Reputation, Rarity and Provenance are three watch words (excuse the pun) for any collector of fine things, be it classic cars, jewellery, or in our case, watches; and this particular watch, a Timefactors Dreadnought PRS-2 has them all, in spades!

Firstly, Reputation.

Timefactors was one of the first “Microbrands” and, some would say, one of the best ever. They earned their reputation because of the first Diver’s watch they produced, the PRS-2.

The PRS-2’s final specifications are positively awe-inspiring and everything a true “tool-watch” requires. Rather than repeating myself, please take a look and read the Specifications below. The one thing we don’t mention in the specs is that the complete watch with a full bracelet weighs 265 grams, however, it sits beautifully on the wrist.

No wonder it was named Dreadnought!

Secondly, Rarity.

The watch was designed and produced by Eddie Platts of Timefactors in Sheffield, England and was limited to two hundred pieces worldwide. Remember, this was a new venture in watch horology, and the last thing you want with a new venture is excess stock.

Eddie needn’t have worried, though, as all 200 watches were sold before they completed manufacture. If truth be told, he could have sold more than 200 watches, but he kept to his word and has never reproduced them.
The “Cult” of the Dreadnought was born!

Thirdly, Provenance.

Provenance is possibly the hardest key element to keep, but it is the one thing that provides the history and backstory and embellishes the life of any given piece. This particular PRS-2, numbered 118/200, has it in abundance!

Its first owner was Ming Thein, who bought it on the 20th of August 2003.

So what, who’s he anyway, I hear you say?

Well, if you follow all things watch, then you may well have come across Horology MING, an independent watch brand based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with production facilities in Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland.

Ming Thein is their Founder and Chief Creative officer. On his bio page, it states, “His creative vision and talent for design is paired with an appreciation of materials and engineering. His ethos lies at the core of MING as a company: to make watches that make people happy.”

I’m sure this PRS-2 Dreadnought made him happy!

Ming sold the watch to its second owner, a gentleman based in San Jose, California, who sent it to Fricker (the manufacturer) for some TLC. We have the invoice from March 2008 showing that the dial, bezel, and sapphire crystal were replaced. The watch was also tested for full functionality to manufacturers’ specifications.

It was sold again in September 2009 to an enthusiast based in the UK and was worn sparingly and in rotation with other watches in his collection. We have the transaction documentation for the purchase on file.

The owners of Number 118 were fastidious in their care of the watch, and as such, it is in fabulous condition today. It is in perfect working order and still keeps time to manufacturers’ specifications. Yes, the bracelet has a few micro-scratches, mainly on the clasp, but nothing that indicates this being a watch in its 21st year!

It comes complete with the original packaging (inner & outer boxes), the original and unused Rhino textile strap, the three screwdrivers and polishing cloth in their original tube, the dog tag, and the original guarantee card, plus the two original pamphlets, the first being the instruction manual and the second a brief history of the Dreadnought ships, culminating with the Royal Navy’s first nuclear Submarine, S101 “Dreadnought”. It is only missing the original technical drawing supplied, and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t keep it

These watches come to the open market so rarely that it is difficult to know what value to put on them. We were fortunate to have sold #21 about two years ago at £3300, and only the odd one or perhaps two are sold each year. We are offering this watch at a price we believe is “about right,” given its rarity and avid following. However, we are open to offers, so long as they aren’t insulting!

So there you have it: Reputation, Rarity and Provenance all wrapped up in this amazing Dreadnought!

Specifications:

PRS-2 Dreadnought

Limited Edition:      118/200

Case:                       Machined from a solid block of 316L stainless steel with screw back and decoupling screw down crown.

Finish:                    Bead blasted.

Diameter:              44mm

Lug to Lug:           54mm

Thickness:            15.6mm

Weight:                  265g including bracelet (Watch head alone – 140g)

Dial:                      Black with luminous indices (Super Luminova) with a white minute track and an orange luminous marker at 12 o’clock. The date is at the 6 o’clock position.

Hands:                  Plongeur style, luminous filled (Super Luminova).

Bezel:                    Unidirectional 120 clicks.

Case Back:           3mm thick with twin O-ring seals screwed back.

Crown:                  Decupling screw down crown.

Crystal:                 3mm Thick, Domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating on the underside.

Antimagnetic:        Anti-magnetic to 30,000 A/m

Movement:           ETA2824-2T (Top) with decoration and chronometer rated to DIN standard 8319 / ISO 3159.

Bracelet:               22mm wide Solid link 316L stainless steel bracelet with solid end pieces, diver’s extension and screwed removable links.

Water Resistance: 500m / 1540ft

Box & Papers:      Outer cardboard box. Inner gloss wooden case  with pillow. Dreadnought history booklet. Timefactors  watch booklet. Timefactors dog tag. Timefactors polishing cloth. Timefactors business cards. Plastic tube with three screwdrivers. Chronometer test certificate dated 04/08/2003 showing discrepancies of 0/0/+1/0/0(averaging +0.2 seconds). Timefactors guarantee card dated 20/08/2003. Invoices showing history.