Good watch for a fireman

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sodak

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Mar 26, 2004
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My daughter has a friend who will be attending the fire fighting academy in Denver. I know very little about fire fighting, and next to nothing about watches.

He wants something water resistant and continuously backlit. He can't push buttons with his gloves on, and would like to be able to read it in all light conditions.

I have no idea of budget, but if you would offer some suggestions, I'd really appreciate it, thanks.
 
G-Shock. While not continuously back lit, some models have a feature that turns on the illumination when you raise your arm to check the time.

Also, some models are solar powered. I have one that is over 13 years old and still functions on the same solar charged battery.

Robust, well made, and can handle extreme abuse.
 
Never mind the gloves; he won't see any kind of watch unless it's outside the jacket.

The G-shock already mentioned or some flavor of field watch.
 
For a specific answer to a G-Shock, have a look at the Casio G-Shock GWM 5610. Solar powered, not massive in proportion and also sports the Auto EL (electro luminescent back light that is activated by moving your wrist to look at the face).
 
To just read the time he may also use a watch with good luminescence on the dials and face like a SEIKO diver watch (a bit of time in the sun and you can see it for hours) or even a watch with Tritium vials that light constantly.
Many smartwatches are also able to be set to be on all the time. For example the Amazfit Trex is water resistant, toughish and can be on continuously.
 
What are we talking price wise?

Luminox have tritium vials I believe, start around $250 I think. The tritium is continuously luminous, like on a handgun.
 
sounds about right for that budget, some sort of Timex Ironman, it will be lower than $100 and can do some of whats required. Continued backlight is not an option generally offered as it would drain the battery. Timex watches used to have a function where you can hold two buttons for continuous illuminator mode. The ironman will have a coating that will make the watch face legible.
 
sodak said:
I think he's trying to keep it under $100, but I think he'll need to raise that.
Click to expand...
He can and should keep it under $100 because it will take one hell of a beating and eventually succumb. I would say under $50, but that would limit his choice of models and merchants.

Of all illuminating digital watches, Timex makes the ones with the biggest displays, and their illumination can be set for hands free activation. They are not as rugged as a G-Shock, but they are tough enough, easier to read, and cheaper. Even a G-Shock will break under the use you describe.

My favorite in this category was Timex's Ironman Classic 100, which you can usually buy at Amazon for under $50.

Ironman Classic 100.jpg

My only reservation with this is the strap. To wear this watch over a glove, you would need to replace its plastic strap (maximum circumference 8 inches) with a NATO strap. I think it is possible, but I haven't owned one in six years and couldn't swear to it.
 
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