Watch Recommendation

[Fl0und3rz]

I haven't worn a watch in forever, and I find that relying on a phone is not optimal.  So I am looking for recommendations and feedback.


What I am look for:

- rugged; don't want to have to care about removing for car/construction work, swimming, paddling, hunting
- good battery life
- probably not analog, unless there is something out there
- don't need jewelry; don't need a fashion statement, but can be priced according to features/quality
- not gigantic; I have relatively narrow but manly wrists
- probably not metal, fabric, or leather band for sweat resistance
- decent water resistance but don't need a dive watch
- beyond, normal time, date, timer, alarm functions OK
   - night time illumination would be good
   - compass and barometer would be nice and temp also, but not necessary
   - no need for heart rate monitor, blue tooth, wifi, camera, email, smoothie attachment, manpurse organizer


I realize that this probably points to some GShock model, or similar, but let me know what is out there.


Thank you.

[High Climber]

Timex Ironman triathalon
No compass, barometer, temp just a watch. They are under $40 and last me 3-5 years before I manage to break it somehow 

[syoungs]

https://www.amazon.com/Casio-SGW-1000-2BCF-Triple-Digital-Display/dp/B01537PYNM/ref=sr_1_13?keywords=casio+watch+compass&qid=1577995129&sr=8-13

Ive been running this watch for 3 or 4 years now. I love it. very handy features, its tough as nails, and not as big as the G-shock so its more comfortable to wear. The one negative I had with it was battery life. stock battery they put in all these watches are more of a "shipping" battery, and wont last as long as a replacement one would.
A buddy has another casio with the triple sensor, slightly different model. His is just as old, he is just as rough, and its lasted great as well.

EDIT: the thermometer function on these watches, and I assume most watches, don't work while your wearing them. instructions say to take off the watch for approx. 10 minutes before the temperature stabilizes and body heat isn't skewing the number.

[Fl0und3rz]

Timex Ironman triathalon
No compass, barometer, temp just a watch. They are under $40 and last me 3-5 years before I manage to break it somehow 

Thanks.  I've had them in the past and liked them.  I'll put them on the list.

[Fl0und3rz]

https://www.amazon.com/Casio-SGW-1000-2BCF-Triple-Digital-Display/dp/B01537PYNM

Thanks.  That seems to hit all the wickets, and at Case Diameter = 54.7mm, it is about the largest that I would want.

[bowhunterforever]

Check out suunto traverse alpa. It has all the bells and whistles. I just got one and love it so far

[Fl0und3rz]

Thanks.  I've had my eye on the Suunto for a while and like the idea.  I'll see if there is something in the small but manly wrist size.

[Shaqdiesel]

I have had a Suunto for a year and it’s bullet proof

[CoryTDF]

I sure like mine. Shane Dorian is an archery hunter and avid supporter of hunting.
https://timeconcepts.net/collections/shane-dorian-icon-watch/products/icon-shane-dorian-signature-5304

[cbond3318]

Thanks.  I've had my eye on the Suunto for a while and like the idea.  I'll see if there is something in the small but manly wrist size.

I use the Garmin Fenix which may be too big for your liking but the Forerunner may be right up your alley.

[Fl0und3rz]

I sure like mine. Shane Dorian is an archery hunter and avid supporter of hunting.

https://timeconcepts.net/collections/shane-dorian-icon-watch/products/icon-shane-dorian-signature-5304

Man, that speaks to me, and the 42 mm case seems about right, but it may be a bit lacking in the multifunction area.

I'll keep it on my list.

[Fl0und3rz]

Thanks.  I've had my eye on the Suunto for a while and like the idea.  I'll see if there is something in the small but manly wrist size.

I use the Garmin Fenix which may be too big for your liking but the Forerunner may be right up your alley.

I think my main hesitations on the Garmins and Suuntos are the too many features and size of the case.  I'll check them out.  But if it has heartrate, step, GPS, etc. it is probably beyond what I am looking for.  But I may surprise myself.

[Dhoey07]

I had a citizen watch that I wore for years.  Fit was good, I liked that I didn't have to replace a battery and it wasn't big and bulky.  I broke the crystal 3 times and finally gave up.  I don't wear one now but will be interested in what people come up with for ya.

[h20hunter]

Narrow but manly wrists.....

[Fl0und3rz]

Hey now. 

I am liking the Suunto Core (no GPS), but the case diameter at 49 mm is about the upper edge of the case diameter.   

Even the Casio listed above is 54 mm.  That just isn't going to work.   Maybe I should shop ladies watches.


I had a citizen diver (which was like a weapon) and an eco-drive (which I liked) for a number of years.  I end up taking them off when working on the car or something and end up leaving them places.

[h20hunter]

So petite yet strong.  Got yah.


I like Suunto....had their dive computers back in the day.

[Fl0und3rz]

Svelte.

The Suunto Core seems to be beaten up over quality issues on Amazon.

SS014279010  Suunto Core  All Black

I get that it is a $100 watch, but I wouldn't expect the thing to be falling apart and getting moisture inside, for what they are known for.

[Buckmark]

Svelte.

The Suunto Core seems to be beaten up over quality issues on Amazon.

SS014279010  Suunto Core  All Black

I get that it is a $100 watch, but I wouldn't expect the thing to be falling apart and getting moisture inside, for what they are known for.

Yeah, its not like its a Graff Hallucination or anything 

[Fl0und3rz]

Yeah, its not like its a Graff Hallucination or anything 

Finally a watch suitable for my pretty wrists.

[Zuus]

I bought a Luminox a few years back because I wanted the tritium “glow in the dark”. All I needed was a watch to tell time, and when in the tent, show me that’s it too early to get up without waking anyone else.
Not a large watch and has held up well. I’ve replaced the batteries a couple times myself.

[Fl0und3rz]

I think I am going to go with the Suunto Core.

SS014279010  Suunto Core  All Black

https://www.amazon.com/SUUNTO-Core-All-Black-Military/dp/B001DCEKXM/


Pros:
- Good multifunction feature set with a large user base
- lots of replacement strap options
- decent price ($100)
- no GPS, decent battery life
- no wingdings such as man bun optimnizer
- user replaceable battery
- svelte wrist-sizing

Cons:
- uncertain longevity or potential quality issues (but only $100)
- mixed reports on durability
- not as capable as the Casio triple sensor, such as multiple daily alarms


Compared to others:

- Couldn't seem to find a Timex Ironman Triathlon with compass
- The GShock looks like it just came out of a Terminator movie.
- The GPS watches were either about billboard size or battery life with GPS, which I didn't really want, was awful.
- The GPS watches were also a lot more pricey than what I want to spend on a knockabout watch.


I had considered Luminox in the past, and they seem like durable options.  I wanted to have an alarm feature to set, and I like the idea of having a digital compass on the watch, which steered me toward the digital multi-function.

Thanks for the leads and recommendations.

[fowl smacker]

I've had a Suunto Traverse Alpha for a little over a year no and am very very happy with it.

[fishngamereaper]

Been running a Suunto vector for couple years and love it
..bullet proof.

[Fl0und3rz]

Don't get me wrong.  Those higher end Suuntos and Garmins seem pretty solid.  It's just a bit more than what I was looking for in a potentially disposable watch.  And they have corresponding features and price that were beyond my needs for a knockabout watch.

[Alchase]

I have a lot of watches ranging from $25 Timex to over $10,000 Jaeger-leCoultre
Ultra thin. They all tell time well.
My favorites Luminox Sea Turtle, G-Shock Range Master, Casio Forester. With all my watches I find my eyes can’t handle backlit anymore. I prefer numbers lit on digital or hands lit (or glow) on analog.
It really boils down to a personal choice on what features you need or want and what face type you want.
With all my watches, the one I wore the most last year was a Fitbit Charge 2 that I broke hunting. Now a Fitbit Versa 2.
Just the features I want, and a large face my aging eyes need.
LOL

[fishngamereaper]

You can find the style of vector I have used for $100... Trust me I wouldn't spend 400 for a watch..I never wore one before I got this..but the altimeter and barometer are worth the weight.

[scotsman]

I have been using this Casio SG-100 for probably 10 years.... its now on the second battery. I swim salt and fresh water and wear it constantly working and playing. Its the only watch I own. Shockproof, waterproof, has world time zones, stop watch, timer alarm, backlight, thermometer and the big thing that has saved my butt a couple of times is the built in compass.

Aaand it costs under $50 bucks. Aaand  it is so light weight / low profile you forget its on your wrist.

[High Climber]

I have been using this Casio SG-100 for probably 10 years.... its now on the second battery. I swim salt and fresh water and wear it constantly working and playing. Its the only watch I own. Shockproof, waterproof, has world time zones, stop watch, timer alarm, backlight, thermometer and the big thing that has saved my butt a couple of times is the built in compass.

Aaand it costs under $50 bucks. Aaand  it is so light weight / low profile you forget its on your wrist.

Dang that might be the only watch I’ve ever seen that might get me away from my Ironman

[Humptulips]

How about a decent pocket watch? Anybody have any recommendations?
I can't stand a wrist watch.

[Fl0und3rz]

I have been using this Casio SG-100 for probably 10 years.... its now on the second battery. I swim salt and fresh water and wear it constantly working and playing. Its the only watch I own. Shockproof, waterproof, has world time zones, stop watch, timer alarm, backlight, thermometer and the big thing that has saved my butt a couple of times is the built in compass.

Aaand it costs under $50 bucks. Aaand  it is so light weight / low profile you forget its on your wrist.

I like those, and it was a solid contender.  They are a bit big for me, I suspect. 

[Fl0und3rz]

How about a decent pocket watch? Anybody have any recommendations?
I can't stand a wrist watch.

I don't mind, and I already have a phone in my pocket.

[avidnwoutdoorsman]

I've been running the Rider 2.0 by Rockwell. Has held up well. It is a little bigger but I like that. Does two times, barometer, date, weather, temp, altitude, compass, stop watch, timer, alarm and two functions I haven't tapped into... ski and data log. Show's up on Camofire often for dirty cheap ($50-$80 reg $240?) and why I picked it up in the first place. Almost bought two more last time it popped up, in case I figure out how to break or loose mine.

Had for almost 3 years now, changed the first battery early, but havent had any real issues. I work construction management so I'm always outside and this thing has held up great. Like I said almost bought a back up.

[JimmyHoffa]

How about a decent pocket watch? Anybody have any recommendations?
I can't stand a wrist watch.

I don't mind, and I already have a phone in my pocket.

The problem with the phone is when out of cell service, the battery drains so quickly.  Or you have to keep switching the airport mode.  For me the biggie was having to get it out of the bags (waterproof bags due to all the rain) just to turn it on for a time check. 
I went back to a wrist watch this year.  I was looking for something that was fast, easy and somewhat disposable (only use it hunting/fishing).  Ended up with the $10 special at the grocery store. Curious to see what you come up with.

[Sandberm]

I always wear a watch. Looking at a phone is not convenient.

I'm cheap so spending over $50 for a watch makes me want to run into traffic. In fact I'm so cheap that my TimeX triathlon buttons quit working a few years ago and I have to remember to subtract an hour from the time for half the year as I am not able to adjust the time.

[Fl0und3rz]

"Looking at a phone is not convenient."



And I thought I was frugal.

How about a decent pocket watch? Anybody have any recommendations?
I can't stand a wrist watch.

I don't mind, and I already have a phone in my pocket.

The problem with the phone is when out of cell service, the battery drains so quickly.  Or you have to keep switching the airport mode.  For me the biggie was having to get it out of the bags (waterproof bags due to all the rain) just to turn it on for a time check. 
I went back to a wrist watch this year.  I was looking for something that was fast, easy and somewhat disposable (only use it hunting/fishing).  Ended up with the $10 special at the grocery store. Curious to see what you come up with.

Out of cell range for an extended time, I have my GPS, or don't have to care about time so much.


I think I settled on the SS014279010  Suunto Core  All Black.

https://www.amazon.com/SUUNTO-Core-All-Black-Military/dp/B001DCEKXM/

https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,245662.msg3297720.html#msg3297720

We'll see about the durability and longevity.