View Full Version : Watches for the outdoors...
If you had to recommend a reasonably priced watch that is suitable for spending plenty of time outdoors, i.e. tough, waterproof and not too garish ;) , what would it be?
Multiple functions aren't that important to me, but I'd be interested in things that people have found useful.
I'll leave the definition of 'reasonably priced' to the individual :rolleyes:
Many thanks,
Hellz
Cheap as chips black plastic Casio £8.95 from Argos about 10 years ago. I changed the strap to one of the velcro fastening Animal ones and the batteries have been replaced twice.
I've worked in torrential rain for days on end, up to my elbows in water cutting reeds, similarly digging in flooded sites and at the other extreme cooked in sunshine for three weeks at a time geophysing and digging in open sandy fields and in the most incredibly sticky clay. I've fieldwalked for months in freezing temperatures and hillwalked in gales and blizzards, and all the time wearing that watch
The watch has never let me down. It's not posh, not fancy, not *specialized* just effective.
Cheers,
Toddy
p.s. they're still selling it :D
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/2533609.htm
steven andrews
22-09-2006, 12:36
Broadarrow PRS-10
http://www.timefactors.com/ba.htm
I use one as my work "beater". The lume is adequate, the fixed lugs are strong and scratches are easily polishes out of the acrylic crystal.
I use the traser H3 comander and its great but it might be a little more than some want to spend.
Citzen used to do a milatary style watch that used there eco drive system which was a great watch mine lasted years.
Casio G shock watches are bomb proof.
scoops_uk
22-09-2006, 13:07
In value for money terms, the basic Casio watches cannot be beaten.
I have a £ :eek: Breitling Superocean Pro which I bought as the "perfect" bushcraft watch to replace my stolen Casio (who nicks Casio watches!!). I missed my discontinued Casio so much I spent 10 years looking for an identical replacement before finding one in a backstreet shop in Leon.
Scoops
Squidders
22-09-2006, 13:14
I have a seiko chrono thingy type one which cost me about £100 about 5 years ago and it comes rock climbing with me every time... there is more scratch than watch and it just keeps going regardless and hasn't leaked a drop.
In terms of money it's far more than a casio I'll admit but for me personally it represents brilliant value for money.
It has cost me 1 new battery in January and a pin for the strap every few months as they're not designed to take my body weight in a fall :rolleyes:
At this point I really ought to admit that a lot of the time I'm out and about I wear a little gold plated ladies Rotary watch (c£85) that isn't supposed to be used when I get wet, dirty, dusty, do the dishes, make baskets, bath kids, light fires or tan hides....... and it's been utterly rock solid too. It's gotten awfully scratched though so I bought another one the same to have a decent one when I'm pretending I'm being ladylike :o
I rarely wear my *good* gold watch 'cos I know just how much it cost and I know I'll forget I'm wearing it when I get a notion to go and make something or play in the mud :rolleyes:
I think there's an awful lot of hype about watches, a lot of misplace snobbery too. Nowadays they are virtually all factory made anyway. Lots of rip off potential. :(
Cheers,
Toddy
seamonkey
22-09-2006, 13:45
Ello,
I went through a phase of being a bit of a watch junkie - had a Tudor Submariner (poor mans rolex) tag 2000 series and a number of really nice citizen automatic dive watches etc but the best watch i have ever owned is on my wrist.
Its a casio G shock - analogue and digital water resistant to 20 bar , never replaced the battery in 5 years and bought it second hand off ebay for 25 quid about 6 years ago.
Its been down to 60 metres, banged off god knows what , left in a bucket of fresh water for 2 weeks to rinse when i forgot about it - the screen is still remarkable unscratched - I fully expected it to die a quick death but was genuinely impressed by it esp as i've never paid it a bit of attention apart from wiping oil off it.
It's nails , super simple but with useful features like a stopwatch etc keeps perfect time, no-one looks at it twice thinking it is flashy and just works 100% all of the time so far which is all i'm after these days.
I considered a all dancing Suunto replacement for it as an everyday watch but I
had a Suunto Mosquito which was great as a dive computer and they eat batteries - it died a couple of months ago and kept resetting on ascent or on plane trips with the pressure changes . I'm replacing it with an old Alladin instead.
So basically a recommendation for a g shock - have a look on ebay and get one dirt cheap and then spent your money on a nice trip out with your mates/family instead.
just my 2cents worth
cheers
G
Dougster
22-09-2006, 13:52
I have a seiko kinetic diver. Fantastic and dead easy to ead. It was wedding pressie off my wife and there was a deep furrowing of the brow when I scratched the bevel in the workshop. Add to that it weighs a ton.
So for running and workshop use a Casio G shock - still big hands and easy to see, light for running with a stop watch to push me and it's battered to hell. Still works fine - 35quid in a sale somewhere. Worth every penny.
sxmolloy
22-09-2006, 14:30
I bought one of these a while back.
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/2545075.htm
Quite cheap at £30 and is really light weight. It doesn't feel bomb proof but has stood upto the abuse I have given it so far. The night mode is handy when out and about in the dark and I think the digital compass is quite accurate. It keeps time reasonably well, I reset it every 3 months or so when it is approx 3 - 5 seconds off the GMT clock.
All the best....Stu
Buckshot
22-09-2006, 14:34
Timex Expedition.
Loads of styles, digital , analogue compass built in as well.
Mark
Big Bad Stu
22-09-2006, 14:44
I have an Animal Stainless Steel Chronograph. It is bulletproof and simple, no beeping or other gadgets other than a stopwatch and timer.
Stewey. :D
I've said it before and I'll say it again: If you're looking for a cheap, durable, tough watch and you've got a fetish for mechanical watches go for a Russian made Vostok. How tough are we talking about? You can pretty much abuse one of these as much as you abuse your G-Shock. And no I'm not kidding! The most popular models are the Komandirskie and the Amphibia.
http://www.russia4u.co.uk/shop/
And I have no affiliation with the seller.
Cheers,
Adam
Casio G-Shock, had one for years, unbreakable!
mikehill
22-09-2006, 16:25
Are any of the Suunto type watches available in smaller case sizes ? I hate these 45mm monsters :rolleyes: :D
Mike.
bent-stick
22-09-2006, 16:59
Lorus titanium from Ratners.
Usually kept in my pocket when I'm out and about.
Timex Explorer, but no compass??? need one of them :)
demographic
22-09-2006, 18:49
Sony ericsson
I can even phone people on it :)
I alway swear by my Camel Trophy. You can't get them new anymore but its strong, accurate and looks good. I also wear a seiko sport automatic but compared to the Camel its poor, but it was quite a bit cheaper. :lmao:
If you had to recommend a reasonably priced watch that is suitable for spending plenty of time outdoors, i.e. tough, waterproof and not too garish ;) , what would it be?
Multiple functions aren't that important to me, but I'd be interested in things that people have found useful.
I'll leave the definition of 'reasonably priced' to the individual :rolleyes:
Many thanks,
Hellz
I use a rather large clock, I don’t carry it about with me but it’s always there, well during the day it is. It’s very simple to use for camping and the like. My Grandfather used it and so did his. Once you get used to it, it is accurate enough for camping and wild walking. It’s also good for telling me when to stop and camp for the night.
I do not wear a watch. Haven’t done so for 10 years. The sun is good enough time keeper for me. Especially if I am on holiday or not planning on going to work.
I have a rubbishy electrical one (Motorola v220) I use for work, it’s the main reason I got my phone is so I can set the 6 alarms. It’s also used to take pictures of plants for identification later at home.
I use a rather large clock,
Tired eyes gave that a totally different meaning....
I used to be a big fan of the G10 military watch, but I bought a Nite MX-10 (with the gtls glowing bits) lately and totally love it. Very scratch resistant and no leather or fabric to get grub or blood ingrained.
mikehill
22-09-2006, 21:03
Love the look of the Nite watch, but 46mm ? Anyone know of a Tritum watch thats between 35-40mm diameter ?
Mike.
I use this but it now has a new strap
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/2537423.htm
I've seen a load of them, mostly worn by outdoor instructers
I am a watch nut and have way too many of the little things. They fascinate me I guess.
I would say to keep the price reasonable and for reliability, a Seiko automatic diver such as model SKX007K. No batteries to run out, can be read easily in the dark and it will take about anything without quiting. Toss the rubber strap and get a NATO strap in 22mm and you are set.
Another super option is a Casio G-Shock that is solar powered. Unlikely to ever need a battery (capacitor) change, very accurate, a light for night reading and a variety of features available. A good one is about $80US.
I kinda prefer the watch with hands because it is easier for my old eyes to read. The digital Casio is less expensive, more accurate and expendable. I do not like the straps, but you can learn to live with them.
I would think the Seiko would be about $150US.
The one I wear has been bead blasted, has a custom military style dial and hands and the 60 minute bezel was swapped for one with 12 hours for keeping track of a second time zone, like GMT. Like I said, I am a watch nut:)
Hope that helps. Cheers!
Had heaps being a bit of a watch nut - fancy ones with alitimeters, depth gauges, barometers, tachygraphs, countodown timers etc all in one. From Casio to Seiko to Omega.
Still have them but minimalism rules now. The one that is used now is an 80s Seiko with a button compass on the strap.
I save my money for a good trip or courses where I learn to do more with less.
Recently went to Australia and learnt to dispense with even the magnetic compass and make and use a solar compass.
mikehill
23-09-2006, 11:37
Now you've got me looking at THIS (http://www.h3-watches.co.uk/classic_bdpro_glo.htm) :rolleyes: Anyone interested in a couple of genuine Tags ? :D
Mike.
TallMikeM
23-09-2006, 12:17
In a fit of madness I bought one of those wrist top computer jobbies; altimeter, barometer, compass, enigma machine etc. One of the sillyest things I've ever bought for outdoor use. I use it, but only cos I bought it. Given the choice I'd use the £5 casio jobbie that I use for running.
stonyman
23-09-2006, 12:57
Lorus Sport with Lumibrite face, looks like one of the military style watches, bought it cheap from Argos, has an analogue dial, no special functions it just lets me know what the time is.
Bottom end casio.
worn one every day and night for 20 odd years now...just bought my third. (dunno how many straps ive gone though. (leather is best followed by webbing)
The retro look ares are around if you cant stand the chunky, oversized things you see these days
Id love a G shock or a proper millitary but as usual cant afford one
I would also reccomend Lorus as this is made by Seiko so quality is not an issue. My son had his for a tenth birthday present and broke the glass some time during the year. For his eleventh birthday he got his watch again... but repaired. The reason for this little story is that Seiko repairs are simple easy and quick. Just an 'e'mail and a jiffy bag or a phone call and the jiffy bag arrives with all instructions on where to send the item. Maidenhead in this case and a five day turnaround. As with a lot of things...If the spares back up is good you are a very satisfied customer!
Ah yes, the watch is a Lorus sports with day and date, 100meter waterproof with nice face numbers(I can see them without glasses) and lumibrite so can be seen easily at night. Not loads of bells and whistles so if you are into that this probably not your type of timepiece.
I hope this is useful.
Swyn.
PS. The only watch I have ever owned was given to me by my father on my twelth birthday, bought at the Omega shop in Geneva Switzerland in 1971!
I only wear a watch when going out somewhere special, so this doesn't get worn very often. Still going well and still keeps good time for a wind-up.
Just my normal everyday watch: a Lorus Tri - Lum (mega green-ish luminated / glow-in-the-dark display).
Solar powered, no need for batteries, etc. Either positioned on my left wrist, or on a cord around my neck.
Though I've seen a nice Rolex ;) :rolleyes: :eek:
Timex Explorer, but no compass??? need one of them :)
I second the timex explorer.........I found one near ben nevis about 10 - 12 years ago, and although the strap is mullered now, the watch is still going strong and has never had even the battery changed. It has had a hard life too, I use it as a work watch, and being a builder, it has had more than its fair share of bumps and scratches, but still it works..........
ps.........If it was your watch............CHEERS
Who needs a compass? All you need is a watch with hands, the sun, and no clouds!
Adam
Love the look of the Nite watch, but 46mm ? Anyone know of a Tritum watch thats between 35-40mm diameter ?
Mike.
When I first got the Nite I was really dissapointed by it's size, but I've got used to it now and really like it.
I think there are G10 watches with GTLS that are just normal G10 size, Telford Services have a good range.
mikehill
24-09-2006, 20:44
When I first got the Nite I was really dissapointed by it's size, but I've got used to it now and really like it.
I think there are G10 watches with GTLS that are just normal G10 size, Telford Services have a good range.
Cheers, will take a look :)
Mike.
sxmolloy
24-09-2006, 21:57
Who needs a compass? All you need is a watch with hands, the sun, and no clouds!
Adam
In England a watch with hands is easy to come by, a day with sunshine and no clouds, much, much harder! :) :lmao:
Doesn't the handle of the Big Dipper point to the North Star? :D
hehehehe
Adam
retrohiker
24-09-2006, 23:57
I've gotten to the point that I don't like wearing a watch while hiking, especially in the summer. Just too hot and the leather bands tends to get pretty rank from the sweat. I've recently converted to an "old style" pocket watch from Cabela's. Got a great deal in their "Bargain Cave".....a used watch for only $9 US dollars. What that...about 5 pounds UK? It's working out great so far. Here's the link:
http://cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0006115613536a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=pocket+watch&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=pocket+watch&noImage=0
Wow, thanks all for your very interesting posts!
:You_Rock_
I agree with those of you that mentioned Traser H3, I have an old model that I think was called the P6900 (looks like a P6500, but with a slightly smaller diameter bezel). It's great but has got to be sent away for a battery replacement and service and I'm concerned that parts won't be available as it's not in production any more... :(
I'm looking to get a cheaper stand in though, and the replies have been very useful! I like the look of the Timex Expedition range, and really like the look of the price :D
Can anyone tell me the bezel size of the Expedition range?
This one in particular: http://www.dealclick.co.uk/ukimgs/thumb/timex-expedition-combo.jpg
Thanks all
Hellz
I have an old Timex Expedition, it has been running on the same battery for about four years now!! The bezel fell off in the end, so I glued it back on with araldite. I then found out that I had glued the crown so that I couldn't change the time :rolleyes: but after a bit of work with the duty leatherman wave, I freed it up enough so that I can now change the time, but the alarm is stuck on whatever it was set on before I glued it up!
Good watch for the money though, and there is nothing like lighting up the forest with the light when you are on a night patrol! :D
Buckshot
25-09-2006, 13:39
My Expedition isn't quite the same as the one you want. It's an analogue with a rectangular digital display just above the 6 o'clock position.
I've just measured the outside of the adjuster ring and it's about 38mm.
Hope that helps.
Mark
.... I spent 10 years looking for an identical replacement before finding one in a backstreet shop in Leon.
Scoops
:eek: :eek: ...an I never felt a thing :rolleyes:
I've just measured the outside of the adjuster ring and it's about 38mm.
That sounds ideal, thanks.
Might stop off at Argos this week :D
Hellz
I've used the same Animal model W002 for over 8 years. You can drop anvils on them!
Buckshot
26-09-2006, 09:05
No problem :D
Off topic slightly.
Has anyone seen / used the GPS watches?
I know Summo/ Summto (or whoever they are) have one for sale at about £3-400 :eek:
I know they wont be as good as a hand held version for ease of use, buttons or mapping add ons but I like the idea of it being more difficult to loose.
I suppose the watch GPS is really a back up to map and compass (becasue it has limited screen and functions), where as the hand held unit can be used on it's own - I know it shouldn't be used on it's own but we all know people do, mostly without a problem until the batteries run out.
The other thing I wasn't sure about was the size of it. I think they're huge ! :eek:
Cheers
Mark
Timex explorer - cheap hardy and waterproof and they are not too big as I've very skinny wrists.
I climb, caved and surf in mine.
I have been wearing a Rolex Explorer II that I got for my 21st daily. (I am 35 now)
Whatever you may think of Rolex and those that wear them ;) it has never failed to please my eye and tell the time to within a couple of minutes of the atomic clock.
I wouldnt swap it for anything.
Spacemonkey
26-09-2006, 19:46
Sony ericsson
I can even phone people on it :)
Ditto... :o
I don't really wear watches often now, but I also have a Storm watch that was a demonstrator before they went on sale in the High Street. It has a one piece solid stainless strap on each side and a flap like the old pocket watches to protect the face. Tres cool...
My mate has the 'SBS' CWC traser watch which is about £300 worth but oh, sooo nice...
why do we need a watch when hiking or camping just the sun or a sundial flint & steel & a little knife
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d52/oops62/th_flint20.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d52/oops62/flint20.jpg)
slamdunk
29-09-2006, 20:47
A day or 2 late to this so you may have lost interest already.... I had a Suunto Observer a couple of years ago but found it to be more trouble than it was worth whilst walking/climbing; a bit gimmicky for my taste and did nothing particularly well. I switched to a Citiizen 'super tough' eco drive; plain, big digits and big bright hands; titanium case and waterproof to way more than I'll ever get to. Not exactly reasonably priced but I love it!
sandsnakes
03-10-2006, 16:24
Omega seamaster..... thats the one I use. solid, reliable, autowind, built for the sea.
sandsnakes ;)
That sounds ideal, thanks.
Might stop off at Argos this week :D
Hellz
I have a different model Timex Expedition (but very similar).
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/Rebel-Yell/Timexexpedition.jpg
I bought it in Asda for around thirty quid three or four years ago and it's still running on the same battery.
Nice thing about this one is that the face is recessed so it doesn't scratch easily and the strap (and the thingies that hold it on) can be replaced with any standard strap.
The bevel ring won't come off either, like it did on my last one, 'cos there isn't one. ;)
It has all the usual things on it like an illuminated dial, alarm, date, etc. I've been quite pleased with mine for the price. I'm a bit of watch wrecker so I don't like to spend too much on them.
I bought a diamond disc for my spinner recently and I was given a free watch with it, it looks quite good, when you press the light, it comes up with three different colours on the face........... :cool:
I have an Aqualung Pro Helium 1000mtr
http://www.watersportswarehouse.co.uk/ishop/images/893/aqualungprohelium.jpg
Available here for around £120
http://www.watersportswarehouse.co.uk/ishop/893/shopscr661.html
justdave
11-10-2006, 03:27
Call me backwards but I like my Waltham hunter case pocket watch. Just wind it once or twice and it keeps great time. Looks cool too.
Justdave
Scuba Pete
11-10-2006, 09:19
Are the tracer P5900 any good? What should I be looking to pay for one.
Scuba Pete
11-10-2006, 09:26
Are the tracer P5900 any good? What should I be looking to pay for one.
I still use my first watch I ever got. My father bought it for me on my 7th birthday. So it's 12 years old and I use it everyday. It's a casio JC-22
http://www.skywatches.com.sg/casio_alarm_chronograph_watche s/image16.htm
Angus Og
12-10-2006, 15:21
I got one of these in 1996 and still have yet to change the battery. :D
http://www.watcharama.com/ca008.htm
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/4220/dsc00208os7.th.jpg (http://img97.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00208os7.jpg)
In a fit of madness I bought one of those wrist top computer jobbies; altimeter, barometer, compass, enigma machine etc. One of the sillyest things I've ever bought for outdoor use. I use it, but only cos I bought it. Given the choice I'd use the £5 casio jobbie that I use for running.
I have one of these a Casio PRG-50 and its ace ! Great for early weather pointers and the compas is handy as its always on your wrist (no puns handy/writst please :rolleyes:. I got mine from ebay for 50 squid as it was scratched who cares ! I would recommend this watch to anyone plus the bonus of it being solar powered means you dont get stuck without power. Oh and the auto light feature is way cool ! :cool:
20 quid. Job done.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Casio-G-Shock-G3011F-1V-Mens-Digital-Watch-New_W0QQitemZ320035740971QQihZ 011QQcategoryZ116968QQrdZ1QQcm dZViewItem
Suunto Observer Titainium (http://www.suunto.com/suunto/main/product_short.jsp?CONTENT%3C%3 Ecnt_id=10134198673939448&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=98527236 97223384&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=8455244424 90207&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474 395903526&bmUID=1160691735316) , built like a tank, have to be with me wearing it. :lmao:
one of these
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/2537423.htm
one of these
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/2537423.htm
i'm getting this one
any good ?
leon
I have one of these a Casio PRG-50 and its ace !
...
Oh and the auto light feature is way cool !
Same here, I picked up a black titanium model off eBlag... very lightweight, tough, easy to read and neat toys! :)
well instead of getting the watch i said i was going to get i bought a vostok amphibia instead and so far im loving it, i like the fact that it is 200 m waterproof
leon
Cheap as chips black plastic Casio £8.95 from Argos about 10 years ago. I changed the strap to one of the velcro fastening Animal ones and the batteries have been replaced twice. Tottaly agree, I have had two, in both cases the strap broke but a new one was cheaper than a strap! I tried a velcro one but it stunk after a few months. They boith survived swimming, kayaking and sailing for years.
The original one is blutacked to the top of my monitor, still with its original battery which is at least 6 years old so I can see the time when I am playing online games :)
I finally got a watch with my birthday money :D
I did go for this one in the end:
http://www.dealclick.co.uk/ukimgs/thumb/timex-expedition-combo.jpg
...and am really (really) pleased with it. It's easy to read, has useful functions, rotating compass bezel and a really good 'indiglo' backlight... and at only £19.99 I think it's a real bargain too! :D
Many thanks for all your suggestions, I enjoyed researching my purchase
:You_Rock_
Regards,
Patrick