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Thread: What would your ideal Smiths watch look like?

  1. #1
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    What would your ideal Smiths watch look like?

    Prompted by a post from Grizzlymambo with his specific requirements for a watch and a response from Snowman wondering how popular that design functionality may be, I thought I’d add a thread for us all to state our favourite requirements which might be fun and also offer Eddie some targeted market research/more PITA requests to consider.

    I’m new here so my apologies if there’s a similar duplicate post somewhere.

    Thinking of some or all of the following, and adding anything I’ve missed, what is it that you’d like in your ideal Smiths watch?

    Bezel: yes, no, hours, minutes, hours & minutes, countdown minutes (60-0 rather than the other way), no bezel, or whatever.
    Crystal: sapphire, mineral, acrylic plastic.
    Case size in mm
    Case shape, traditional, barrel, square, oblong, whatever.
    Water resistance depth
    Hand shape
    Luminosity
    Crown, big, small, retractable, size in mm etc
    Complications: chronograph (double or single pusher), date, day, moon phase, whatever
    Movement, automatic, manual wind, quartz, type of quartz (solar etc)
    Strap, bracelet, rally/racing style etc

    Mine would be countdown bezel, traditional shape 37/38mm 30m water resistant case with lugs, acrylic crystal, large crown, hand wound chronograph on a beads of rice strap. Applied indices, with lume on these and M and H hands. Two or three sub registers.

    I suppose that would be a Heuer Autavia from the 1960s look alike, like the popularly named Rindt or Andretti models.
    Last edited by YCymro; 19th May 2022 at 09:59.

  2. #2
    Grand Master markrlondon's Avatar
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    The WIS creation...

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    Master TheGent's Avatar
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    What would your ideal Smiths watch look like?

    Quote Originally Posted by markrlondon View Post
    The WIS creation...


    On a serious note though, this is very true I think. We often think we know what we want, but the watches I’ve ended up loving are designs that appeal to me when I see them fully formed.
    Last edited by TheGent; 19th May 2022 at 10:36.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by markrlondon View Post
    The WIS creation...
    I’d buy it 🙄

  5. #5
    Craftsman TF23's Avatar
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    What would your ideal Smiths watch look like?


  6. #6
    Craftsman Cornholio's Avatar
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    I was hoping for one of these, but guess it's not likely to happen:



  7. #7
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    Smiths Carmania?

  8. #8
    Administrator swanbourne's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Suds View Post
    Smiths Carmania?
    I'be been considering the Carmania again but it would still be a Sewills.

    Eddie
    Whole chunks of my life come under the heading "it seemed like a good idea at the time".

  9. #9
    Journeyman lexminute's Avatar
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    I'm content with the Smiths Everest design, honestly. But my gripe is that the 6 o'clock end of the bracelet is too long for small (and irregular) wrists making the watch head and inner clasp position uncentered.
    So I wish the bracelet had 1-2 more removable links on that side.

  10. #10
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    A Manual Wind version of this. I know people like this kind of watch since this kind of watch exists, the problem is that some of them had a date which I don't want; and most of them have automatic, which I don't need; and virtually none of them had antimagnetic shielding, which I think is essential for a "one watch".

    I know that the things that I do want:
    1. no-date, hand-wind: are clearly desirable features because even on this forum people love the PRS-29, 25 etc. which have these features;
    2. Antimagnetic protection: is desirable because of the millions that companies are investing in antimagnetic tech;
    3. 12 hour bezel is desirable because people love traveller watches.

    It's just curious that there is no watch on the planet that combines all these features. This watch is probably my "dream spec watch". I can't think of a more perfect "one watch" that exists.
    Last edited by grizzlymambo; 20th May 2022 at 05:32.

  11. #11
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    For me personally, its this - nav with acrylic. Its
    my everyday watch and I just love it!


  12. #12
    Master sweets's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by grizzlymambo View Post


    .
    Have I missed something? Where the hell did this come from? It's lovely.
    This, the Commander and the Mission Timer would make the perfect 3 watch set

    EDIT - I see where this came from now, wow. First new render for a while, and a corker
    Last edited by sweets; 20th May 2022 at 09:49.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Cornholio View Post
    I was hoping for one of these, but guess it's not likely to happen:


    I like this. Is the design based on a quartz Seiko named an Airman, or Pilot or similar
    Last edited by YCymro; 23rd May 2022 at 09:58.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by grizzlymambo View Post


    It's just curious that there is no watch on the planet that combines all these features.
    I spend a lot of time on Chrono24 and other sale sites and am continuously amazed by the number of watch designs available, so it’s amazing to think that no one else has done it.

  15. #15
    Grand Master TaketheCannoli's Avatar
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    This. I think the lack of crown guards would get around the legal issues. A 44mm case, Unitas 6497 and at least 100m WR. I personally think Precista branding would suit it better though.


  16. #16
    Grand Master markrlondon's Avatar
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    ^^^ We've had the PRS-20 Italian though...

  17. #17
    Grand Master TaketheCannoli's Avatar
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    That had wire lugs, my suggestion has fixed lugs.

    Quote Originally Posted by markrlondon View Post
    ^^^ We've had the PRS-20 Italian though...

  18. #18
    Grand Master abraxas's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by markrlondon View Post
    ^^^ We've had the PRS-20 Italian though...
    There is also the PRECISTA BRONZE PRS-30.
    "Owning one is almost as satisfying as making one." ~ Rolex 1973

  19. #19
    Grand Master abraxas's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TaketheCannoli View Post
    This. I think the lack of crown guards would get around the legal issues. A 44mm case, Unitas 6497 and at least 100m WR. I personally think Precista branding would suit it better though.

    It would be nice to see but it has also been done to death.
    "Owning one is almost as satisfying as making one." ~ Rolex 1973

  20. #20
    Grand Master TaketheCannoli's Avatar
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    But that's bronze with a Cali dial.

    Quote Originally Posted by abraxas View Post
    There is also the PRECISTA BRONZE PRS-30.

  21. #21
    Grand Master TaketheCannoli's Avatar
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    Timefactors hasn't done one in stainless steel with fixed lugs and no crown guards. It's a very difficult watch to get from anywhere reputable actually.

    I've said for years it would be a top seller.

    Quote Originally Posted by abraxas View Post
    It would be nice to see but it has also been done to death.

  22. #22
    This is a funny thread, one that can not lead to "ne design" but more a collection of peoples' wishes, wants and thoughts.

    I have been a Committee Member for 5 years over at WUS-CMW (Chinese Mechanical Watches) and we have done 6 projects over that time period. Even with "limited design parameters" / "room to wander" we ended up with too may compromises. Design by Committee doesn't really work.

    That said, this thread might give Eddie some insights in to what his customer-base is looking for.

  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by YCymro View Post
    I spend a lot of time on Chrono24 and other sale sites and am continuously amazed by the number of watch designs available, so it’s amazing to think that no one else has done it.
    The Omega Seamaster Spectre is the closest I know of, but it is automatic. It was hugely popular but unfortunately was a limited edition.



    The existence of this watch and its popularity PROVES that what I am asking for WILL be popular. And the popularity of handwind watches proves that a handwind version of this watch WILL also be popular.

  24. #24
    Craftsman Cornholio's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by YCymro View Post
    I like this. Is the design based on a quartz Seiko?
    Yes, Seiko 'Gen 1' pilot's chrono. Mmmmm.

  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by swanbourne View Post
    I'be been considering the Carmania again but it would still be a Sewills.

    Eddie

    Would that be a simple re-issue of existing spec/design?

    I love my Carmania - it's a bright/simple/clean design that exudes quality without being a big 'shouty' model.

  26. #26
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    Quote Originally Posted by Neil.Ldn View Post
    For me personally, its this - nav with acrylic. Its
    my everyday watch and I just love it!

    Now that looks fantastic especially on the fixoflex bracelet, I have a couple of these myself but would never have thought they would work on a field type watch....looking at yours, it most certainly does.

  27. #27
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    Quote Originally Posted by Neil.Ldn View Post
    For me personally, its this - nav with acrylic. Its
    my everyday watch and I just love it!

    Bracelet info please.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  28. #28
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    Quote Originally Posted by Cornholio View Post
    Yes, Seiko 'Gen 1' pilot's chrono. Mmmmm.
    Funnily enough I was scrolling through the thread now and amended my post to add the names I thought it might be ‘Airman’ or ‘Pilot’.
    Pilot it is then - thanks for confirming.
    I’d buy one!

  29. #29
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    Quote Originally Posted by grizzlymambo View Post
    The Omega Seamaster Spectre is the closest I know of, but it is automatic. It was hugely popular but unfortunately was a limited edition.



    The existence of this watch and its popularity PROVES that what I am asking for WILL be popular. And the popularity of handwind watches proves that a handwind version of this watch WILL also be popular.
    Oh yes! I’d buy that too

  30. #30
    Craftsman redhed18's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Neil.Ldn View Post
    For me personally, its this - nav with acrylic. Its
    my everyday watch and I just love it!

    Neil, what is this one please? Gorgeous!

    Oops, I figured it out... and I even own one lol (PRS-48) ... I think the large photo was throwing me off, since the real watch is so wee.

    Lovely with the acrylic, totally different look!
    Last edited by redhed18; 23rd May 2022 at 16:39.

  31. #31
    Grand Master abraxas's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mario24601 View Post
    Bracelet info please.
    Fixoflex ??? (just guessing)
    "Owning one is almost as satisfying as making one." ~ Rolex 1973

  32. #32
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    Quote Originally Posted by abraxas View Post
    Fixoflex ??? (just guessing)
    Prima-flex - which is the same thing - cheap and plentiful!

  33. #33
    Craftsman TF23's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Neil.Ldn View Post
    Prima-flex - which is the same thing - cheap and plentiful!
    Looking at an Ebay listing for one of these, it describes the length as "6.5 inches - expanding to 8 inches approx to get over hands".

    Yours looks great on your watch, but I'm sure we'd all agree that comfort is key.

    I have no experience with expanding bracelets but I'm guessing that it would probably be comfortable on my 7" wrist. I don't know what your wrist size is, but can you comment on my guess based on your experience?

    Thanks

  34. #34
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    Quote Originally Posted by TF23 View Post
    Looking at an Ebay listing for one of these, it describes the length as "6.5 inches - expanding to 8 inches approx to get over hands".

    Yours looks great on your watch, but I'm sure we'd all agree that comfort is key.

    I have no experience with expanding bracelets but I'm guessing that it would probably be comfortable on my 7" wrist. I don't know what your wrist size is, but can you comment on my guess based on your experience?

    Thanks
    A bit of trial and error is required. If you can get NOS, it’ll be plenty long enough and you can (with small pliers) remove links - fiddly but doable. Then there is the width of the strap - I like the width to be as near to the lug width as possible, but in this case the end pieces need to be the expanding type and not fixed - which some are. Also look out for the thickness of the strap, some are very thin and not to my taste.

    You can still buy these things brand new btw, the quality is not quite as good as the older ones made in Germany or Hong Kong.

    Sorry for the thread diversion!

  35. #35
    Craftsman TF23's Avatar
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    Many thanks!

  36. #36
    Master raysablade's Avatar
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    This one



    Brushed stainless steel case with polished screw back. Black dial with tritium hour markers and hands, sub-seconds. Acrylic crystal and fixed bar lugs. Water resistant to 3 bar/30 metres/100 feet.
    Dimensions: 36 mm diameter, 46.25 mm lug tip to tip and 10.8 mm thick. Lug spacing (fixed bars) is 18 mm.
    Movement: FHF 17 jewel hand winding, calibre 1380 11.
    Last edited by raysablade; 24th May 2022 at 15:40.

  37. #37
    Here's one I made up from parts. I call it the Super A404

    Case: early-mid 1950s Dennison Aquatite; 18mm lugs, drilled. I've added a sapphire display back that just happened to fit, because of the gilt movement.
    Dial: NOS prototype. (Flat, with every other numeral lumed like the Smiths cockpit clocks.)
    Hands: standard Smiths blued steel syringe with radium in-fill
    Movement: "1218" by Smiths for Garrard -- extra jewels and overcoiled hairspring. Arguably Smiths finest in-house movement, certainly the best they made at the time.




  38. #38
    I would love to see Timefactors release a white watch (not cream) of some kind, preferably a field watch. However, I read somewhere that white watches aren't Eddie's style. Still, the prs-29 does look nice in cream.

  39. #39
    Grand Master Mr Curta's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Taiken View Post
    I would love to see Timefactors release a white watch (not cream) of some kind, preferably a field watch. However, I read somewhere that white watches aren't Eddie's style. Still, the prs-29 does look nice in cream.
    Admittedly not Smiths, but the Sewills "Ferreira" is white and there's a polar white Dreadnaught.

    I think that the PRS-27 is slightly off-white.

    Don't just do something, sit there. - TNH

  40. #40
    Quote Originally Posted by Rev-O View Post
    Here's one I made up from parts. I call it the Super A404

    Case: early-mid 1950s Dennison Aquatite; 18mm lugs, drilled. I've added a sapphire display back that just happened to fit, because of the gilt movement.
    Dial: NOS prototype. (Flat, with every other numeral lumed like the Smiths cockpit clocks.)
    Hands: standard Smiths blued steel syringe with radium in-fill
    Movement: "1218" by Smiths for Garrard -- extra jewels and overcoiled hairspring. Arguably Smiths finest in-house movement, certainly the best they made at the time.



    This is spectacular thanks for sharing!

  41. #41
    Grand Master Mr Curta's Avatar
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    Vanguard and Radio Room are predominantly white.

    The RR is my favourite Smiths by a country mile.



    Don't just do something, sit there. - TNH

  42. #42
    Grand Master Sinnlover's Avatar
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    No need at alter it in any way shape or form
    Manual wind
    Light vintage lume - keep the T dial as it’s better balanced

  43. #43
    Master TheGent's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sinnlover View Post


    No need at alter it in any way shape or form
    Manual wind
    Light vintage lume - keep the T dial as it’s better balanced
    Now that would be quite something

  44. #44
    Quote Originally Posted by Sinnlover View Post
    keep the T dial as it’s better balanced
    Well they were originally radium.

    Here’s both types side by side







  45. #45

    It's time to re-launch the Astral

    I think it's about time to re-launch the Smiths Astral



    Something like this...


  46. #46
    Grand Master markrlondon's Avatar
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    ^^^ I like the Smiths Astral.

    Unless I'm missing something, it could potentially re-use the PRS-82 case.

  47. #47
    Grand Master Sinnlover's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by markrlondon View Post
    ^^^ I like the Smiths Astral.

    Unless I'm missing something, it could potentially re-use the PRS-82 case.
    I had the exact same thought
    Just a different dial band hands needed

  48. #48
    Quote Originally Posted by markrlondon View Post
    ^^^ I like the Smiths Astral.

    Unless I'm missing something, it could potentially re-use the PRS-82 case.
    Yes, I'm sure I'd suggested that at the time, although I think the bezel on the 82 is a bit deep compared with this visual (more like the Seiko 62MAS compared with a SPB149).

  49. #49
    Grand Master markrlondon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by chrisparker View Post
    Yes, I'm sure I'd suggested that at the time
    That's a memory from a long time ago and, yes, I now seem to recall seeing a very similar graphic from you back then!

  50. #50
    Grand Master abraxas's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by chrisparker View Post
    I think it's about time to re-launch the Smiths Astral

    ....................


    I have considered that myself in response to grizzlymambo's original thread about "the perfect hand-wound with bezel". I was thinking for a thin watch. Today's public prefers thinner watches. One might as well take advantage of having a hand-wound movement.

    Quote Originally Posted by markrlondon View Post
    ^^^ I like the Smiths Astral.

    Unless I'm missing something, it could potentially re-use the PRS-82 case.


    The PRS-82 has a noticeably thicker case and it would need a domed crystal. I actually like the hands of the Astral. They are '60s vintage in a nice way.



    Did you know there was also a white Astral Diver?
    Last edited by abraxas; 25th May 2022 at 12:00.
    "Owning one is almost as satisfying as making one." ~ Rolex 1973

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