It's hard to believe that it's almost 18 years since the PRS-1 Speedbird was launched. It was an instant success and examples of the PRS-1 now command in excess of the original selling price, when they can be found. To celebrate the 18th anniversary, a limited number of the Speedbird III have been produced with the PRS-1 dial.
Although it quickly sold out, many people stated that they did not buy it because it didn't have a date and so, in 2002, the Speedbird II was launched in both black and ivory dial versions with a date.
MOVEMENT
2001 - Speedbird PRS-1 introduced - 300 pieces 2002 - Speedbird II PRS-7 introduced - 300 pieces total (black and ivory dials available) 2003 - "Goldbird" introduced - 38 pieces total (3 dial designs available)
The new Speedbird III has been in planning, design and production for three years and is the highest specification of all the Speedbirds with an anti-magnetic rating of 20,000 A/m, superb stainless steel bracelet, tested for negative pressure to 0.4 ATM (to stop the crystal "popping" at altitude) and the crown tube is screwed into the case exactly as found on watches costing many times more.
From 15 January 2019, the Speedbird III PRS-22 is fitted with the Sellita SW200-1 "Top" movement. The Speedbird III is guaranteed for two years and will be supplied fitted with the steel bracelet strap and one 2-watch travel case.
Just 38 pieces of the "Goldbird" were sold with a choice of three different dials.
316L stainless steel, brushed finish
Diameter 39mm, 42.8mm including crown
Lug to lug height 46mm
Thickness 11.7mm
Lug spacing 20mm
Anti-magnetic 20000 A/m with anti-magnetic movement cover and movement retaining ring
Water resistance 100 metres, also negative pressure tested to 0.4 ATM
Weight 173 grammes including steel bracelet
Screw back, crown tube screwed into case (not pressed), unique serial number
DIAL
Semi-matte black soft iron anti-magnetic, white painted numbers and triangle
Luminous: Hour markers Super Luminova C3
Date at 6 o'clock (no date on PRS-1 dial)
HANDS
Frosted silver minute & hour hands, all luminous filled. White seconds hand (black hands on PRS-1 dial)
Luminous: Super Luminova C3
CRYSTAL
Domed sapphire with anti-reflective on underside
Sellita SW200-1 "Top", 26 jewel automatic (Swiss)
BRACELET
Stainless steel bracelet with custom fitted solid end links and adjustable clasp, screwed links for adjustment.