60s Dive Watch With Colors! Smiths PRS-55 1000 Caribbean. Review.

[@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen]

15mm is a bit tall. Personally id rather have less water resistance and less anti magnetism for a more slimmer package. Besides that the watch looks good. The 9015 is a very slim movement, its always best to take advantage of it.

[@TheDonCucaracho]

Honestly the height is what puts me away from a 1953 Invicta. It's 15mm too, unnecessarily thick. That's why I prefer a miyota movement over the Seikos, because they're slimmer

[@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen]

@@TheDonCucaracho i can tolerate a taller watch in some cases. I have a couple 7750 chronographs that are on the tall side. I did notice that about the 1953. Seems like it might be unnecessary even with the nh35 movement.

[@jwags24]

I could have a collection of just Smiths watches. I own 3, and they are some of my favorites.

[@pepej.maravillallopis518]

Wow! I could not bear not commenting on anything in this post. You make me very happy Tim, your channel is a real discovery for me. You have managed to combine two of my passions, watches (I have been a fan for quite some time but without money to spend on watches, hehe. Even so, I really like to know about them and the models that each brand is releasing) and music , especially the golden era of swing (Dyango at the top; I really like a compatriot of yours who calls him Joscho Stephan, sure you know him). Thank you so much and I will follow you for sure, every week.

[@CasebackWatches]

Glad to read that, thank you very much!

[@LaskaSLG]

I own the Everest and trans global. Both daily used amazing watches. This is my next hunt. Probs in navy dial.

[@RandallSlick]

Fantastic. I came for the watch and stayed for the music. Wonderful playing.

[@tactofu]

Tim, I dig the watch but that's not what this comment is about. Your Django cover was incredible, you're a great musician. As an American, I can comfortably say I've never met another person who knows who Django Reinhart was, much less listen to him. I'm on my way home from work now, gonna pick up my guitar when I get there. 😊 Take care.

[@1bmaxw]

Not sure where you live, but in m;y part of the country we know Django kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIaYeJKtf714f8U

[@CasebackWatches]

Thank you! Django's music here is also a very small niche. He seems to be still popular in France though.

[@velviaman3206]

Django , the first jazz record that bought as a schoolboy.

[@nusbacher]

One of the things that marks Timefactors designs is that they take a firm step away from the awkward great, flat planks that some of the majors produce, and incorporate not only smaller diameters but also those compact lug-to-lug measurements. This one seemed a bit massive to me (in aid of achieving 1000m WR, and fitting in with the Caribbean genre presumably), so it's interesting to see that it doesn't wear like a tower. I do love the colours, though; and I'm not surprised that the blue and yellow (and the all-blue) sold out instantly. It was a bit of an education for me: I'd never heard of this sort of watch before. You know what I'd love to see Mr Platts design and produce? A tank. (I dare not say a reverso.)

[@michaelbedford8017]

@@IDKline Not sure, apart from the pun, that Eddie has the artistry to make a credible tank.

[@michaelbedford8017]

Not sure Lynette, where you would find a mechanical calibre to make even a 'three hander' possible, as it would have to have a diameter of 18mm or less.

[@nusbacher]

@@michaelbedford8017 ETA 2671 leaps instantly to mind: 7 3/4''', 28,800 vph, incabloc; £150 or so. It's effectively a mini ETA 2892.

[@michaelbedford8017]

@@nusbacher It would fit inside a 'reverso' case. Unfortunately I don't think that 'family' has a 'sub-second' version.

[@nusbacher]

@@michaelbedford8017 The original Reverso didn't have a second hand at all. (I'd still want one, mind.)

[@caomhlr]

Wow Tim, the guitar work was mesmerising to watch. Wonderful.

[@CasebackWatches]

Thank you!

[@jamesblonde2271]

Smiths consistently make watches I want.

[@stevefox8605]

Cool watch. Prefer black or white dials myself, because I'm colourblind. Very impressive bit of Django, very skillful. Thank you so much 👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@benstoyles1297]

The height is technically necessary for the 1000m rating. You need space for the crystal and caseback to compress under the pressure of those depths. Not sure why they made it 1000m though. The design is pure 60's/70's skindiver so 200m would have been more than appropriate. They could have had the watch under 12mm if they gone for that rating.

[@shanephillips8735]

The Caribbean watches of the 60s by the likes of Jenny etc were 1000m, that's why he kept it the same, it's all a part of this style of watch

[@Ecoat65]

I do like this watch! And the music was a nice bonus on an Friday morning. Thanks Tim!

[@ianhand5006]

It looks like Eddie's nailed it again!

[@cutback747]

Thanks for the review; I didn't know much about Smiths. AND . . . unbelievable guitar playing! That's really impressive.

[@michaelbedford8017]

'Wan Fawsand St.Peters; gorblimey mate!' Nice watch indeed; a bit on the thick side but wearable. I think the 'doming' will be crucial for the WR rating. Looks like Eddie has got another winner on his hands. Colours look good aswell. You're a miracle of dexterity on the ol' geetar! There's a lot of shady characters on these watch vlogs, but no-one can play like that and be 'a bounder'.

[@michaelbedford8017]

@@IDKline As I've said, I've lived in Sweden for over 25 years. Originally I'm from the East Lancashire/West Yorkshire border region. My opening salvo was for the benefit of non-Brits, many of whom imagine that all English folk speak either R.P. or terminal Cockney :)

[@Beechhill]

A diver's with a GMT bezel (yet, still, 120 clicks)? But then; decompression times are kind of superfluous at 958 metres. Keep up the good work, Tim!

[@poppad1187]

Was lucky to grab an Smiths PRS 25 Everest with a 40 mm dial which I don’t think is built anymore . Very happy with the piece as it’s a solid well built piece which takes a little time and luck to grab. I’ve been happy with it for a few yrs now but when I saw these divers for the 1st time I was impressed and always liked the vintage Caribbean dive watches. Now I regret not getting the yellow or yellow / blue bezel model. The other colour that I liked is the only one left and I just may have to snag it. I just hope it looks great in person. Eddy’s done a good job, obviously not perfect but these are some sharp little divers with nice specs . Thanks for the review as their is not much on this model. Appreciate the work and hopefully I don’t regret the colour choice, their are just so many options out there. It just feels like a shopping day & the microbrands are getting some business from me. I’ve had my eye on the Orion Hellcat w/ burgundy dial and it’s a beauty for sure. Again great review ! 🙏🏽

[@gregalonzo747]

I have a Doxa Sub 300 and a Jenny Caribbean. I like this Smiths very much. Pity they didn't make it at least a 42mm and a different movement. I guess I will go ahead and pick up a Squale.

[@dontfeedthead6467]

Thanks Tim. This watch reminds me a little of the Sinn 104, but only when viewed square on.

[@Ryan_Tinney]

Another excellent show! Your channel has a little something for all.

[@Andrew.W75]

The Rotor isn't heavy on these Miyota movements, the wobble issue is caused by it winding only in one direction.

[@rangorango7545]

love the guitar at the end, a nice touch; that Smiths is a classic diver with beautiful lines..

[@lucafwn]

These Smiths watches are always great, and they are not overpriced after all. And a Django by Tim is always a nice add-on!

[@williammiller8317]

Thanks for the music at the end Tim, you’re the best!

[@CasebackWatches]

Thank you very much!

[@jakobb4968]

this watch would be perfect with 300m and a slimmer case

[@Great-Scott]

Lovely watch, but a tall sucker. Your playing was just wonderful!!! Thanks for this review.

[@flavio2169]

15mm? Insane!

[@fabriziodutto7508]

Water pressure pushes in all directions, flattening both the case back and the crystal, more space are needed from the movement and from the top of the hands, to avoid that the watch eventually stops due to friction with any of the crystal or the bottom of the movement. There is a very interesting video of a diver's watch pushed to 50atm of pressure, that stops running, just to restart once the pression is relieved.

[@MrShinobi797]

I have to admit...I enjoyed your stringing at the end much more than the actual watch review. Great content Mate 👍🏽

[@CasebackWatches]

Thank you!

[@tomasinacovell4293]

Stoppin At Decca is the one song I can't get out of my head, sometimes it just appears.

[@johnanth]

I wish this was not a diver/GMT. It would be a cool Oyster Perpetual alternative with a smooth bezel. I appreciate though that Smiths only make vintage-style watches. PS: beautiful guitar-play Tim.

[@shanephillips8735]

Great video! I managed to bag the yellow/blue version the second the shop opened, as soon as I had completed the transaction, that colourway had sold out, defo need to be quick! Now I just need to be patient and wait for it to arrive...

[@thisispw]

Great fret work Tim, well played. Nice watch, similar to Ollech and Wajs C1000 also a great watch.

[@daverooni7763]

Excellent review. The watch is really tall, and the blank metal surrounding the dial would be nice if it was decorated or signed.

[@scottwaldie4979]

Wow, impressive bit of playing there. Find a band to compliment and surround you, and get yourself to the Shetland Folk Festival! Good review. I have a watch from Eddie's sister brand,.Precista. I have considered buying again, but the unidirectional winding of the Miyota movement puts me off. I have quite a few Citizen watches fitted with the 8200 series movements is that they ALL eventually stop, even when worn 24/7. Must be my wear characteristics.

[@richardsmegma5081]

Archie's wife also complains about a tight beezel 😉

[@markbyrum4743]

Nice watch. If I wasn't in the midst of building a similar watch (based on a Seiko mini-Turtle platform) in Orange, I might get one of these, in Orange. That Yellow looks pretty nice too, Hmmm! Excellent job on the Django tune! Good vid. Keep at it!

[@bartglover22]

So Enjoyable, Eddies Watches & Your're Guitar Playing. Cool !!!

[@CasebackWatches]

Glad you like the video!

[@tedsklarchuk5868]

Thanks for another great review, I like the orange one. I love Django, more please!

[@MikeOBrien1945]

Nice watch…I really like that it comes with a dual time bezel.

[@ojsimps701]

The rehaut is to clear the hands the sapphire magnifies it maybe and is 3mm above the bezel so 🤷 original had acrylic and monoblock case back so a front loader movement with a modified stem to allow access, u believe a small screw collar on the split stem . Would've been nice to replicate totally but I understand the weaknesses of that modification of the stem perhaps.

[@ianmichelino9697]

The first Smiths that actually resonates with me: Miyota 9015 - have one in a bespoke Tiger Concepts from Hong Kong...A -2824 killer; The yellow model!!! - I will buy ANYTHING that is Ayrton-Senna-Helmet-Yellow; Love the “applied” chevron markers on the bezel - very rare touch. The price is perfectly Goldilocks. Bravo!!! And give your left hand a round of applause Tim...It must be exhausted from stompin’ on the 1/16s. 😎

[@CasebackWatches]

Thanks Ian!

[@martyinoregon8543]

love the music, as always. Thanks, Tim.

[@CasebackWatches]

Thanks, Marty!

[@jayjay9932]

Looks like a mini Zorreto Jota watch to me. Looks nice.

[@lonegroover]

Currently tapping my fingers on my desk, waiting for UPS to turn up with my Blue PRS-55.

[@laserwave6012]

Nice playing! Yes, the watch looks decent. Agree it's a bit on the tall side though. At that price point there are better options imo, especially in euroland.

[@ozludo]

Thank you Tim - that was a great video. I love your performance of Stompin' at Decca. Taking design cues from Omega for sure, but at first glance I thought it was a new Yema. I think the watch looks lovely, but I don't really understand the depth rating and thickness. Not many 60s watches were rated for 1000m.... maybe it is 15mm to mimic a period case, but it seems unnecessary. It would not stop me wearing it though :-) Best wishes from Oz.

[@IansModRite]

I think you have mentioned it in a past video but is there any clips of you playing the Strat next to your desk floating around? If not, I think it’d be very interesting to hear your playing with a crisp, clean electric tone. That said, I’m always delighted when you put a song at the end of one of your videos. The clean and technical melodies are a perfect compliment to a fine watch.

[@CasebackWatches]

I don't play it anymore but don't want to sell it. I think it will stay there for a while.

[@tobiasrottenbach1769]

Sehr coole Uhr. Dein Gitarrenspiel ist der Hammer!

[@CasebackWatches]

Merci.

[@FourIntoOne]

Did you notice any rotor noise/wobble? something the Miyota movement is notorious for and a big deal breaker for me

[@CasebackWatches]

I know what you mean, but here I didn't notice it.

[@ianmichelino9697]

@@CasebackWatches Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Miyota 9015 Rotor Wobble 😎

[@russellharris5072]

Nice watch,but I'm broke and pretty much dive watched out.|Great guitar playing Tim,please keep it up........................................

[@CasebackWatches]

Thanks!

[@davidwarburton8890]

Terrific work with the strings my friend.

[@CasebackWatches]

Thanks!

[@peterkull8354]

Eddie makes nice watches, that for sure! I had already bougth a Everest Expedition ,a PRS 29 A and a Navigator if only they were available - like my Hamilton Khaki Handwinder, my Freese 63 or my MaS Irukandji and the Direnz DRS 04 - however I do not support a company with this strange kind of ordering procedure. I nice piece with high quality but not for me !

[@leosmoonfish2849]

Great watch. But even greater guitar playing. Seriously talented fellow.

[@CasebackWatches]

Thanks!

[@Psysso]

Pretty cool, but to damn thick, not like im going to be diving to 1000m anytime soon, just make it a 12,13 mm, loose the GMT bezel and it would be golden. Also that high polish will be an absolute scratch magnet.

[@frankschroth4038]

Very nice watch,indeed! Would take the orange dial version if I had to chose. I personally own one of the nowadays rare Doxa 1200T Professional orange diver, never had a better watch! ;) I love It to death and got offers way over the 2000€ range since It was a limited edition. But I will probably take it with me in my grave!!Smith makes some fine watches, but they are always unbailable when I decide to buy another diver or other watches. To bad!!! Greetings Frank

[@shaunpatrick8345]

I was going to get one but the height and the markings on the bezel put me off. After more consideration I think the first 25 minutes are for diving, with a marker every minute, and the next 35 are for dual time, with markers on the half-hour. The height is annoying, but since this is a homage to a watch where the 1000m resistance was a vital feature, it wouldn't make sense to slim it down and sell it as a skindiver.

[@vampolascott36]

I love your Django.

[@saulysw]

I like the watch a lot. But I think I'd rather it be only 300m and 12-13mm thick than full 15mm. Also, I'm not sure the "1000" needs to be repeated on the dial (ie "caribbean 1000, 1000 meters"). I do like the hands and the logo and the bezel insert though.

[@saulysw]

@@IDKline Ah, oh well, fair enough then!

[@MsJake199]

There are eta 2824 watches with the same waterresistance that are slimmer. There is a limit to that due to the height of the movement and the hand stack but I guess its easier and cheaper to leave a case at this height. I guess you get what you pay for. Thinness is something one can expect from more expensive watches. But nice that they contained the lug to lug to make it more wearable! Its still a bit of a blob on the wrist though...

[@swanbourne]

The Sea Dweller is 15.2mm thick.

[@marcgoulding5230]

Love the Django, Tim!

[@CasebackWatches]

Thank you!

[@hlaluminiumengineering4292]

This style I like!

[@finesse49]

With the 12 hour bezel it's useless as a dive watch. It 's a dive style watch for people who will never dive. Thanks for playing guitar again with a piece of my favourite music.

[@FfortheT]

Bollocks. You can point the triangle of the bezel to the minute you entered the water. That's your reminder how long you are under water. Exit at 2 means you stayed under water for 10 mins.

[@williammiller8317]

What a great price on a beautiful watch, but I’m a sucker for dive watches anyway! 🤣

[@franzstoeffer5317]

Nice looking watch. Pity they didn't use a different movement.

[@johnmcdonagh1607]

Thanks Tim 👍.

[@CasebackWatches]

You're welcome!

[@kosmar]

finally one that i don't instantly want still pretty

[@JimLecinski]

Great video as always, but I don't get this watch. 1,000 meters of WR to be a credible diver, but then with the hour marker bezel? a super thin Miyota9000 movement but then in a 15mm thick package? Seems like some strange pairs of choices. IMO would have been much better to go the skin diver route, make this 11mm thin with 150m WR. As it is, I will pass.

[@swanbourne]

The case measures 12.1mm to the top of the bezel, the rest of the height is the domed crystal.

[@richardb22]

I think you are on point. Is the thickness a design feature or a necessity for the bonkers water resistance. Caribbean , scuba it is then so drop the water resistance to 200m and knock 2-3mm off. But on the other hand as Tim explained , and showed in the vid, due to the tiny length it it looks great. Maybe it works as is. Timefactors and Smiths normally are spot on but this one of those watches I think I would have to try before I buy . Richard

[@richardb22]

@@IDKline I just searched for and read your interesting and knowledgable comment .It is about context and knowing that or at least buying into that particular retro experience ( and I have enjoyed some retro experiences) . Now I know a bit of the background I agree with your comment "The 1,000 meter WR and case thickness replicate the original models of the 1960’s. If you don’t like the WR or thickness or bezel, you may wish to travel back in time to “fix” the original. 🙂"

[@shaharyarsheikh5291]

Hahaha... nice little seiko referance Tim. I see you are not immune😉

[@paullong1093]

a nice watch, but i think a version 2 should maybe be 11 or 12 mmm thick, no need to have 1000m depth, nobody gonna be diving with this, 200m or 300m plenty. also the lug seem just alittle on the skinny side, maybe 1 or 2mm to thin but 45mm lug to lug great. 20mm strap perfect also. i think if this was a thinner watch id be really tempted to get one.

[@paullong1093]

@@IDKline yes i understand, but i feel with todays better tech, if O&W made this watch now, it wouldnt be 16mm thick, maybe 13mm.

[@JH-ty3ic]

Well played Tim.

[@CasebackWatches]

Thank you!

[@FfortheT]

Man, nice guitar play! You might have answered before but since when are you playing guitar?

[@CasebackWatches]

Late 18th century 😉

[@piotrszmidel]

Great colourways but unlucky a pass.Thickness and gmt markers kills it for me.

[@derekshearer9049]

Excellent

[@chrisb5986]

Its a nice watch and I like the 9015, but the way Time Factors does business is even worse than Halios. More unicorns.

[@davestubens2201]

What might have been. Pity the watch is too small and at that price I would have preferred a Selita.

[@timschubardt]

Great video. Can you show the Buran from Instagram in a video?:)

[@CasebackWatches]

Yes, in two weeks or so.

[@idid1866]

Case-back is the only negative I see! I guess the only way to get this watch, more flush on the wrist, they would have to make the case thicker! Then it would probably be too thick...can't win, lol!

[@hillbillyartscrafts4367]

i like the watch but ive heard so many bad experiences whit the Smiths brand i wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole

[@anonimushbosh]

It needs a helium valve because the only people who need anything like that much pressure rating are diving bell workers who prefer to go outside with their watches because as too much oxygen is toxic at depths over 60ish meters their air is mixed with helium which can then get inside the watch and cause damage during fluctuations in pressure when the helium expands. And... breathe!

[@Stanjara]

Wow, you speak really fast :)

[@bitterboar]

Nice pickin’, dude!

[@CasebackWatches]

Thanks!

[@DylanTrekking]

The Caribbean 1000 is not a style of watch. It was a watch developed by Jenny and Ollech & Wajs, and was the first ever watch to be water resistant to 1000 meters. OW is a watch brand still running today, and have a great following among real watch enthusiast and people that really know the world of dive watches. As much as I really respect Smiths for what they accomplished back in the day, this is not the same brand at all since its “revival”. That watch has exactly the same issue as their Everest model : it’s just a cheap copy of an original watch. In this case, the amazing Ollech & Wajs Carribean 1000.

[@ojsimps701]

Wish case was a monoblock and rounder

[@fohbif7685]

weird choice of bezel. A diving bezel would have been more in the genre... Nice watch though...

[@jb-hw9if]

That's the bezel design from the 60s, so it's true to original I think. The Jenny 700/1000.

[@bluemountain.1957]

Not first view.

[@shaharyarsheikh5291]

🥇

[@anamisidro8453]

I have a SMITHS military black dial with Swiss movement. In this case I prefer to pay 900€ for the Doxa sub 200. I absolutely hate this Japanese movement. My opinion only. Thank you for the video

[@wristwatchtalk]

what do you hate about the 9015?

[@anamisidro8453]

@@wristwatchtalk well, it’s a thing I cannot explain. I don’t trust Japanese movements. I ended up selling all my seikos and Borealis because of that. I prefer to pay more for a Swiss movement. It’s a personal thing really.

[@wristwatchtalk]

Ana M Isidro that’s fair enough, in my experience the 9015 and 9039 miyota movements are superb. But I’m yet to experience a Swiss movement like a sellita/ETA. So maybe I’d see even better performance out of those. 🙌

[@anamisidro8453]

@@wristwatchtalk yap. Maybe I don’t have enough info regarding those movements. I guess not all mijota are equal like not all seikos are equal. I have to study more. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@wristwatchtalk]

Ana M Isidro yes and me too, a pleasure. Always happy to learn more and be open 🙌

[@howymandros9482]

Lots of good ideas but in the end they just missed the mark.

[@mywatchventure8875]

Really nice . BOR .

[@riccardorenzetti1409]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@Elshantonio]

All sold out on the website...man, what a bummer.

[@FourIntoOne]

No they are not, they are in stock - the website is closed and only opens for a short period usually on certain Sundays which is why you cant add to basket right now

[@idid1866]

@@FourIntoOne That doesn't make any sense...one day a week!?

[@FourIntoOne]

@@idid1866 Not 1 day a week - a few minutes on one Sunday a MONTH usually depending on demand. Eddie only opens his store for a long as it takes to get enough orders that he can fulfill before the next opening. Bonkers.

[@Elshantonio]

@@FourIntoOne So basically, they might as well be out of stock because most of us aren't crazy enough to follow that website day in and day out waiting for an opportunity to open up.

[@FourIntoOne]

@@Elshantonio Well maybe BUT all you actually have to do is sign up to the email alert service and you will get an advance warning of when they will be open. THEN the fun begins as everyone tries to buy all at the same time and the store usually shuts a few mins later. Yes it is a pain.

[@petergplus6667]

The only outstanding thing, the bezel, got replaced with a generic one. So not even a little itch to buy this.

[@owenmccord5078]

A tough dual time watch for under $600 is exactly what I’ve been looking for. And they’re gone😭

[@herebarian]

When the height of my watch is the same as an average lug width from the mid-19th century, I know I’ve gone too far with this… ‘hobby’.

[@noelbattere1548]

Hello, Tim: This watch can go deep down to 1000 meters, but there is no human being that can withstand that depth... What then is the point of making watches with that rating? Regards from Chile (still alive, still alive).

[@cleanderholmes7852]

Nope. For that price I would have put a Swiss movement.

[@nintendokings]

A shame they went with 1000m, no need to be so thick literally nobody is going to bring it that deep. Also, don’t like that the bezel ‘ticks’ go till 5 o’clock and not 3/6/12

[@Make_SPQR_Great_Again]

An unoriginal design, fake brand history, China made watch for $530... Wow really.

[@williammiller8317]

What a great price on a beautiful watch, but I’m a sucker for dive watches anyway! 🤣