While I’ve had a tendency to bring vintage models to your attention, today’s is a thoroughly new watch – though it does claim some impressive heritage. The original Smiths design accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary to the top of Everest. This modern incarnation is brought to us courtesy of Timefactors, like the Speedbird we saw yesterday.
Unlike that watch of mountain-climbing fame, this new one is powered by the Miyota 9015 movement. Sure, that might not have the cachet of a Swiss movement, but do some research, and you’ll find that Miyota has been creating some great movements. This particular movement is housed in a 40mm stainless steel case that rises to a thickness of 14.5mm due to the high-dome acrylic crystal.
With the screw-down caseback and crown, the Everest will stay water-tight up to 100m, and is also anti-magnetic to the tune of 4,800 A/h. Under that tall crystal we have a simple (and very legible) black dial with white numerals; C3 SuperLuminova has been applied to the dial and the hands, making for a watch that’s simple to read in the dark.
Overall, this is a very clean watch, and there’s not much going on to clutter things up. While I miss the date display, and am not a fan of the “Mercedes” hand (not just on this watch, but most that have it), I still find myself drawn to the simplicity of the design, and utter cleanness of the dial.
Should you find yourself floating in that same boat, you can pick up one of these watches for £225 (approximately $355). If you prefer something with a bit more color, the Radio Room model may be more what you’re looking for. Either way, an intriguing resurrection of a storied marque.
