Trying to figure out a proper survival watch can be a bit confusing. The market is flooded with watches that have more features then you could possibly ever need. Watches can be cheap or cost as much as a car. One could get lost in Tourneau for days trying to choose your next time piece.
Like many of the items listed on this blog, I like my watch to have multiple functions. I suggest staying away from a watch that looks expensive, because that kind of attention is unwarranted and topically should be avoided. Some of the following functions are not necessary, but can have their benefits.
I opted for the Casio Pathfinder PAW1500T-7V for a few reasons that I'll get into. As there are many different choices in the Casio Pathfinder Collection do your homework to see which one is right for you. I choose the 1500T mainly because of the titanium case, making it durable and light. Pathfinders have the added benefit of being reasonably priced, as a watch from a big named company like Rolex would not have nearly as many functions and could be as much as three times the cost. Here are the main features of the 1500T that sold me on it:
- Power supply - A watch should have a renewable power supply i.e. solar, crank.
- Waterproof - I can’t understand owning a watch that isn’t.
- Durable material - We wear watches on a daily basis and so they get beaten and battered, I prefer something that will put up with some abuse, but also something light.
- Light material - There are many watches out there, and many materials. The better the material, the more expensive. A watch can’t be heavy, but needs to be durable. My favorite material is titanium, which is light as hell, and strong. It can be a bit pricey though.
- Stop watch and timer - Great for timing runs, or if you put a load of laundry in and want to go get a coffee.
- Compass - Always good to have a back up. Not overly necessary for the New Yorker, because we almost always know where we are by building and landmarks, but it’s nice to know what direction you’re walking when you get out of the subway. Much more useful in the bush, and when reading maps.
- Barometer - I like knowing if a storm is coming.
- Altimeter - This is more for when you’re in the bush, very helpful in figuring out where you are on a map. Also cool to go to the top of The Empire States building and see just how high you are.
- Alarm - Good if your phone is dead, or not around.
- Price point - I really can’t justify spending more than $300 on a watch, and you really shouldn’t have to. Shop around to get a good price.
I have owned the Casio Pathfinder 1500T for about six months, and I'm very happy with my purchase. It normally has a stainless steel band that makes it look more sophisticated. You can buy the rubber band for when you are in and out of water, or active.
Here is the rubber replacement band, and tool needed to replace it.
2 comments:
It's funny that you mention the Casio Pathfinder PAW1500T-7V. I just bought a Casio G-Shock GW-900F-7CR to wear because I thought my Pathfinder looked "too expensive" to wear in the city.
It is a bit big, and can look a tad expensive, but I have not had any problems with it. I typically don't dress overly fancy mind you. To dress it down a bit, you can replace the stainless steel band with the rubber one to 'dress it down' a bit. Thanks for your comment, and thanks for reading.
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