feel. Interestingly, this Smiths timepiece, serves as a homage to the Rolex 1016 - the more famous of the two watches that accompanied Hillary and Norgay on the historic 1953 expedition - and in doing so, manages to simultaneously pay tribute to the role each watch played in mountaineering history. 

Crafted with precision, the Everest PRS-25 runs on the Miyota 9039 (a capable Japanese automatic movement with a hacking seconds feature), and is encapsulated within a 316L steel case with a 36mm diameter, 11.3mm thickness, and a lug-to-lug measurement of 43mm. Its 20mm lug width is complemented by drilled lugs, simplifying the process of strap changes and adding a practical touch to its elegant design.

CONDITION

The condition of this particular example is exceptional, showing little to no signs of wear, indicative of its meticulous care and preservation. The watch comes with no box or papers, but includes 4 additional links to extend the oyster-style bracelet should it need to fit a larger wrist.

The combination of its historical connections, limited availability, and the sheer quality of its construction makes the Smiths Everest De Luxe PRS-25 a coveted item among watch collectors and enthusiasts alike, embodying not just a piece of timekeeping history but a legacy of exploration and resilience.

SPECIFICATIONS

REFERENCE: PRS-25
MOVEMENT TYPE: Automatic, Hacking Seconds
CALIBRE: Miyota 9039
POWER RESERVE: 42 hours
FREQUENCY: 28,800 per hour
JEWELS: 24
BRACELET: Steel (Oyster-Style)
CASE DIAMETER: 36mm
BEWTWEEN LUGS: 20mm
LUG-TO-LUG: 43mm
THICKNESS: 11.3mm
CASE: Steel
DIAL COLOUR: Black
CRYSTAL: Hi-dome sapphire with anti-reflective coating on the underside
WATER RESISTANCE: 100 Metres