Outdoors watch

R

Razorsharp244

Joined
Feb 19, 2007
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311
Hi, I'm thinking about getting an outdoors watch. I would not mind if it is "classy looking) since I would use it more or less all the time.

I have been looking at a Suunto Observer, and Suunto Core (steel). They are a bit pricey though. Are they good? Anyone with experience of any of these or any other good watches with compass, alt meter and other useful features?
 
I can't speak for Suunto since I don't own one, but I have a Casio Pathfinder and love it. My pathfinder's thermometer is much more accurate and gets the reading more quickly when it's off my wrist then my Highgear watch does.

My wife bought me the pathfinder not too long ago and I love it. I love watches that a little bigger than normal so they are easy to read. This watch has more than I'll ever need and everything that I was looking for. Thermometer and a compass were the two things I was looking for and it has them both. It also has a barometer and altimeter which are two things I'll probably never use for more than the gee-wiz factor.

Here's what I have:

http://pathfinder.casio.com/watches/hiking_trekking/PAG40-3V
 
When you say outdoors watch, do you want it to have a lot of features that might come in handy in the woods, like digital compass, barometer, etc or do you just want a tough watch that will take anything you throw at it in a variety of environments?

Cos if its the latter, I would recommend a Casio G-Shock first and foremost. They're affordable, widely available, and really, really tough. The basic model - DW-5600 - is a classic and has plenty of good features. It is available in battery or solar powered versions. While I am a big fan of solar powered watches, I have heard reports of this model developing problems, whereas the battery powered guy is rock solid.

The other range to consider is the Citizen Eco Drive divers. There are a variety of them, but the model called the Eco Zilla is very popular. Its available in stainless steel and titanium. I have the ti version and it is a fantastic watch. It runs on solar power and I have had zero hassles with mine in that regard. Citizen are def. the leaders in the solar powered watch game IMO.

Bear in mind though, this is a BIG watch and not styled for the office.

Another line to to consider is the Seiko divers range. Its extensive, but very popular models are the Orange and Black Monster. You'll find plenty of info on these two with a quick google. They are exceptional quality and tough as nails.
 
I'm considering suunto, too.

My digital watch is just broken in it's wrist band.
Although it's just a wrist band, it is integrated to it's body that
the band cannot be replaced separately... sigh.
 
I use a G-Shock with a Silva wristband compass and I also have a Suunto Vector, which is way more precisely. The Altimeter works great! I also love the battery indicator of the Suunto and the fact that I can change the battery myself. It's done in seconds. But one battery lasts 2-3 years.
 
Buffalohump said:
When you say outdoors watch, do you want it to have a lot of features that might come in handy in the woods, like digital compass, barometer, etc or do you just want a tough watch that will take anything you throw at it in a variety of environments?

Cos if its the latter, I would recommend a Casio G-Shock first and foremost. They're affordable, widely available, and really, really tough. The basic model - DW-5600 - is a classic and has plenty of good features. It is available in battery or solar powered versions. While I am a big fan of solar powered watches, I have heard reports of this model developing problems, whereas the battery powered guy is rock solid.

The other range to consider is the Citizen Eco Drive divers. There are a variety of them, but the model called the Eco Zilla is very popular. Its available in stainless steel and titanium. I have the ti version and it is a fantastic watch. It runs on solar power and I have had zero hassles with mine in that regard. Citizen are def. the leaders in the solar powered watch game IMO.

Bear in mind though, this is a BIG watch and not styled for the office.

Another line to to consider is the Seiko divers range. Its extensive, but very popular models are the Orange and Black Monster. You'll find plenty of info on these two with a quick google. They are exceptional quality and tough as nails.
Click to expand...

Hi,
Thanks for your reply.

I wasn't sure what i wanted really. I dont want to get 2 watches, one "for the office" and one for the outdoors. I guess it should look good to go with work but without being to delicate to take for nice hike.

Although not really what I was looking for to start with I have to say the Citizens look great. The Eco-drive Nighthawk looks awsome and for 220-260 USD it seems like a good deal.
 
I've owned a Suunto X-Lander for three battery changes and all functions have been very accurate.

Jeff
 
I also have a Suunto X-lander Military. Ive had it since Jan 2007 and have nothing but great things to say about it....
 
I do use two watches, one for work and wilderness and one for nice...I have an analog G-shock and a Citizen 2100 but if I were going to go for one watch for both I would probably bought the Seiko with the map wheel...I can't remember what it's called, Hiker or Pathfinder or something.
 
I've got two of the Casios. The Sea Pathfinder, and the Pathfinder. I love them, they don't give me any trouble and the altimeter, depth gauge etc. are great.
 
Get one of these:

L103.4.large.jpg


You can read about it here. Definitely a different way of looking at time.
 
I wore a Suunto Observer for about 7 years, now I wear a Casio Pathfinder. The Observer burned through batteries, and easily lost the bezel, but it was a good watch. I'm very pleased with the Pathfinder.
 
I got a Luminox a couple years ago and couldn't imagine using something else. I don't have to read it to figure out the time, just a glance is all it takes. I cen see it clearly without reading glasses which is a great bonus for me. At night the thing glows like Chernobyl. Tough as nails too.

If you want something with a compass, thermometer, timer to the 10,000th of a second then you might be in the market for a Casio or Suunto, but if you need to know the time not much can beat a Luminox.
 
I'd say the Seiko Monster or Casio G-Shock. Here are my two outdoor choices:

Seiko Black Monster and Small Seb

MonsterandSeb.jpg



Casio G2300 and Mini Grip

G2300BM555HG.jpg
 
Guy's while those fancy highdollar time pieces are great I'm sure, I have & will continue to use my Timex Ironman series watches, they are hard to beat for the $ :thumbup:
EDC.jpg
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I work in one of the toughest enviroments a watch could go thru (coalmines)
I'm still wearing the same $35 Ironman from 3yrs ago with no problems (some scratches), my buddies G-shock went down after 2yrs underground:eek:
TIMEX takes a licken & keeps on Ticken :cool:
 
I much prefer an analog watch these days. I was able to aquire my bomb-proof Marathon GSAR after my deployment from Iraq, but I will give a great plug to Citizens 180 Eco-Drive solar watch. It served me exceedingly well in a very harsh environment and since I've given it to my son, he has abused it beyond what it saw in a combat zone:eek: It's still working like a charm despite a few scartches that my 9 year old has inflicted on it! A great solar, analog watch that just plain performs without all the fancy gee-whiz crap. I also really like automatics and have heard great things about Seiko 5 series.

I also have a G-Shock that travels with me daily and on trips...it's my running watch (timer) and alarm clock; plus when you travel OCONUS and through several time zones, it's a helpful backup!



ROCK6
 
I have a Suunto Observer and I quite like it. It is not as big and crazy looking as some of the other wrist computers. I wear it when I'm in the city and in the bush. I also have a $25 Timex analog watch that I wear for "untidy" jobs, diesel mechanics, carpentry, working in the garden, mud wrestling :D etc.
 
St. Moritz Momentum Atlas line is what I have right now. Tough, simple little watch. I replaced the band with a Maratac Silicone Rubber Deployment band from County Comm and love it.

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PHR.jpg
 
coaldigger said:
Guy's while those fancy highdollar time pieces are great I'm sure, I have & will continue to use my Timex Ironman series watches, they are hard to beat for the $ :thumbup:
Click to expand...

If you haven't spent a minimum of $500 for a watch ($499 won't cut it), you don't even KNOW what time it is. Ok?

Just kidding. Timex's are great.
 
Suunto will soon be offering the X10 model which is suppose to be an improvement over the X9i, in that it has a longer battery life and the GPS function is enhanced - better satelite reception. It is very pricey and I don't know if the GPS function is worth the extra expense or not. I've never owned a really good outdoors watch, but am considering either a Suunto or a Casio based on what I have researched. I like the ability to review the temperature, and a barometer and altimiter also.
 
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