Need a watch, links plz?

[digispam]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for a new field watch on a budget. It will hopefully have the following features:

Compass
Thermometer (Fahrenheit)
Waterproof

Any links? I'm not really interested in the fashion aspect. It will only be worn in the field.

Thx!

 

[tknife]

I don't know the links off hand, but do a search for the Casio Pathfinder, and Nike Oregon series. They are excellent watches, and right around $150.

 

[bill_G]

try this vendor

http://stores.ebay.com/WATCHES-LIMITED_W0QQssPageNameZviQ3asibQ3astoreviewQQtZkm

 

[digispam]

try this vendor

http://stores.ebay.com/WATCHES-LIMITED_W0QQssPageNameZviQ3asibQ3astoreviewQQtZkm

thx.

I'm having trouble understanding the compass features of alot of these watches - can anyone tell me how they work?

 

[bill_G]

they're probably digital compasses. handy to read but they are prone to interference from metel objects. also, of course they need the watch battery to work.

i have a digi compass by brunton....BUT.....i always have a regular compass in my bag. even with my $400 GPS, i always back it up with a regular suunto compass in my bag!! any name brand compass should be fine.

 

[digispam]

they're probably digital compasses. handy to read but they are prone to interference from metel objects. also, of course they need the watch battery to work.

i have a digi compass by brunton....BUT.....i always have a regular compass in my bag. even with my $400 GPS, i always back it up with a regular suunto compass in my bag!! any name brand compass should be fine.

Thanks,

upon further research, I have found that alot of these are solar compasses - not very useful IMO because the watch isn't necessary if you are going to learn to use the sun.

It just seems to me that an obvious combo for a watch would be a digital or analog magnetic compass, thermometer, and barometer / altimeter.

As with most people, I am not really skilled enough to make use of a compass other than to keep a general bearing, and besides with no map it's kind of hard to do better than that anyways.

 

[foxyrick]

Take a look here:

http://www.sailgb.com/c/compass_watches/

They even have a GPS watch!

I seem to recall that Survival Aids used to sell an watch with a hinged face that hid a real, magnetic needle compass underneath. Not seen one for years though.

Here's a similar idea I've just found:

http://www.orvis.co.uk/store/produc...oup_id=7064&cat_id=6976&subcat_id=7111&bhcp=1

Rick.

 

[digispam]

excellent, thanks!

 

[Cigar]

Check out the Sunto Vector great watch that should meet your requirements.

Can be found at REI Campmor etc.

 

[DaleW]

I've tried a couple digital compasses and wasn't impressed. You need to spin the things around on a level surface several times to calibrate them. I found a plain old magnetic compass easier to use and much more reliable.

GPS's are great, provided you have a clear shot at the sky. Heavy foilage and deep canyons can be troublesome. They are fun and I think they can be a great way to teach compass skills by verifying location.

If you are going to go with a digital watch with altimeter/barometer, temperature, and compass functions, look at the Suunto's. For time, I just use a good ol' Timex Ironman. It has a light and an alarm to wake me up for catching tides, etc.

I'd love to try one of the Garmin wrist GPS's.