The ever practical digital work field watches...couple new ones...Timex, Casio

[BOSS1]

Greetings all,

Yeah, some of us are 'old school' and still like something other than a smartphone for everything...



While I am a low-level watch enthusiast, having some entry-level analogs I enjoy wearing when I'm on my own time (get it), I've picked up a couple new digital watches for being out in the field at work. Yeah, I've got a beater shiny analog watch that'll I might wear to a business lunch or something, but the reality is, these $20-$35 digitals are just so much more practical, particularly when they might be exposed to knocks/dings/inclement weather/etc. from equipment, ladders, etc.

The Casio Tough Solar Tide Graph/Moon Phase (Model WS210-1AV) is really starting to become a favorite. Water isn't too far away, so its nice to have an idea what the tides are generally doing. And the moon phase is just a neat little add on. Really simple, straight forward, easy-to-read time/date/day display (not too cluttered even with tide/moon), nice blue/black colors, nice backlight, easy to use (once you get it set up, which might require the manual for the tide/moon functions). Simple stop watch...start, stop, reset (not really a runner anymore, so don't need all the split times and other complications). Simple countdown timer (start, counts down, reset). World time, multiple alarms...nice 'back up' to the phone or when travelling. Nice to have the hourly chime...like most, it's nice to have a little reminder that time is going by, particularly if you've got your head buried in work and you have someplace you need to head too a little later. I also like the solar power...later down the line hopefully won't get the 'once we open it, we can't guarantee it'll stay waterproof' routine when you get your battery changed. So it should last indefinitely. And these are running like $20-$25 online, so if it gets smashed/stolen (ie gym friendly)...no biggie.

Also like the Timex Expedition (Model T49851). I got this watch specifically for two reasons: Clear, easy to read time/date/day display (larger digits, non-cluttered) and the vibration alarm, which could be handy when you want some notification without everybody else in the room hearing your alarm go off...1400 hrs. conference call? A tingle on your wrist. Mostly along the same operations lines as the Casio above...simple, straight forward...multiple alarms, hourly chime, nice backlight, easy to see in the field (a quick glance, and you have it). These are about $35...same deal...

As a side note, the flashlight is a LuxPro LP200...decent little econo 100 lum light. High/low/strobe. About $16. No, not the uber-cool Surefire or whatever, but for a usable pocket-friendly field light in environments where things can go 'splash' in deep water, good to go. Certainly good enough to get you started, and move on to something bigger/brighter if needed.

So there you have it...I like analogs, but knocking around and working, particularly in the field, I think the practical digital is hard to beat from practical/$$ effective perspective.

BOSS

 

[bdmicarta]

I like those.
I find it amusing to call these "old school", since they are not only electronic but digital. Typically on weekdays I wear a fully mechanical analog watch, that is what I call old school even though mine are automatic. I've sold my last handwind watch, that would truly be old school. On weekends I occasionally wear a quartz analog watch, still more old school than a digital.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Both my Casio digitals are from the late 80's, and my analog is an indiglo timex weekender.
I love a small lightweight watch, and don't need anything expensive.
My watches aren't show pieces, I just prefer to look at my wrist for the time and or date instead of reaching into my pocket for my phone.
I didn't have a cellphone till about 6 years ago, and not a smartphone till maybe 4 so I'm just used to wearing a watch.
My dad bought me my first when I was probably 6 because he always wore one, and I just don't feel right without one on my left wrist . ( Yep a lefty who wears a watch on his left wrist )