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| Joined: | Tue Apr 17th, 2007 |
| Location: | Buffuk, New York USA |
| Posts: | 119 |
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PRS-50
Movement AS2063
Case Diameter 42mm
Thickness 15.3mm
Length 50.7mm
Lug Width 22mm
Weight 130 grams
W/R 200 metres
Crystal Flat sapphire
A/R Coated Underside
Lume Super Luminova
Stingray
Movement ETA 2824-2
Case Diameter 42mm
Thickness 13.7mm
Length 49.5mm
Lug Width 22mm
Weight 90 grams
W/R 200 metres
Crystal Double domed sapphire
A/R Optional both inside and out
Lume Super Luminova
Now with that out of the way you can see these two watches are very close in specs even closer for the non-LE as they will share the same movement.
Packaging:
The Stingray comes in an ABS plastic case that looks like a pistol case very Mil looking. It can hold three watches and comes with a springbar tool and a tube with two extra sets of springbars. The case will hold three watches securely. My problem with the case is the handle is to small for my hand and the foam liner is not secured to the case.
The PRS-50 comes in a Banda black leather with white stitching two watch travel case. As usual Eddies supplies an alternate strap and his signiture polishing cloth.
Point to Eddie.
Movement
The PRS-50 uses a NOS AS2063 that has been serviced to new, the Stingray uses the trustworthy ETA 2824-2 a great movement but common.
Point to Eddie.
Crystal
Both are saphire with A/R coating (I went for the option). The PRS-50s is flat and very thick while the Stingray has a very lovely domed shape.
Point to Bill.
Bezel
Lumed Acrylic is standard on the PRS-50 and optional on the Stingray. The lume on both is weak but that is expected. The Stingrays is flat and only has Markings at the cardinal points. The PRS-50's is domed and very stunning it's markings are truer to the FF that was the inspiration for both watches. The PRS-50 is 60 clicks while the Stingray is 120. Both turn very smoothly.
Point to Eddie.
Case
Both are made of Stainless Steel with the PRS-50 only being available in a polished finish. The Stingray can be ordered polished, brushed or blasted. The case on the PRS-50 is thicker and heavier than the Stingray which can be a comfort problem to some. Both also have drilled lugs. The transition from the case to the bezel is smooth on the Stingray but there is a tiny lip with the bezel being a tad bigger than the case.
Point to Bill because of the finish options.
Dial and Hands
The Stingray lets you pick your dial from Bill's catalog. I went with the Bund 1 as it is as close to the FF as he had available. Lume on both is Luminova C3 which is well known by all here and it is applied well on both. Eddie was a bit daring and went with the No Rad style dial and I personnaly like it.
As with the dial various hands are available for the Stingray. I went once again with the Bund 1. The lume does not match the dial on the Stingray while it does on the PRS-50. To me a minor point but to others it is critical.
Dial and hands Tie
Strap.
Both watches come with rubber straps at first glance the Stingrays is very nice but it is a bit to thin for the watch while the PRS-50 comes with a very (actually two) hefty retro strap that fits it well. So well that I usually have one on my Stingray. The buckle on the Stingray is very nice and embossed with the MKII logo, since Eddie didn't have a custom strap made (his is a DeBeers) the buckle is unsigned.
Strap is a tie (I like the buckle)
Time keeping.
I am not a fanatic about this which may seem strange but as long as it is not off by minutes I really don't care. Both watches keep satisfactory time.
Tie.
Wow factor.
Well this is a very personal point as is wearability. Believe it or not I have had people comment on both favorably. With the Stingray it was a salesman at Tournau who noticed it and once he saw the MKII logo knew it was a Yoa. For the PRS-50 it was a total stranger who asked me where did I find a vintage FF in such good condition.
Point Eddie.
Wearability.
Now this was a tough area, I like big heavy watches that I can use to club a Steer with. But in this area I think the Stingray comes out ahead, it is slim enough to wear under a shirt sleave and it doesn't wear you out from the weight. My Stingray came in just before I went on vacation in July and except for a couple of hours when I wore the DN it never left my wrist (except at night).
Ponit Bill.
Service.
I really don't think there is much of a point in going here. Both of these watches are the creations of two of the best when it comes to this. I have been a loyal customer of Eddie's for years and this was my first but hopefully not my last Yoa.
Tie.
Now by point count the PRS-50 comes out ahead BUT if this was the Non-LE it would be a tie. I don't think there is a bad choice here between these two watches. Both offere quality fit/finish and materials. Bill does offer the customability that Eddie doesn't but that could be a bad thing I have seen some terrible hand/dial combos. Now which do I like more thats a tough call but I would say the PRS-50 as it is truer to the original FF.
I hope this comparison will be helpful to potential buyers of either watch.
