Good "outdoors" wristwatch

BenchmadeBoy

BenchmadeBoy

Joined
Sep 4, 2005
Messages
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Hello. Turning to BF for advice as usual. I am interested in a good reliable outdoors watch and I'm wondering about everyone's past experinces. I am outdoors all year in extremes of temperature. Basically what I'm looking for is barometer, altimeter, temperature. Compass not really needed, heart rate monitor also not needed. Telling time is good, date, stopwatch as well. Some of them are huge. I have smaller hands and wrists so looking at something compact. Also a reasonable price. Any thoughts? Particular brands? I know Timex, Casio, Suunto are good. That's about it.
 
the suuntos are enormous. and i have heard the bands are a bit fragile.

the pathfinder series from casio is awesome. i just ordered a paw1300, it is supposed to be quite a bit smaller than the older 1200 models, but we'll see. i dont have large wrists either, but there is only so small a watch with all the features you want can get.

also the casios have the tough solar, so you shouldnt ever need batteries, and the wave ceptor, which sets to atomic time on its own.

my friend has the 1200, and its big, but not so big that you wouldnt get used to it. the 1300 may fit the bill for you.
 
The bands on the Suunto look thin but they aren't fragile and they are easily changed. So is the battery! I've been wearing a Vector this winter.

They are large but very light and the upside is the display is large, too.
 
Ok, that's good! Keep 'em coming. I've read and heard that casio is good. Do any other companies like Timex make "wrist computers"?
 
just got my pathfinder. it has a large face, but is thinner than most regular g shocks.

im taking it camping tomorrow, so ill give you a review of the functions when i get back.
 
those look very nice, and wont break the bank.

i chose the pathfinder over others with similar capabilities because of the tough solar and wave ceptor.
 
Could you post some pics? I've checked the casio website. Ironically I was drawn to the look of the 1300
 
A G-shock or Baby G if you've got small wrists. You're going to really have to do some looking now because the "in" thing in watches is BIG. Like 40-45+ mm. HUGE!
 
i used to work stock in a store that took 4 watches to the grave, i finally decided to get another shock like the ones i used when i was a kid, found the tough solar in target for 80 bucks. the thing is big, but it also has stood up to multi-smashes and scraps against a cinder-block wall and all-around general abuse. if you can get used to the size, it wont go wrong.

hope this helps
 
BenchmadeBoy said:
Do any other companies like Timex make "wrist computers"?
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My wife used to work for Timex, so could get them even cheaper than they sell at discount. Trust me. Don't go there. :thumbdn: :barf:

But I do like the Casio G-Shock and have been reading good things about the Pathfinders. Gonna have to check them out myself.
 
I have a PAW1200T-7V. I love this watch. And not counting all the great features like the atomic timekeeping and solar power, the greatest thing about this watch is that when I turn my wrist, the light comes on.
 
BenchmadeBoy said:
Could you post some pics? I've checked the casio website. Ironically I was drawn to the look of the 1300
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ubetcha!! with a couple others for perspective.

casio pathfinder paw1300, 5.11 sureshot, hamilton khaki. i dont have large wrists, but the casio and 5.11 are comfortable, though large. i dont find either bulky or awkward. the 1300 is quite a bit smaller than the older pathfinder 1200.

camping015.jpg


camping017.jpg
 
Sweet! I really appreciate all the responses. Morimotom, I think you've sold me! Thanks for the photos! I know casio makes a quality product. As soon as I get to a place I can try one on, I'll definitely check out the 1300.

Thanks again
 
BenchmadeBoy said:
Sweet! I really appreciate all the responses. Morimotom, I think you've sold me! Thanks for the photos! I know casio makes a quality product. As soon as I get to a place I can try one on, I'll definitely check out the 1300.

Thanks again
Click to expand...

no problem. along with knives, im a bit of a watch nut.

dont be scared off by the 1300's size. try it on, its real light and thin. compare it to the 1200, which is much larger.

i used the compass, thermometer, and altimiter this past week camping. its pretty amazing all that stuff is in this little piece of equipment.
 
i have used a bunch of altimeter watches

i had the first casio model produced. it did not work well at all, so i continue to be biased against them.they are also quite large

the suunto watches are also big, the bands so-so, and the altimeter is fussy. the observer model is smaller and has a better band. i like the xlander as well but have never owned one

the nike series is actually pretty decent. i have the Lance 4 watch and it has an excellent altimeter and a decent compass. they are big and sit high on the wrist but the band is unique and works really well. they are also 100m wr which is better than a lot of the altimeter watches.

i recently got a high gear alterra. it has a really nice altimeter and has a ski chronograh (which is why i bought it). it is more "normal sized" and comfortable on the wrist
 
Breitling Emergency

The Breitling Emergency version contains a radio transmitter for civil aviation use which broadcasts on the 121.5 MHz distress frequency and serves as a back-up for ELT-type airborne beacons.
 
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