The Dreadnought began life on October 3rd 2001 when Eddie Platts announced in the Timefactors Forum that he was designing the PRS-2 and it would be a dive watch (simply referred to as "the diver" in the very early posts). Here is the initial message and image:-
"I tried to get my own divers' watch made last year and failed. I'm now going to try again and ask you all to submit the specifications you would like to see on an affordable dive watch. Forget the watches at a couple of grand, I think it's possible to make something with a similar specification for one sixth of the price".
"Here's my own modification of something I picked up elsewhere on the Net. Pull it to bits, change it and even submit your own scans of what you think the ideal dive watch should look like. Please remember, I can't copy exactly something which is already in manufacture. Don't forget to include specifications".
As Eddie released the details, many people offered suggestions and gave their thumbs up or down to proposed features.
When the design was finalized, Eddie contracted the case manufacture to Fricker in Germany. They have a large list of clients including, Junghans, Kobold Instruments, Marcello C., RGM, Sinn, Timex and Tutima. It is interesting to note for the PRS-2 Dreadnought, that every single component is custom made and no "off-the-shelf" components have been used, excepting the movement which was adjusted and tested to Chronometer standards. Even though the watch is rated for 500 Metres the crown is water-resistant to 2,500 Metres.
The specifications for the watch were settled early in the design and included; 500 Metres water resistant, 30,000 A/m anti-magnetic, Approximately 44 mm diameter, 54 mm lug tip to lug tip, 15.6 mm thick and 22 mm lugs. The case and crystal (without movement) weigh 110 grams, Domed sapphire crystal, 3mm thick with anti-reflective coating on the underside, Screwed bar lugs, Super Luminova dial and hands, ETA2824-2 Top, DIN Chronometer rated, Constructed from 316L stainless steel; case machined from a solid block (not stamped), Solid link stainless steel bracelet, 4mm thick with solid end-pieces and 22mm over the whole length, screwed links, safety deployant and diver's extension, a solid, one piece bezel, unidirectional, 60 click ratchet with a luminous Super Luminova triangular insert at 12 o'clock.
In order to give the Dreadnought its 30,000 A/m rating an iron plate which acts as a magnetic field inhibitor covers the movement. The 500 Metre depth rating is achieved by the use of a double o-ring arrangement. Even though the watch is rated for 500 Metres the crown is water-resistant to 2,500 Metres.
The general consensus of opinion in the forum was that the case and bracelet should be beadblasted. And that was how it turned out.
A Flying Doctor Production
Dr. Peter McClean Millar
