Posted on 07/19/2010 9:00:05 AM PDT by Robe
My son will be commissioned as a 1st Lt. (11 Alpha) on Aug, 14...We want to get him a good military watch which would serve him well in the field. Can't afford a Rolex so don't go there .. Any help would greatly be appreciated
Casio G-Shock Solar Atomic.
Rugged, reliable, solar powered, etc.
That’s exactly what I wore in Afghanistan. It’s still with me today.
Omega.
I got my first G-Shock when I shipped out to Army Basic in 1985.
Didn’t know I couldn’t wear it during Basic, but it came in handy for years after.
I don’t wear watches anymore, but I’ve been interested in a new one.
G-shock: Affordable, lots of ‘gizmos’ available too. Mine survived a year in the desert bouncing around in the dust and firing weapons.
Get a black one ;) Good luck and good hunting to your son.
regards,
Go with a “Pathfinder”, also made by Casio, they’re the more expensive version of the G Shock (but just as durable). But thy also have a thermometer, barometer, altitude sensor, and digital compass built into the watch. The watch sets itself based on the signal from the atomic clock, and it is solar powered. It also does the stopwatch, etc stuff that is more common in a basic watch. It also tells the time ;)
This will give you an idea of what it looks like, there’s a few different kinds but this will get you started:
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=205065070&listingid=86256681
Buy a simple, rugged, waterproof, self winding analog watch (check out Hamilton). Stay away from the digitals with the bells and whistles. Nothing looses a Lieutenant respect from his troops faster than having his watch beeping while in an ambush site. Kind of like, “over here guys, shoot over here” moment.
Product Information The Casio Triple Sensor Pathfinder watch features a digital compass, barometer, altimeter, thermometer and many other great tools. Digital Compass: 16 points of measurement Measuring range: 0 to 359 degrees Measuring unit: 1 degree Altimeter : 6 points of measurement Measuring unit: 5m (20ft) Measuring unit: 1 degree Altimeter Memory Memory capacity: 40 records Measurement data: altitude, month, date, time Altitude alarm Barometer: Display range: 260 to 1,100 hPa (7.65 to 32.45 inHg) Display unit: 1 hPa (0.05 inHg) Atmospheric pressure differential graphic Thermometer Display range: -10 to 60 C (14 to 140 F) Display unit: 0.1 C (0.2 F) 100M Water Resistant Low Temperature Resistant (-10 C / 14 F) Auto EL Backlight with Afterglow Duplex LCD 5 Daily Alarms 1/100 second stopwatch Additional Specifications Band Material: Metal Color: Black Gender: Men More Information Model No.: PAG40-3V Shipping Weight (in pounds): 0.5 Assembled in Country of Origin: USA and/or Imported Origin of Components: USA and/or Imported
Thats the one I have now...bought it at the BX. Great watch!
regards,
Off subject: Why is he skipping 2nd Lt?
Get GPS built in!
“If you’re a military professional, then the Suunto x9Mi is designed just for you. This GPS watch is equipped with a red backlight so that you can safely use it at night. You can find the Suunto x9Mi for an average price of $500. Let’s take a look at some of the other features offered by this GPS watch.
The Suunto x9Mi allows you to plan routes beforehand and save them into the watch. The device will keep track of your bearing and point you in the right direction to your next waypoijnt. The Suunto x9Mi will also help you find your way back home easily with the find home feature. The watch will also keep track of the distance between your starting point and your current location.
If you don’t want to plan your route beforehand, you will still find the Suunto x9Mi to be a useful tool. The watch will keep track of the distance you have traveled as well as the speed that you’re moving. The Suunto x9Mi will also record the data so that you can analyze it later.
Another useful feature of the Suunto x9Mi is the digital compass. The compass has a full range of 360 degrees as well as 6,400 mils. The Suunto x9Mi also features an altimeter that will measure differences in altitude. The barometer is useful for keeping track of any changes in weather conditions.
The Suunto x9Mi also gives you he ability to change GPS tracking settings. You can have the watch track GPS every second or every four seconds. There is also a manual mode for GPS tracking. You should be aware that the battery won’t last much longer than five hours if you choose to constantly track GPS.
If you want to keep the Suunto x9Mi charged for longer periods of time, you should consider using it in conjunction with the Solio Solar Hybrid charger. This charger will use sunlight to provide power to the watch so that you can use it for extended periods of time. The battery in the Suunto x9Mi will need to be replaced after approximately 500 charges.
Take it from someone who has had a Rolex for 20+ years. If I was going into harms way, I’d get a G-Shock or one of the Luminox models.
Rolexes are tough... for a mechanical watch, but no where near as tough as the quartz movements.
As a matter of fact, after the last tune-up (which cost about half what I paid for the thing years ago), I’m considering selling it.
If you have some days before you need it, Amazon regularly puts extremely nice watches into their “Gold Box Lightning Sale” area. Last week, some super hardened watches that retailed at $600 went for $89. These are ones that go through special processes to progressively harden the metal and then are made waterproof for divers and the like.
The sales are for the ones you see in the most upscale magazines. Simply amazing. Unfortunately, you need to look starting early in the morning, then read through the vague insights they give for the succeeding sales yet to occur through the end of the day.
My Bad ... your right ..2nd Lt..
Being Ex navy I'm getting use to a whole new set of rankings ....
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