14 June 2009

Something Different: Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Auto Chrono

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It is patently obvious that my main interest in watches concerns SEIKOs and Casios but today I want to address a different kind of watch. I'm also interested in value priced Swiss watches like those manufactured by Hamilton, Oris and Marathon. So today I'm doing a quick write up on my Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Auto Chrono. The Khaki is an affordable choice for those who appreciate and collect Japanese watches but would like a Swiss watch to compliment their collection. Furthermore the Khaki uses the same proven Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement featured in many high cost, high prestige brands.

The Khaki Navy Frogman Auto Chrono seems to have a polarizing effect on watch enthusiasts. Most seem to appreciate the proven Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement (check out this very informative article on Timezone to learn more about the movement) and the titanium case.

But it's not all gum drops and bubble gum. The 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea styling on a Khaki is near blasphemy for some. The canteen style protectors are unique but impractical. The magnifiers over the date wheel and chrono hand are similarly contentious. And the crossed bars across the back of the watch obscure the movement and negate the presence of the display back. Note that some of these styling features have been omitted from the current version of this watch.

ImageAs for myself---I appreciate the high points and try to live with the low.  I love the retro steampunk styling and all.  The integrated start/stop and reset pusher are similarly cool.

The only thing I can't stand is the exercise in pain that winding this watch presents.  The crown is extremely small and difficult to grasp when manually winding the watch.  And the threads for the canteen protector rip up the skin on my thumb and index finger as I wind.  When the winding is complete the crown and threads are covered in dead skin rendered from my sore fingers.



ImageUltimately the Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Auto Chrono neatly fills a niche in the Hamilton lineup.  For those who appreciate the history and style of the Kahki but want something with more flair this watch is an excellent choice.  But if you abhor egregious styling cues then look for something else.  

Check out the  following picture of the movement and my wrist shots.  Take care until next time.






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01 May 2009

Review of the Casio G-Shock Giez GS11001A

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Today's post concerns the Casio G-Shock Giez model GS11001A.  The GS11001A has been out for a short while, and most G collectors have probably made up their minds already on this one.  But for collectors and enthusiasts new to the G scene the Giez is a stylish watch with a tidy little feature set that is sure to please.  The Giez is hampered only by a necessarily complicated method of operation due to its analog design, disappointing lume, and a fairly useless 24hr time feature.

I've never been entirely certain as to how to pronounce "Giez."  Though I've been out of college for a little while now and sadly forgotten many things I used to know.  I studied language--specifically morphology and phonology extensively.  From what I have been able to discern "Giez" appears to be a Wasei-ego (Japanese term for a fabricated English word not actually used by native English speakers) derivative of the plural "G" or what native English speakers would write as "Gs." Using a simple phonemic orthography, I believe the Japanese pronunciation respelling is "j-ee-zh-oo." Alternatively "j-ee-zh" seems appropriate for a native English speaker.  


ImageLet's now address the physical characteristics of the watch.  The Giez features a solid stainless steel screw back case that is a treat to behold.  The majority of Gs feature plastic cases with four screw case backs so the Giez presents a very sturdy and weighty alternative.  The band on this particular model appears to be actual rubber and not polyurethane or resin.  It is subsequently very soft and supple.  The Giez logo features prominently on the band south of 6 o'clock as well as on the clasp.  And if a strap doesn't suit you then the Giez can also be had with a metal bracelet.




ImageThe case back is nicely embossed with the Giez logo and additional markings tell us that the watch has a water resistance of 20bar and that the movement is made in Japan while the watch is cased in Thailand. 

The pushers on this watch have a bright, high polish look to them and they are fairly large so depressing them is never a problem as it sometimes is with 5000 series Gs.  Despite being easy to access, the buttons are still well guarded by the resin bezel with protective protrusions at 3 and 9.  The bezel also offers reasonable protection to the acrylic face of the watch but there are definitely better protected Gs currently available.  I imagine that this bezel design was the best possible compromise between protecting the crystal of the watch as well as preserving the classy analog look.

The watch face has the look and color of graphite with a lentographic effect as you move the watch under light.  In contrast to the attractive and well laid out watch face, the Giez has godawful lume.  The lume isn't particularly bright immediately after being charged with a Surefire at point blank.  Similarly the lume dims beyond visibility, aside from a pitch black night, very quickly.  


ImageLet's now take a look at the 4777 module.  The Giez is a Tough Solar Multiband 5 Waveceptor watch.  The Tough Solar aspect is very favorable, particularly if one switches between modes frequently---a serious drain on the power reserve.  Which leads me to one of the neat features of this watch. As you switch between main timekeeping mode, world time and alarm mode the hands and date wheel adjust themselves accordingly and it's a real pleasure to watch albeit a little tedious when you're in a hurry.   By pressing the mode button quickly when cycling through modes one can circumvent the slow readjustments. Once the hands start moving though one has to sit through it and wait for them to stop before moving on.  

Casio really did an ingenious job of making complicated features work on an analog-only watch by using the large second hand as a function indicator.  In world time mode Casio used city markings on the chapter ring while the large second hand is an indicator of which city you are viewing.  By pressing and holding start while in world time one can swap the world time with the home time, that is displayed on the small dial next to 9, and vice versa.

Similarly the second hand is used to indicate whether the alarm is on or off in alarm mode by pointing to either "on" or "off."  Sadly there is only one alarm on the Giez but I imagine that the watch would become too complicated to operate if more alarms were added.  

In atomic timekeeping mode the second hand is used to indicate if the watch has received a signal that day by pointing to either "yes" or "no" on the watch face.  And if the watch is attempting to receive, the second hand will point to either "work" or "ready."

Stopwatch mode is equally clever.  Like a traditional chronograph you simply press start to start the stopwatch---no need to cycle through modes to get to the stopwatch function.  Pressing reset twice will return the watch to main timekeeping mode.

My only gripe with the functions of the watch is that in main time keeping mode the small 24hr clock isn't really useful.  I would have liked the 24hr clock to display my second time zone from world time mode, rather than cycle through the modes to check my second time zone.

So in conclusion the Casio G-Shock Giez GS11001A is a stylish analog watch with a rugged stainless steel screw back case and surprisingly full feature set that is sure to sate the desires of even the most ardent G collectors and casual watch buyers alike.  The only serious drawbacks with the Giez are the not so useful 24hr function and crappy lume.  Conversely the general operation of the watch may irk some because of its slightly steep learning curve but it's forgivable.  

Here are a few wrist shots.  Take care until next time.


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09 April 2009

Review of the Casio G-Shock GLX56007 White G-Lide

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This review of the Casio G-Shock GLX56007 White G-Lide is part and parcel of a very special G-Shockers blog collaboration on the current series of G-Lides headed by Sjors at 50Gs with participation from Riley at My G-Shock, Reznor at SG-Shock, as well as Topher (featured guest blogger on 50Gs) and myself.  

Definitely head over to 50Gs, My G-Shock, and SG-Shock to get the whole story (if you haven't already) on these very exciting releases that have been mixing things up over on the G-Shock forum at Watchuseek.  

Many thanks to Sjors for organizing this collaboration and for inviting me to take part.  Sjors has been on the G scene for quite some time (you probably know this) so to be invited to take part is quite flattering. Equal thanks to Riley for consistently linking back to my reviews---I wouldn't get any hits if it wasn't for Riley's efforts.

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Moving on now from the much due adulation to the construction of the GLX one will see that things are par for the course.  As with any 5600 series G the GLX features a plastic case with stamped case back secured with four screws.  This particular case back appears to be of the slightly nicer looking stamped case back with a brushed finish in contrast to the stamped case backs with the matte finish featured on some other Gs.  Water resistance is etched on the case back and watch face as 20bar. The band and bezel are a very bright white and of a high gloss finish on the outward facing side while the inner part that contacts the wrist is a porous matte finish white.  In contrast to the band and bezel, the strap keeper is not glossy but universally matte in finish.  The band features nice light grey graphics as well as the G-Lide logo on prominent display south of 6 o'clock.  One small flaw present on my GLX, as well as all my 5600 series Gs, is that the band doesn't mate up perfectly with the bezel.  That is to say that the point on the bezel that mates up with the band is slightly wider.  I have one 5000 series G and though the gap is present there as well it is slightly diminished.


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Now let's address the features of the 3151 module, which I believe, was first seen in 2008 on the teal IN4MATION G-Shock collab.  The 3151 module is a great deal of fun to look at and play around with due in most part to the moon phase indicator and tide graph on the top third of the watch face.  Also visible while in main time keeping mode are the time, day, and date.  The time can be switched from 12 and 24 hour formats easily by pressing the search button.  Across the bottom third of the watch face are a linear series of indicators for the two alarms, hourly signal, snooze alarm, auto EL, and tone mute.   


ImageWith each press of the mode button a cool looking graphical display sweeps across the moon phase and tide graph, accompanied by an abbreviated description of what mode one is in. Cycling through the modes first brings one to the moon phase/tide graph mode which indicates at what state of ebb or flow the tide is in at any time during the day.  Pressing the search button allows one to advance time to see where the tide will be at that particular hour.  Pressing the adjust button switches to the moon phase portion of the mode in which one can press search to advance the day incrementally and see what state of waxing or waning the moon will be in.  Alternatively one can press adjust to input a specific date rather than advance the day one at a time.  

Further cycling through the modes reveals world time, stopwatch (with available auto start), 24 hour countdown timer, 2 standard alarms, snooze alarm, and hourly signal.  

Which brings one back to the main time keeping mode.  At this point I want to address setting this particular module which is a little more involved than other Gs.  In order for all readings to be correct one has to enter a number of figures for the area one lives in---longitude, lunitidal interval, and UTC.  All the aforementioned information is listed in the manual that comes with the watch for most major cities.  If the city one lives in is not included then a quick Google search will generally yield all the information needed.  Conversely I live just south of San Francisco and could not for the life of me find the lunitidal interval nor am I intelligent enough to figure it out myself.  Oh well---I won't cry myself to sleep over not knowing when the tide is in.  I'll cry in the shower so nobody can hear.  

My final conclusion is that the GLX56007 is one little honey of a watch.  If you have any interest in 5600 series Gs then you must own one for the neat moon phase and tide graph features.  Or maybe you wanted the teal IN4MATION G-Lide but the hypebeasts snatched 'em all before you had a chance.  Or maybe you want to pick up a G-Lide but this particular model doesn't work for you. In that case take a look at what my collaborators have to say---you are certain to find something you like.  A few wrist shots to close and until next time---take care.  




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07 April 2009

Review of Casio G-Shock G-Lide GLS5600V

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This blog concerns the Casio G-Shock G-Lide GLS5600V.  I received this watch yesterday along with a GLX56007 (review forthcoming) via MSG distributors on ebay---very cool seller with super fast shipping.  When I opened up that well packaged parcel and gazed upon this watch's resplendent visage I nearly came.  It suffices to say I am very excited to review this watch so let's get on it.


ImageStarting with the G's construction it is, in some ways, typical of a 5600 series watch.  You get a plastic case, resin bezel, stamped case back secured with four screws and water resistance of 20bar or 200 meters.  The resin bezel is of a very high polish finish that I find to be very appealing and a sharp contrast to the matte finish of most 5600 series Gs.  What makes this watch truly atypical is the very rugged and secure strap.  The watch comes with strap adapters standard in order to facilitate the fitting of the nylon strap.  The strap itself features an attractive G-Lide logo patch, outer nylon strap secured with Fastex style buckle, and inner leather-like strap secured with Velcro.  

ImageMy only complaint in regards to the strap is that it causes the watch to sit very high on the wrist and some might find this to appear very awkward.  One could rectify this problem by removing the inner strap with a seam ripper, as it is sewn to the outer strap at one point.  The only problem with the aforementioned solution is that the inner strap and outer strap are also secured together with a patch of Velcro to keep them from sliding apart.  In removing the inner strap the Velcro on the outer strap will now be rubbing against the top of one's wrist---very uncomfortable.  An alternative solution is to remove the whole strap altogether and install a NATO style strap from County Comm.  The bulkiness doesn't bother me too much, plus I prefer to keep my Gs all original to maintain their collectability.  

ImageLet's now address the features of the 3178 module.  In the main time keeping mode the time, day, date and indicators for the five alarms (including snooze), hourly signal, hourly flash (flashes twice on the hour), auto EL, and tone mute are all displayed.  Two other neat features of the main time keeping mode are the linear second counter that bisects the display and the ability to easily switch between 12 and 24 hour formats by pressing the search button.

The watch also features two stopwatches with auto start ability (edit: auto start only for 1st stopwatch). Auto start is initiated by pressing the adjust button and gives a five second countdown before starting the stopwatch.  Continuing to cycle through the modes reveals a 23 hour (edit: 24hr) countdown timer and world time.  

Overall I am very pleased with my GLS5600V.  Despite its bulkiness it offers some unique functionality and a cool looking red face, shiny bezel, and rugged strap.  If you can get over the high wrist height then you will not be disappointed.


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31 March 2009

Review of the Casio G-Shock GW002KA & G5500MC

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ImageToday's blog concerns a pair of watches that I call the forlorn Gs---destitute and bereft of the love and affection lavished upon their more popular siblings like the Frogman and Riseman.  But the GW002KA and the G5500MC are really solid Gs with great feature sets that belie their awkward appearance.  If one is looking for a G with all the creature comforts and the exclusivity of wearing a watch that few people have (albeit 'cuz everyone thinks they are ugly) then read on.

I should also mention that I got my hands on a decent camera with some amount of adjust ability. So I am no longer at the mercy of my fickle point and shoot determining what my photos should look like.

ImageI'm really eager to get into the descriptions of these watches because there is little to no discussion of them on the net, particularly the GW002KA.  So let's get on it starting with construction of the G5500MC.  The G5500MC is typical of the 5500 series of Gs with its plastic case, stamped backing secured with four screws and resin bezel and band.  The four pushers are enclosed by the bezel itself so this is a nice alternative for those who appreciate the mud resistance of the Mudman series but are buying on a budget (actual savings are slim at best but every dollar counts towards another G LOL).  The clasp is nicely signed, made in Japan (if you care) and of the double prong variety which is both attractive and very secure.

ImageAs with most Gs of this ilk the water resistance is measured at 20bar or 200 meters and this is so stated on both the case back and strap.  The strap also has a series of parallel ridges running the inner length that help keep the watch positioned firmly on the wrist as well as holding the strap keeper in place.  

The color of the G5500MC is often referred to as brown camo but it is not like any camo pattern I am familiar with.  I can best distill the essence of the G5500MC's appearance as coffee with cream added that hasn't been thoroughly stirred.  

ImageMoving on now to the construction of the GW002KA which I think a great deal of people will find quite appealing upon acute examination.  The aesthetics of the watch are quite similar to the 6900 series of Gs with the 3 eye face.  The real unique characteristic is the composite nylon/resin band which is rather comfortable.  Additionally the green nylon is only a thin covering over the resin core of the band so this helps to prevent the nylon from absorbing lots of moisture and emitting that pungent redolence.   The strap keeper and buckle are both nicely signed but the place of origin is uncertain being either China or Japan.

ImageThe GW002KA features a stamped case back secured with four screws with water resistance marked on said case back as 20bar.  The pushers are plastic and the illumination has its own exclusive pusher at the 6 o'clock position which is always nice.

And now we get down to brass tacks in regards to the respective feature sets of the GW002KA's 2913 module and the G5500MC's 3062 module.  

Starting with the G5500MC the module features Tough Solar power, world time, five alarms (including snooze), hourly signal, 60 minute countdown timer and stopwatch.

ImageIn the G5500MC's main time keeping mode visible are indicators for the power reserve, DST, power save mode, auto EL, hourly signal and the date and day can be displayed alternately by pushing the adjust button.  By pressing and holding the adjust button one can, of course, set the time as well as a few other neat things.  Of note one can select 12 or 24 hour time formats and determine the duration of the illumination.  The illumination can be triggered with the optional auto EL mode in which the illumination turns on when the watch is held at a 40 degree angle.


ImageNow let's take a look at the module of the GW002KA.  This watch features Waveceptor (US only), Tough Solar, world time, 5 alarms (including snooze), hourly signal, 60 minute countdown timer, and stopwatch.  In the main time keeping mode displayed are indicators for power save mode, DST, hourly signal and auto EL.  The three eyes correspond from left to right to 10 second display, power reserve and Waveceptor successful reception or signal strength if the watch is trying to connect to the Fort Collins, CO atomic tower at that time.  Pressing the reverse button will alternate the bottom third of the screen between day and date. Pressing the forward button takes the watch into atomic time keeping mode in which one can see the exact date and time the watch last connected to the atomic tower and also attempt a manual connect.  In the watch adjust mode one can select illumination duration as well as 12 or 24 hour formats amongst other sundry things. 

So that's it.  Nothing much else to say aside from the fact that these two watches have some very good features for their under $100 prices.  The only real concern is whether you find these watches to be attractive or not---frankly they are a little sad.  Take care and enjoy the wrist shots.

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23 March 2009

Review of the Seiko SKX779K1 --- The Black Monster

ImageThe objet d'art of today's blog is the SEIKO Automatic Diver's SKX779K1, aptly referred to as the Black Monster.  This blog is an unusual one---an oxymoron recorded here for posterity.  Obligatory yet unnecessary.  I say this blog is obligatory because the SEIKO Monster is so monstrously popular among the WIS (watch idiot savant) that it demands some mention here by me.  Yet the Monster's popularity has spawned a wealth of information and discussion on the Internet.  What more can be said about this fine piece of machinery?  And so I deem this blog to be simultaneously obligatory and unnecessary.  I will cover the details of the watch in brief for those who are unfamiliar with it but I think I'm preaching to the choir on this one.  

The SEIKO Monster comes in a variety of configurations.  Black face or orange face on rubber strap or stainless bracelet are the norm but more exotic configurations are available including the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) versions which feature black ion plating on the case and bracelet.  Regardless of the aesthetics the principle construction of the watch is the same---200m diver's watch, stainless steel case, stainless steel bracelet (unless you choose the rubber strap of course), screw-back case design, screw-down crown, Hardlex crystal and Lumibrite lume.  

ImageVisible in the next photo is the highly polished belly of the watch.  For those that wish to wear a low key diver---the Monster is not it.  The finish on the Monster is a richly varied combination of matte and high polish finishes, which is not discreet by any definition.  Also visible in the same photo is the hale and hearty bracelet which features solid end links, diver's extension and four micro-adjustment holes on the flip-lock push button clasp.  As with other SEIKO diver's watches the bracelet is held together with a pin and collar system that is entirely frustrating the first time you deal with it but becomes increasingly easier to manipulate over time.  For those that wish to size their own bracelet, I advise you to be patient lest you scratch up the fine finish.  

The movement featured in the Monster is the 7S26 which does not hack and will not facilitate manual winding of the mainspring---this may upset some people.  Others may be upset by the fact that the Monster is not made in Japan but Singapore.  Personally neither the former nor the latter concern me but they are elements of the watch that should be made known.

ImageThe uni-directional bezel is a strange one.  In contrast to the traditional round bezel, the bezel on the Monster is deeply scalloped on the edges to improve grip---it looks a little weird but it works.  The bezel also features protectors on the 12 and 6 positions that impede grabbing the bezel there so one will have to retrain muscle memory to grab at the 9 and 3 positions.  

In conclusion here are a few totally subjective views on the Monster.  It is very wide but surprisingly slim and doesn't dominate my diminutive 7in wrist.  Furthermore, I find the small protrusion that protects the crown to be very intrusive and makes operating the crown difficult.  The Monster is extremely solid but not quite as refined as the Prospex series diver's watches.  I think the lesser degree of refinement is most readily visible in the tsunami logo on the case back, which appears to be laser-etched and not stamped.  I also suggest that if you are considering purchase of the Monster then please get the bracelet version as the difference in price between the strap and bracelet versions is negligible.  You will entirely appreciate the bracelet when you handle it in person.  

As always I end with the wrist shots.  And to those capricious readers vacillating between purchasing the SEIKO Monster and not purchasing I say do your research and see how many people have been satisfied by this fine offering from SEIKO.  

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15 March 2009

Review of the Casio Pathfinder PAW1300T

ImageHere for your perusal is my review of the Casio Pathfinder PAW1300T.  I approach this review with some amount of trepidation because this is a watch so rich with pertinent features that the possibility of neglecting some important aspect seems high.  Ultimately I hope to cover all the important points and in doing so reveal to you what a fantastic watch the PAW1300T is.  If I miss something please don't be afraid to embarrass me and point it out---I can take it.

I ordered this watch from XcelWatches, a fine retailer with great prices.  Funny thing about XcelWatches is that they are apparently located in Sugar Land, Texas---that always reminds me of that Spielberg movie "Sugarland Express."  Anyways when you purchase the watch here, in the next picture, is what you get.

ImageIt's a pretty decent presentation box and certainly nicer than the plain black boxes you get with most US market G-Shocks.  

Moving on to the watch's construction one will first note that the PAW1300T features a well crafted titanium bracelet with fold over clasp and push button lock.  Rather cleverly the fold over clasp covers the push buttons when locked down and serves to protect the buttons from being inadvertently pushed and possibly damaged.  The end links are a solid combination of resin and titanium---a nice touch on a watch of this price.

ImageIn regards to sizing the bracelet, the PAW1300T uses a pin and collar system similar to what is used on SEIKOs.  Fortunately, Casio drilled the holes in the links in such a way that one side is large enough for the collar to slip in yet the other side is slightly smaller so as to hold the collar in place---making this adjustment system much less aggravating than SEIKO's.  Further sizing refinement can be achieved with the three micro-adjustment holes on the clasp.  

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The case itself is composed of a mineral crystal and a plastic module which is sandwiched between the titanium bezel and titanium case back. Water resistance is marked on the watch face as 100 meters and on the case back as 10 bar.  Overall the composition of titanium and gunmetal colored plastic creates a really pleasing aesthetic---surprisingly thin too (more on that later).  But you can look at the pictures and judge that for yourself. 

ImageFinally now I get to the daunting challenge of covering all the technological features packed into the PAW1300T's 3070 (B) module.  




Let's start with the main time keeping mode.  In main time keeping mode one can press the adjust button to cycle through displays so that one can see the day, date and barometric graph without ever leaving the main screen.  Furthermore one can see an indicator for the power reserve, as this watch has Tough Solar; and an indicator for the Wave Ceptor showing whether or not the watch successfully connected to an atomic tower that day as this watch is also Multi Band 5. One other neat feature of the main time keeping mode is the presence of both numerical seconds in the bottom third of the screen as well as a digital second hand that sweeps around the outer edge of the watch face.  

By pressing the mode button one can cycle through the more mundane features of the watch which are world time, stopwatch, 60 minute countdown timer, 5 alarms, receive mode (in which one can see the date and time the watch last connected to an atomic tower as well as attempt to manually connect), and data recall mode which displays saved altitude measurements.  Note that current time is displayed in all these modes save for data recall mode and receive mode.

The three most exciting modes of the PAW1300T are the altimeter, barometer and compass modes, each of which has its own exclusive button for immediate access while in the main time keeping mode.  Current time is displayed in both compass and altimeter modes.

Compass mode shows the current direction one is facing in both angle value and the cardinal direction.  The direction is updated every second and stops after twenty seconds to conserve power.  This gets me back to the physical thinness of the watch as the PAW1500 and 1200 are considerably thicker than this watch and this appears to be because the two former watches feature two stacked LCDs which create a nice graphical compass display.  The PAW1300T has only one LCD resulting in a simpler compass display and a thinner watch.  It's also important to mention that the watch will point one towards magnetic north and not true north.  Which may cause incorrect readings depending on one's geographic location but this can be rectified by inputting a magnetic declination angle (correction between true north and magnetic north).  

Barometer mode displays the barometric pressure in either inches of mercury or Hectopascals---both of which are meaningless to a simple minded person like me.  Fortunately the measurements, which occur at intervals that you can select, are compiled into a graph that even I can understand and make reasonably accurate weather predictions from.   Also displayed in barometer mode is the temperature of your wrist in either Fahrenheit or Celsius, presuming that you are wearing the watch.  Otherwise you can take the watch off for a bit and measure the ambient temperature.  

The final mode to be discussed is the altimeter mode.  Current elevation is shown in either feet or meters.  When I received my watch I found it to be radically incorrect but it is easy to calibrate the watch using known elevation from a topography map.  Changes in elevation can then be saved and viewed later in the data recall mode.  


Wow.  I'm f-ing exhausted!  That's quite a bit of information and I hope it wasn't too boring.  But I suppose if you are interested in purchasing this watch than it was all very informative.  So I will end with a few subjective statements.  The PAW1300T is a very large watch on my 7in wrist. Alternatively it is a very light and comfortable watch due to its plastic and titanium construction. The PAW1300T is one of the most feature rich digital watches one can buy and I firmly believe that the inclusion of atomic time keeping and solar power give it a leg up on competitive offerings from Suunto.  Here are the requisite wrist shots and definitely read the manual on this one as you will be lost otherwise.  Take care.   

 

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