Future plans

[swanbourne]

Back in 2009 I considered bringing back earlier Time Factors models, in particular the original Dreadnought PRS-2. As this was a limited edition, I struggled with the ethics of making more and so I shelved the idea.

Because of the enforced "holiday" following my recent surgery, my thoughts once again returned to reviving earlier models. I decided that any models I did revive would have significant differences and also a new identity. These watches would have the original branding but would also carry a different brand as well so that there could be no confusion. They will also have a different model designation.

I currently have 3 models on the list for the initial launch and a couple more for later release if it works out.

DREADNOUGHT PRS-2

Firstly, it won't be a PRS-2. I propose 38mm excluding crown and based on the Dreadought Voyager design but without the GMT complication. 300 metres water resistance so that the thickness is proportionate to the smaller size and fitted with the Miyota 9015 to help keep the thickness down.

SMITHS "WILLARD" PRS-68

Again, this won't be a PRS-68 but will still carry the Smiths branding on the dial, along with another brand name. This has to be 40mm in order to keep the date because ther's quite a lot of case outside the dial area (the PRS-68 was 44.5mm). Seiko NE15 and fitted with a jubilee bracelet.

SPEEDBIRD III

Basically the same as the current model but in 36mm and fitted with the Miyota 9015. 36mm watches have proved very popular recently and I think it's a good size for a unisex model.

Another one I'm working on to follow these is the Czech Airforce in 38mm, fitted with the Sellita 216, hand winding with small seconds. Still some work to be done to work out how to do the rotating pointer bezel. I'm rather keen to do this version as well as the black dial.



Eddie

[Sinnlover]

Thanks for the update
The PRS68 and especially the Czech airforce would both be on the want list. I missed both first time around

(As well as the Jenny homage)

[TaketheCannoli]

And I was wondering whether your sabbatical would convince you to retire!

Great to see you back and some interesting projects on the horizon :)

[number2]

Good to hear that you're keeping the little grey cells active the 'Dreadnought' sounds interesting, as an aside are you going to progress any of the diving watches you had in mind earlier this year?
Ps take it easy don't push yourself too hard.

[DannyPN]

SPEEDBIRD III

Basically the same as the current model but in 36mm and fitted with the Miyota 9015. 36mm watches have proved very popular recently and I think it's a good size for a unisex model.

Another one I'm working on to follow these is the Czech Airforce in 38mm, fitted with the Sellita 216, hand winding with small seconds. Still some work to be done to work out how to do the rotating pointer bezel. I'm rather keen to do this version as well as the black dial.

Eddie

If the Speedbird 36mm is a proper MK 11 homage I'll buy it instantly. Also interested in the Czech Airforce watch. I think it's one of the most interesting watches you ever made.

[inthered]

Eddie,
Can l ask what are your plans regarding the Caribbean are?, will it be moving from a concept to a project at anytime in the near future?
Bob.

[swanbourne]

The Caribbean and the PRS-3 are still very much live, they're just not next.

Eddie

[neilF183]

The Caribbean and the PRS-3 are still very much live, they're just not next.

Eddie

Glad you're back Eddie, the speedbird sounds great

What is next the new Everest models?

Is there any time frame for the PRS-3?

[igorRIJEKA]

Prs-2 will be a candy,maybe a chance for 39mm/20mm?

[Onelasttime]

I like the sound of all of those. It will interesting to see the 'Willard' as a 40mm version.

Good to you back in the saddle Eddie

[size11s]

A PRS88Q is a good suggestion, if suggestions are desired.....Been a few originals for sale recently which was nice to see.

[sish101]

Glad to hear the Caribbean is still somewhere in the Platts pipeline.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using TZ-UK mobile app

[bambam]

Great idea! Interested in the revised/revisited PRS-2 and PRS-68. Missed the PRS 68 first time round, spent too long thinking about it.

Missed the PRS -2 completely as was before my time.

[gerrudd]

Since we are at the wish list stage I'd be interested in a "Commando" version of the Everest. :)

[Jeremy67]

Since we are at the wish list stage I'd be interested in a "Commando" version of the Everest. :)

I don't think the normal version is wearing pants.

[gerrudd]

I don't think the normal version is wearing pants.

The Y fronts look a bit like a Mercedes symbol. :)

[Tim63]

Glad to hear the Caribbean is still somewhere in the Platts pipeline.

+ 2

[snowman]

I'd certainly be interested in a new 17C if it was as competitively priced as before.

I suspect the others are talking about the diver, though....

M

[Geralt]

SPEEDBIRD III

Basically the same as the current model but in 36mm and fitted with the Miyota 9015.

Definitely. Do this one first! You know it makes sense...

[Dave E]

I think all of those sound pretty viable. I do wonder how the Dreadnought design will work at the smaller size, though. (I've handled a couple of DNs over the years and they're fabulous, chunky things. I just wish I liked plongeur hands!) The 68 and CAF are two of my favourite of your models, and both of mine are here to stay.

[chrisparker]

Regards brands and naming have you considered having all future watches under one brand name such as Smiths?

To build some consistency in the the watches you produce from packaging to case backs.

[James_]

Great idea for the 68. Happy the PRS-3 is still going to be made.

My most wanted are...

PPS-18Q loaded with that new super lume. Maybe matte ceramic bezel. Polished case option.

PRS-14 possibly with sapphire crystal and sapphire bezel insert.

PRS-10 38mm not including crown.


And after all that maybe an SKX007 homage!

[Dark Side of The Loon]

Regards brands and naming have you considered having all future watches under one brand name such as Smiths?

To build some consistency in the the watches you produce from packaging to case backs.

I think that’s a good idea.

[Synthpunk]

I think sellita do a bi-Compax handwinder as well nowadays- although it might be a mono pusher I think.
I’ve got one of Ewan’s newmarks with the meca-quartz movement. It’s a great watch, but I do miss having to wind it, strangely enough.

Precista did a gold plated version of this model as well that seems to pop up about as regularly as the SS versions on eBay. In good nick they’re pretty classy. They also did a snap back version of the stainless case that was a few shillings cheaper.

[swanbourne]

Regards brands and naming have you considered having all future watches under one brand name such as Smiths?

To build some consistency in the the watches you produce from packaging to case backs.

That's not a plan, it would mean throwing away Dreadnought, Speedbird and Precista, which are all pretty well established.

Eddie

[Bernard]

Hi Eddie, first of all: it is a good sign you're thinking about new watches again.

A sign you're getting better!

I would love a 38-39 mm Dreadnought.
Ideally with 300m WR. My problem with the original is that, although I love the design (handled one years ago at the Rikketik fair in the Netherlands, chap owned it and showed it), but it is just too big for me (1.78m and 64 kg).

Perhaps you could think about an interchangeable bezel, so we can change between 2nd timezone and dive bezel?

[williemays]

I am also pining for a PRS-3. It'd make an excellent companion for the PRS-10.

[gerrudd]

The 36mm Speedbird III sounds fantastic.

[Dakar]

I have the current Dreadnought PRS 2, i do like the idea of loosing the GMT hand, but wonder if 38 will be a little small for a diver... i'd also prefer an ETA movement in keeping with the older models

And, nice to see you back Eddie

[lughugger]

I...wonder if 38 will be a little small for a diver...

Nope. At least not on my 7” wrist.



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[ktmog6uk]

i like that rather a lot!

Nope. At least not on my 7” wrist.



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[andyd30]

SPEEDBIRD III

Basically the same as the current model but in 36mm and fitted with the Miyota 9015. 36mm watches have proved very popular recently and I think it's a good size for a unisex model.

Had the 39mm GMT but it was just a little too large for me - really interested in this, although would a Sellita rather than a Miyota movement be a possible option?

[Synthpunk]

How about reissuing this little 1960s beauty? ;c)

[nitsy]

Just seen this thread.

36mm Speedbird sounds fantastic. :)

[silver centurian]

How about reissuing this little 1960s beauty? ;c)

Very nice design.I am surely not the only one to see this as a 1940s Breitling Premier style. A reissue of this would sell well i think.

[Synthpunk]

Very nice design.I am surely not the only one to see this as a 1940s Breitling Premier style. A reissue of this would sell well i think.

It’s a precista branded Gallet Multichron 45. Early Valjoux 7730 and a 36mm stainless screwback case. It’s always been a bit of a personal fave.

[OldHooky]

It’s a precista branded Gallet Multichron 45. Early Valjoux 7730 and a 36mm stainless screwback case. It’s always been a bit of a personal fave.

Quickly checked out the going rate for them. Unfortunately beyond my budget, lovely as they are.

Eddie to the rescue?

[derb....]

pretty quiet here. probably everyone is busy admiring their everest...

I think the little dreadnought is great and like to have one without a date. Maybe the hour markers should be a bit bigger so that the proportions fit to the huge hands. Personally, I could also do without the red mark at 12 o'clock.

[Narc'd]

Another one loving the idea of a smaller Dreadnought that's wearable on my 6.5" wrist. I prefer no date watches but if it does have a date I hope it's not at the expense of an hour marker. I hate that look, I prefer the symmetry of having all 12 lume markers on the dial and that sad, dark, depressing void at night time while the rest of the eleven glow away doesn't sit well with me!

[gokce]

I'd be in line for the Czech Air Force watch in 38 mm, very likely the black dial version but the white also looks lovely.

[kace]

All 3 suggestions appeal to me, the dreadnaught was the watch that led me here and I was more than a little disappointed that it was too big for my wrists, so a smaller version would be the end of decade long hankering.


Could all get very expensive because the Caribbean will be bought when it comes out....and the white dialled Everest looks very stylish. Hmmm

[sweets]

From my own point of view, I look forward to a smaller Dreadnought (who wouldn't) and the same is certainly true of the Speedbird, taking it closer to the Mk series from which it gets its inspiration. And the re-boot of the Czech Lemania/Longines type watch ia very welcome.
But the 68 was always an outlier for me, and I cannot say I anticipate its return very much. For some reason it always seemed slightly jarring to see the Smiths name and logo on a relatively modern Seiko hommage. I freely admit that this is my attitude, rather than any fault with the watch, but there it is.

But I would also like to encourage our host to concentrate on the New Everest, the Caribbean and the new coloured PRS3 (PVD case with blue looks just awesome), before he switches onto these ones. Please Eddie........

Dave

[vortgern]

Speedbird III in 36mm with date at 3 o’clock would be my first choice - as long as the lugs aren’t too long.

38mm Dreadnought sounds fun too.

Good to have you back Eddie.

[Daddelvirks]

Some interesting stuff, but that PRS68 follow up really has my interest, I was late at that party and missed out.

Miyota is great, reliable and long running without a service, as is the Seiko (NE15).

Glad you are in "work" modus again Eddie.

[SplitSecond]

A 36mm Speedbird would be terrific--I'd be up in the early hours to order one.

And welcome back.

[horror_logical]

Speedbird III in 36mm with date at 3 o’clock would be my first choice - as long as the lugs aren’t too long.

38mm Dreadnought sounds fun too.

Good to have you back Eddie.

Seconded


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[gerrudd]

But I would also like to encourage our host to concentrate on the New Everest, the Caribbean and the new coloured PRS3 (PVD case with blue looks just awesome), before he switches onto these ones. Please Eddie........

Dave

Seconded. selfishly I want the new Everest.

[MartinCRC]

But the 68 was always an outlier for me, and I cannot say I anticipate its return very much. For some reason it always seemed slightly jarring to see the Smiths name and logo on a relatively modern Seiko hommage. I freely admit that this is my attitude, rather than any fault with the watch, but there it is.
Dave

I completely agree with this. The PRS68 jarred for me not only because it sat uncomfortably with where I thought the strengths of the Timefactors lay: it seemed very odd for a British company to be producing a Smiths-branded homage to a very Japanese diver's watch. But also (and I'm being frank here), aside from the case, I thought the execution deeply flawed. The dial, hands and bezel insert appeared to have been modeled in the style of the dodgy third party parts that plagued so many 6105's that had been 'restored' by backstreet Philippine eBay sellers in the late noughties. I would encourage Eddie to shelve any plans for a 68 revival but if a smaller version remains on the cards, then why not model it around the first 6105 (i.e. the one that was actually produced from 1968 and not the one that appeared in 1970).

i.e This one:



rather than this one:




The earlier model (6105-8000) has a 40mm case already and there would be no peril associated with down-scaling what was deliberately intended to be an expansive cushion case in the later 6105-8110. In spite of all that, I still don't think it's a good idea!

Martin

[swanbourne]

I completely agree with this. The PRS68 jarred for me not only because it sat uncomfortably with where I thought the strengths of the Timefactors lay: it seemed very odd for a British company to be producing a Smiths-branded homage to a very Japanese diver's watch. But also (and I'm being frank here), aside from the case, I thought the execution deeply flawed. The dial, hands and bezel insert appeared to have been modeled in the style of the dodgy third party parts that plagued so many 6105's that had been 'restored' by backstreet Philippine eBay sellers in the late noughties. I would encourage Eddie to shelve any plans for a 68 revival but if a smaller version remains on the cards, then why not model it around the first 6105 (i.e. the one that was actually produced from 1968 and not the one that appeared in 1970).

i.e This one:



rather than this one:




The earlier model (6105-8000) has a 40mm case already and there would be no peril associated with down-scaling what was deliberately intended to be an expansive cushion case in the later 6105-8110. In spite of all that, I still don't think it's a good idea!

Martin

It sold very strongly and barely a week goes by without being asked if I still have any.

Eddie

[Rollon]

..................................but if a smaller version remains on the cards, then why not model it around the first 6105 (i.e. the one that was actually produced from 1968 and not the one that appeared in 1970).

i.e This one:



rather than this one:




The earlier model (6105-8000) has a 40mm case already and there would be no peril associated with down-scaling what was deliberately intended to be an expansive cushion case in the later 6105-8110.............................................
Martin

Eddie,
Though I've been greatly impacted as to spare time of late, I have had enough to look in and see all the new planned watch models you're gearing up for next and they're quite impressive. I personally probably best like the proposal of a new but smaller version of the PRS-68 and I think Martin's idea above great of going to the earliest 6105-8000 Seiko format case (I imagine this might be the original and perhaps sleekest of all the Seiko "Turtle" case divers) to achieve the target 40mm case size without having to downsize the later and much larger post-1970 6105's stylized "Flipper" crown guard case.

In addition as to that, and just like you used to do, I hope you might consider for the new PRS-68 6105 homage upgrading the Seiko original's press fit crystal retaining ring set-up to a full-on heavy-duty steel screw-down crystal retaining ring. As for the flanged crystal itself, you can make it out of sapphire glass without even a true SAPPHIRE HATER like myself complaining about it, though I think that the much tougher aerospace grade borosilicate glass (i.e. "test-tube glass") would be a far better choice technologically if one is thinking "purpose-built" like I always tend to (at the same time, I do fully understand that the world's watch market overwhelmingly demands the brittle but scratchless sapphire as very near a prerequisite).

Also, I think that another true technological upgrade to the original Seiko 6105, assuming you don't want to go with a full-on "Caribbean"/"MarineMaster 300" monocoque case for this one, could be the Russian Vostok "Amphibian" type flanged case back secured by the heavy-duty steel screw-down retaining ring in a mirror image of the flanged screw-down crystal requested above. And, if the Russians can make and sell a nice and technologically superior Vostok Amphibian for less than 100 GBP or so right now, I wouldn't think such a case back would raise the manufacturing cost of a TF '68 with the same type genuinely improved caseback all that much, even though I personally think it would be well worth it even if it did to some degree.

AND, SPEAKING ABOUT INTERNAL CASE TECHNOLOGY, GLAD YOU GOT THE PLUMBING FIXED!!!!