THE BEST OF: 6 most popular men's Prim watches

Tags: Selection of the best | Men's | Fashion

14.10.2022 | 7 MIN

Not far from the city of Ostrava, Czech Republic, there is the MPM Quality company. The name doesn't mean anything to most people, but as soon as a Prim watch is mentioned, recognition suddenly flashes in everyone's eyes. Come on, the Prims... In today's selection, there are six models of Prim MPM Quality men's watches, which are the most popular with us.

(1) Prim Square 68

The square watch trend peaked sometime in the 1970s. But it appeared before. Some may recall Prim type 68-178-3 from the late sixties. The sharp square shape of the case, followed by short thin legs, was easy to recognize and very specific. Despite the purely elegant concept, there was also a slightly sporty charge and it was undoubtedly a stylish affair at the time.

They were also inspired by this design in Prim and created the Prim Square 68 model. It is because of the strong sense of nostalgia that it has become more than popular. But it is far from a copy. The biggest change was the movement, which switched from mechanical to quartz, and the design was also modified.

The result is a model that many pass by in photos, but it's surprising how good it looks on the wrist. Despite the larger dimensions, it is a socially oriented watch, which also impresses in the details of the dial. And the price also plays a role in the popularity of this timeless retro style, because the Prim Square 68 is an example of a watch that is truly affordable for everyone.

The company MPM Quality from Frýdek-Místek bought the trademarks for the Prim brand in 2001. Since then, it has been producing a wide collection of men's, women's, pocket and children's watches. And they try to offer customers a link to Czech Prim at an affordable price. However, the purchase resulted in a legal dispute over the name with Prim Elton hodinářská from Nové Město nad Metují, which continues to this day...

(2) Prim Dakar

The Dakar limited series is released every year and has been designed in Frýdek-Místek for over a decade. So far, 13 different models were created. The Prim Dakar 2021 model with a metal bracelet. But all the limited editions have common features - sporty drive, limited number of pieces, and elements connected with the famous Dakar Rally race.

Over the years, several famous names have been associated with Prims. Karel Loprais himself was the ambassador. In the current editions, it is members of the Ultimate Dakar Racing team, led by Tomáš Ouředníček, who test the watches directly in action.

The designs have changed over the years, and that's actually quite admirable. That in Prim they still manage to give us something new year after year, but still typically Dakar. In terms of parameters, they have nothing to be ashamed of either. Sapphire crystal, reliable Swiss chronograph, 100-meter water resistance and well-crafted case and details.

This collection is among the most sought after sports Prims in their currently available collection. Maybe it's because of the race. And perhaps simply because the watches impress with their distinctive and unique design.

(3) Prim Aviator Automatic 2022

The Prim Aviator 2022 model is strictly for connoisseurs and collectors. Two color variants were created and only 50 pieces of each were produced. It is already clear from the name that it will most appeal to aviation lovers.

After all, Prim states that they designed the Aviators as a tribute to the Czechoslovak Air Force and was inspired by the dashboard of the planes. But with its unusual design, it will also attract the attention of the surroundings, which have not succumbed to aviation.

This sporty model offers 100-meter water resistance, a screw-down crown and a convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflection. Not only during night flights, you can use the luminescence that has reached the hands, indices, but also the unidirectional rotating bezel.

The core of the exceptionality of the watch is not only its own design and the very low number of the limited edition, but also the movement. This one is from the Swiss Sellita and runs at 4 Hz, with a power reserve of over 40 hours and 31 jewels.

Prim MPM Quality watch designs are designed directly at the Frýdek headquarters. The watch is also assembled there. As a company, Prim holds the Czech Made certification. However, this designation is not precisely defined and does not mean that Prim MPM Quality is purely Czech-made.

(4) Prim Manager Automatic

For lovers of larger watches. For lovers of automatic movements. For lovers of sporty elegance. For these people, let me introduce the Prim Manager Automatic.

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With the diameter of the case being 45 mm, this watch will suit mostly people with larger wrists. Inside the case, we can find an automatic movement with the date, daydate, month, and 24-hour-dial complications. Full calendar. Czech is used for the texts in the dial.

You can watch the movement do its work through the opening. A big plus of this watch is also its sapphire glass, which is highly resistable to scratches, and quickfit pins, which make changing of the strap a very easy job.

When it comes to the design, it is very elegant, but the bigger measurements and subdials give it a feeling of sportish style. As it is one of the Manager watches, the whole-hour indices are luminescent on top of all this.

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Many components are produced by Prim itself. In Frýdek-Místek, you will not only find the designers, but also experienced watchmakers. However, when it comes to the movements, Prim has decided to buy them – usually, Prim relies on Swiss Ronda, Japanese Miyota, or Seiko movements. Prim also offers the Seagull tourbillon. It is an important detail, but this way, the watches can be sold at a lower price. For some automatic movements, Prim designed and produced its own original rotors.

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(5) Prim Prestige Men 2020 Automatic

This is called a classic. When you look at the Prim Prestige 2020, there is no doubt that this is a dress watch in traditional form.

Beautifully legible, with clear Arabic numerals in an elegant font. Minute indices are also marked, so you will always have an overview of the exact time. The overall impression is completed by the Prim "loaf" logo and hands in the Breguet style. Everything is then protected by a sapphire crystal.

Although the dimensions are larger (diameter 43 mm), they still fit beautifully on the wrist and slip under the shirt sleeve (thickness 12 mm).

But the main thing happens inside. You can already tell by the smooth movement of the second hand that it is a mechanical watch. And as soon as you turn the watch over, you can see the working Japanese Miyota 8215 movement with automatic winding.

(6) Prim Retro Automatic 21

I don't write about Prims very often. But whenever I walk past the Prim display case, my eyes are drawn to one in particular. Prim Retro Automatic 21. You can tell that it is retro at first glance, you probably don't even need to know their name.

The reason why I took liking to them is quite simple. I like rounded dials, in this case also the glass, which gives the watch an interesting depth. And the retro touch... In terms of design, I always remember the old Prim Paprsek in my subconscious, even though the dial here is simpler. However, I enjoy the interesting numbering of the hours and minutes. The whole concept works well. Especially if you are looking for a simple social watch, but at the same time feel the need for a large watch on your wrist.

7.12.2021
Prim photo gallery – Retro for men and women

Original designed rotor with a lion motif.

The diameter is a considerable 45 mm. In this respect, it is more about leaning towards modern parameters than retro. But maybe that's what makes them special. The vintage atmosphere literally radiates from them, but still you wouldn't mistake them for a historical model.

And the best at the end, or rather from the back. In Prim, they produced a completely new rotor with a lion logo, for us Czechs a truly national symbol. The movement is of course foreign, specifically here it is a fairly basic Japanese Miyota 8215, which offers manual winding, a power reserve of around 40 hours and runs at 3 Hz. Unfortunately, it is without hacking.

For those who are just starting out with mechanics, the Retro Automatic 21 can be an interesting gateway.

What didn't make the cut but is worth your attention

Quite recently, the new Prim Sport II. generation appeared. And something tells me it will be a popular model. Sapphire, automatic movement, retro angular case with distinctive grinding. And a diving design.

The Prim Pilot special edition should not be missed by lovers of female pilots and airplanes at all. In addition to the interesting design, it also impresses with specific details. For example, the bezel and crown were specially designed and engraved by CNC in the inclination of the moving turbine engine. You can also find the aircraft embossing on the strap. And inside is a Miyota 9039 automatic movement.

Do you think that there should be completely different models of the Frydek Primo in the selection? Let us know in the comments.