Smiths PRS-40 ChronographvsSeiko Essentials Chronograph

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Smiths PRS-40 Chronograph at true scale

PRS-40 Chronograph

Seiko Essentials Chronograph at true scale

Essentials Chronograph

Diameter

40.2mm

40mm

Lug-to-Lug

53.5mm

45.8mm

lowest

Thickness

12.3mm

11.5mm

lowest

Water Resistance

100m

100m

MSRP

n/a

$415

Movement

Seiko VK61

Seiko 8T63

Case

4 specs
Diameter
40.2mm
40mm
Thickness
12.25mm
11.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
53.5mm
45.8mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Dial Color
Black
n/a
Lume
SuperLuminova
None

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Seiko VK61
Seiko 8T63
Type
Meca-Quartz
Quartz
Power Reserve
n/a
0h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
n/a
$415
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Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Smiths PRS-40 Chronograph

Owners praise the Smiths PRS-40 CHRONOGRAPH's bead-blasted finish, noting it shows light marks from use but no deep scratches, and appreciate its sapphire crystal. Some find it wears thinner than automatic variants, while others note it wears large. The watch is described as having unique, "badass" looks, with one owner calling it "ugly" but appreciating its "bombproof nature" for harsh environments and its 12 o'clock crown. The purchase process is noted as tricky due to limited availability. On balance, owners rate the Smiths PRS-40 CHRONOGRAPH highly for its robust, utilitarian design and bead-blasted finish, making it a compelling tool watch.

Seiko Essentials Chronograph

Owners widely praise the Seiko Essentials Chronograph for its beautiful and fun dial, with one noting the green dial and gold hands, and another finding the dark greenish dial less impressive than black. The watch is considered a great first watch, comfortable for active wear due to its lightweight nature, and enjoyable for its chronograph function. One owner reported the orange stripe on a stopwatch button expanded and fell off in heat, while another found the 40mm case wore smaller than expected. The Seiko Essentials Chronograph is considered beautiful for its price, especially on the grey market. On balance, owners rate the Seiko Essentials Chronograph highly for its attractive dial and comfortable wearability at its price point.

From video reviewers

The watch is praised for its impressive execution and value at its price point. Its 50-meter water resistance is cited as a potential limitation.

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