Watches

[hurley842002]

I suppose they could be considered fairly low on the priority list as far as actual survival is concerned, but as far as daily preparedness is concerned, i'd be LOST without my watch. How many of you guys wear a watch daily, and what brand do you use? Digital, Analog, any other functions you prefer? Analog all the way for me, with military time and the date is all I require, some sort of glowing capability is also nice.

I bought a $20 Smith and Wesson from Big 5 a couple years ago, and it served me quite nicely up until recently, the band was taking a tole and the watch itself was beat to hell. I just purchased a Timex Expedition at Wally world tonight and so far i'm pleased I'd really like to own a Luminox, but just can't justify the cost, maybe it would be the last watch I purchased for awhile, but dropping the coin is awfully hard.

[gcrookston]

I have a thing for automatics and mechanicals, with Seikos getting most of my casual/beat around wrist time.

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj19/gcrookston/DSC00366.jpg

[Bailey Guns]

http://pathfinder.casio.com/resource/images/watches/paw1300b-4v_detail.gif

I've had this watch for about 4 or 5 years.

It measures:
Time - receives atomic time radio signals 6 times per day so it's very accurate
Temp - It takes 5 to 7 minutes to get an accurate reading if you've been wearing the watch. You need to take it off for a temp reading but it's fairly accurate. I've measured it against my Kestrel weather station and it's always pretty close.
Altitude - Also fairly close. It may calibrate itself with the built in barometer
Barometric pressure -
Direction - built in digital compass
It's got a shitload of timers, countdown timers, alarms, time zone settings, calendar, memory features, etc...It's a little on the large side but not as big/bulky as I expected it to be. The biggest problem with this watch is remembering how to use all the functions without referring to the manual. Another issue is the band. It's durable and comfortable...but for me, the adjustment holes are slightly off. One hole is too loose, the next is too tight. There's really no way to adjust it so I just live with it. And, it's not bad, just a minor annoyance as I don't like a watch that moves around on my wrist. But the other option, which is just as annoying, is having a watch that's too tight.

I've never needed it in a survival situation but I can see where it could be very handy. I was a weather forecaster in the Air Force for a while and I've actually attempted to make very basic, very short-term, weather forecasts with it...with some pretty good success. It's easy to tell when you've had a frontal passage and so forth so you can make educated guesses as to what the weather might be for the next few hours or at a minimum, what can be expected. It can help to alert you to potential weather problems with just some basic weather knowledge.

It is very durable and reliable. Mine's been beat around pretty bad on occasion and hasn't shown any ill effects from the rough handling.

The big downside is the price. I got a deeply discounted price on it when I had my store and some vendor was trying to get me sell them. I declined but still got the watch. If I recall I got it for about $89. I think they sell today for a little over $200.

[hurley842002]

That is a sweet looking watch Bailey, i've had nothing but good luck with Casio watches, and while I don't have much use for a dozen different timers, the rest of the functions would be awesome to have. You got a hell of a deal on it, because like you said, i'm seeing similar setups for a couple hundred dollars.

[kwando]

I've always wanted a Marathon C-SAR... but I won't be able to afford one, so i will pick up a G-SAR soon.

[StagLefty]

Check out this site for good watch deals :

http://www.xcelwatches.com/servlet/the-339/Casio-MTG900DA-dsh-8V-G-dsh-Shock-Solar/Detail
[Beer]

[netsecsys]

I too have developed a taste for the automatic/mechanical watches. I finally opted for an older Omega Seamaster Professional Chronometer. Spendy watch but extremely well made and will hold value if you get it at the right price.

I was really sick of buying watches that were built with disposability(sp) in mind and am not a big fan of quartz movements. Probably for the same reasons I own M1As, Les Baer 1911s, and Remington 870 Police; I get what I pay for..fine tools.

Good luck.

- Netsecsys
Semper Fi

[TriggerHappy]

I have a Rolex sub just like gcrookston (blue face, bezel and both golds). Its a sweet watch, unfortunately it has about a 5 year movement and needs to be sent to Rolex for a cleaning. I just got a Suunto Core black/black for xmas. Its pretty legit for a digi watch. I am sold on both, I still want a nice brietling though.

[TriggerHappy]

Almost forgot, the suunto has a boatload of functions.
altimeter, barometer, storm alarm, sunrise/sunset, TIME, date, stopwatch, compass. It has been pretty easy to learn how to use.

[hurley842002]

Wow, I guess I didn't know what I was up against when I opened a thread on watches, some of you guys are high rollers, with your rolexs', here I am excited for my new $35 Timex lol.

A good friend of mine through the years is a big "fine watch" fan, he's had everything from Rolex to Tag Heuer and many in between. They really are beautiful watches, I wouldn't mind having a Rolex or Tag, to go along with my Ed Brown "Executive Carry", ya know for those suit and tie evenings (dreaming, I don't own an Ed Brown).

[earplug]

I have worn a JJ enerjjetic for the last eight years. Its a self energising electric watch. Needs no battery.
Early on I dunked it cleaning fish. It fogged up but kept on working. Since then it has needed nothing but a new wrist band.
I have cleaned alot of fish in the past eight years. Recoil keeps it charged up.

[opie011]

The one I want!
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/opie011/photo-39.jpg


Casio Men's G-Shock MT-G Solar Atomic Watch, MTG910DA-1V - This watch combines the toughness of G-Shock with the convenience of a light powered watch. So no need to change the battery forever. Its features Atomic Timekeeping, Time Recorder, 12/24 Hour Formats, Power saving function. World time 29 times zones (30 cities), city code display, daylight saving on/off. Auto-calendar ( pre-programmed until the year 2039.

Brand-Casio
Model-MTG910DA-1V
Series-G-Shock
Size-Men
Movement-Japan Quartz
Case Material-Stainless steel
Case Diameter-46.00 mm
Dial-Black
Crystal-Mineral
Strap-Stainless steel
Clasp Type-Fold Over with Push Button
Calendar-Date
Water Resistance-200m/660ft
Warranty-1 Year Manufacturer

[gcrookston]

Wow, I guess I didn't know what I was up against when I opened a thread on watches, some of you guys are high rollers, with your rolexs', here I am excited for my new $35 Timex lol.


Don't be impressed with Rolex. I've had this one 17 years. It's been to the factory twice for service @ $500.00 a pop and is, has been and appears will always be +/- 2 to 5 min/24hr. It needs to go back again, but as I've rarely worn it since getting the TAG in 2005, I'm in no hurry.


Rolex are great jewelry but not so great time pieces. I'd recommend a TAG, Omega or Seiko automatic if one wants a serious and accurate automatic.

The Chase-Durer is a good quartz watch, but they use a proprietary battery you can only have installed by them (can't buy them), and that's really too much of a chore for me to undertake every 10-11 months.

When I have the opportunity to get another watch, I'd like to get another Omega Speedmaster (lost mine), or the Grand Seiko.

For everyday wear, I've never found a watch better than the Seikos I currently have. I'm too technologically challenged to master multi function. It's about all I can do to set the date when the month has less than 31 days...

[hatidua]

Don't be impressed with Rolex. I've had this one 17 years. It's been to the factory twice for service @ $500.00 a pop and is, has been and appears will always be +/- 2 to 5 min/24hr. It needs to go back again, but as I've rarely worn it since getting the TAG in 2005, I'm in no hurry.


Rolex are great jewelry but not so great time pieces. I'd recommend a TAG, Omega or Seiko automatic if one wants a serious and accurate automatic.

Bummer dude, you got a lemon. I bought mine brand new almost 32 years ago and it's still doing great:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v355/hatidua/5513_zps2118fc85.jpg

[Singlestack]

Casio Pathfinder PAW2000T-7CR - slimmest member of the pathfinders, which are big watches. Titanium band. Has the usual timers, barometer, compass, altimeter, plus atomic clock, solar (no battery changes again!), and good protection from the elements and shock: http://www.amazon.com/Casio-PAW2000T-7CR-Pathfinder-Multi-Function-Titanium/dp/B002OSY3WW/ref=pd_sbs_watch_4

[hobowh]

I own alot of watches (more watches than guns), but when it comes down to it I wear one of my omega sea masters, or a tag, Automatic all the way, I seem to kill the battery operated ones so I gave up on them.

[TheGrey]

I'm really rough on watches. I kill all of mine within a year or so- they either drown, get the crystal scratched/broken, or simply give up the ghost. I hate metal bands. Any suggestions? (besides 'don't wear a watch.')

[Wulf202]

timex are just as effective and replaceable

[Badger]

I'm really rough on watches. I kill all of mine within a year or so- they either drown, get the crystal scratched/broken, or simply give up the ghost. I hate metal bands. Any suggestions? (besides 'don't wear a watch.')

Same here, I'd need some sort of in pocket type piece or another alternative. Have actually gone without a watch or time piece at all for the past 2 years now and it really hasn't been too much of an issue but there are occasions where conforming to someone else's time frame parameters could potentially lead to more business. Time piece suggestions for this sort of situation anyone?


Badger

[Wulf202]

I haven't worn a watch in 12 years. I use the modern pocket watch. Aka cell phone

[Aloha_Shooter]

I generally wear a Casio GW810-D on a daily basis or when traveling.

26881

I like the solar power, atomic sync (multi-band for world travel) and multiple alarms/multiple time zones.

I also like the Citizen Eco-Drive line. I got a black titanium one at a discount because of a gasket failure in my older (discontinued) titanium Eco-Drive:

26885

[rbeau30]

Since this is the Preparedness section, does anyone have suggestions on a purely mechanical wristwatch that they like or suggest? You know for those of us who are preparing for EMP wrol.

[losttrail]

Citizen Aqualand Duplex Titanium. From back in my SCUBA Divemaster, AI and Instructor days. Seems to be virtually indestructible.

I just wish it did not take a battery every 3 years.

[Aloha_Shooter]

Since this is the Preparedness section, does anyone have suggestions on a purely mechanical wristwatch that they like or suggest? You know for those of us who are preparing for EMP wrol.

Can't go wrong with the Omega Seamaster in this case but there are newer, less expensive and more rugged automatic watches available. However, if you're worried about EMP, just put your Eco-Drive or similar long-lived solar powered watch in your gun safe until you need it.

[hobowh]

Seiko 5 for budget buyer around 65 on ebay. Want a good one spend the money for an omega.

[hobowh]

Same here, I'd need some sort of in pocket type piece or another alternative. Have actually gone without a watch or time piece at all for the past 2 years now and it really hasn't been too much of an issue but there are occasions where conforming to someone else's time frame parameters could potentially lead to more business. Time piece suggestions for this sort of situation anyone?


Badger

They make digital pocket watches in beefy metal case no stem to break.

[Stone83]

Timex/self winding (cuz' there ain't no batteries)

[hatidua]

Since this is the Preparedness section, does anyone have suggestions on a purely mechanical wristwatch that they like or suggest? You know for those of us who are preparing for EMP wrol.

My Rolex 5513 is 32 years old and doing very well on no batteries at all. I paid $395 for it brand new but I hear inflation has affected that brand a bit.

[BigNick73]

Since this is the Preparedness section, does anyone have suggestions on a purely mechanical wristwatch that they like or suggest? You know for those of us who are preparing for EMP wrol.

I'd say Seiko and Orient both make a really nice mechanical. Orient is owned by Seiko if there's any questions about quality there, I have 3-4 of them and all have been great. They are pretty affordable.

I also picked up at Christopher Ward C60 recently they use either theETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200-1 movements depending on their stock. Been wearing it everyday for a while now. If you buy one though be sure and check the british version of the site and check the conversion rate as mine was cheaper to order that way, and make sure the VAT is removed at checkout had some issues there.

If you want something plain the Hamilton Khaki models are hard to beat.

[ailachami]

I have an orient that I bought a year ago for everyday wear. cheap, no battery needed, and I don't care if I scratch it.

[Omicron]

Bought an Omega Constellation years ago, has been my "daily driver" ever since. For more rough and tumble, I have a Casio Pathfinder with a ParacordWraps.com (http://www.ar-15.co/forums/159-Paracordwraps-com) band which I love (altho it is HUGE) and a Timex Ironman. In case of EMP, I have several manual wind and self winding watches in a variety of brands.

I really like watches. Kind of sad to see so few young people wearing them today, thanks to the pocket computers we all carry. ;)

[Badger]

Took a look at a few pocket watches yesterday but didn't find anything real durable looking or with features I'd actually like and use. Its cool to have an altimeter, temp, count/down, stopwatch feature etc., but why the hell can't anyone make something a bit more sturdy these days? Also, I'm probably WAY outside the norm here as I don't own a cell phone at all. For one, none of them work in my area and second I have no real need for one. Always near other forms of comm if necessary.

Haven't entirely needed a watch either as my home and work space have clocks, but figured it wouldn't hurt to have one however after looking at what's available, (or lack there-of) out there I think I've given up for now LOL.


Badger

[BigNick73]

Took a look at a few pocket watches yesterday but didn't find anything real durable looking or with features I'd actually like and use. Its cool to have an altimeter, temp, count/down, stopwatch feature etc., but why the hell can't anyone make something a bit more sturdy these days? Also, I'm probably WAY outside the norm here as I don't own a cell phone at all. For one, none of them work in my area and second I have no real need for one. Always near other forms of comm if necessary.

Haven't entirely needed a watch either as my home and work space have clocks, but figured it wouldn't hurt to have one however after looking at what's available, (or lack there-of) out there I think I've given up for now LOL.


Badger

Did you see these? http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-TIMEX-EXPEDITION-WS4-WATCH-CLIP-ALTIMETER-BAROMETER-THERMOMETER-COMPASS-2013-/261152576003?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item3ccde81203

That's the only pocket watch with all the gizmos I can think of

For plain analog orient makes one now or look around on ebay you get get a old stainless elgin for pretty cheap if it's lasted this long it should be able to take a beating.