ABC type watches.

Chako · **on:** January 26, 2010, 01:38:52 PM

I am getting that nerdy gadget beat rise again. I have looked at Suunto watches now for a few weeks and am still undecided on what model to get. To make matters worse, I visited the only Suunto dealer in town, a dive shop, and she carries no models in stock...but she can get them for me, 4 to 6 weeks later, and all sales are final.

So after a bit of reading, I found out that not many people are happy with their Suunto watches...or like we all know, only the unhappy use the net to voice their opinions of a product. Either way, I am reassessing them because they are bloody expensive watches, and stories of rubber bands breaking, Core models eating through batteries, and bezel markings wearing off easily, not to mention the easily cracked bezels, has got me rethinking my strategy of getting one in the first place.

While at the Suunto dealer (she tells me she sells two Suunto's a year), she showed me another line she can get in. The watch is a St. Moritz Momentum. Looks good on the shiny dealer advertiser. I have never heard of them however. After a bit of digging, I found out it is a Canadian watch company housed in British Columbia. At least the watch is not very expensive at 200 dollars (VS-1 Altimeter), which is about twice as cheap as the cheapest Suunto. Does the ABC functions that I need (I probably will be teaching Outdoor Ed this semester, and having a digital compass on the wrist seems oddly appealing to me for some reason). ABC stands for Altimeter, Barometer, Compass just in case you were wondering.

http://www.st-moritz.com/pages/products-models.php?family=Digital_Altimeter

Well after doing a bit more digging, I found that I just may have found what I am looking for. I like the weird and unusual, and for some reason I sort of dig the retro look of the Timex Expedition WS4.

So my journey has taken me away from Suunto with its bad reviews from here...

http://www.suuntowatches.com/home.jsp

And to a watch company I have never heard of, to Timex. What a ride.

So there is a question for all the fine folks who frequent this forum.

Does anyone have this Timex Expedition watch?

Any recommendations for another ABC watch?

Chako · **Reply #1 on:** January 26, 2010, 01:43:25 PM

I think I posted this in the wrong forum. I thought I was in the Gadget section.

Can a mod move this please.

Sorry.

Benner · **Reply #2 on:** January 26, 2010, 02:18:31 PM

I cannot comment on the Timex or any other brand, but I do have a Suunto and I think it's superb. Considering where I work it's had to cope with being kicked, hit against walls, covered in god knows what, pulled at and apart from wear marks around the bexel that you would expect from any watch, it is still going strong with no problems at all. The battery has lasted well as well and is very easily replaced when it finally goes.

Not sure why you have seen so many bad reviews as on the watch forums Suunto have a really good reputation.

Foskey · **Reply #3 on:** January 26, 2010, 02:37:57 PM

Timex is a brand that is pretty popular here in the states. They are some what on a par with the Casio G-shock line. They just cost less and are mass marketed for places like Wal-Mart. Timex has usually been pretty standard for a rugged sports watch. They last for years, and take a major beating. This Timex Expedition WS4 is the first I have seen of a high tech watch made from Timex. I have to say I am rather impressed. If this watch can a beating like it's predecessors, to me, it would definitely be a good alternative to a Suunto at half the price.

jzmtl · **Reply #4 on:** January 26, 2010, 03:39:19 PM

Suunto apparently had problems with core causing it to eat batteries etc., they solved it a while ago.

thebullfrog · **Reply #5 on:** January 26, 2010, 06:00:27 PM

Casio Pathfinder/ Protrek models. I've had one for a couple years I got off E-bay used for $75. It was as good as new, and at the time that model still sold for $250. It has taken TONS of abuse, being solar powered it has never had a battery problem, and as far as I can tell is accurate enough. Probably no worse than any other ABC watch. Since getting it, I have never wanted another watch.

http://pathfinder.casio.com/watches/

I have the PAG-80. I can't say enough good things about it, or the line in general.

Medic82 · **Reply #6 on:** January 26, 2010, 08:44:31 PM

I have a Suunto dive computer that I use as a watch and I am super happy with it. In the SCUBA world Suunto is a world leader and holds about 60% of the market when it comes to dive computers if that tells you anything. I have been wanting to buy a ABC watch for almost 2 years now and I am without a doubt going to buy a Suunto, so I really can’t understand why people have been bad mouthing their watches.

Chako · **Reply #7 on:** January 26, 2010, 10:25:09 PM

I am still researching these watches. The local Suunto dealer hasn't gotten back to me yet. She did call and found out that the Steel Steel Core is 620 Canadian. That is a bit steep for a watch I am unsure about. Now get this. I asked her about extra links as I have big wrists. They told her 45 dollars a link! I usually need two to three extra links to fit a watch to me with metal bracelets. That is just plain nuts.

That Timex is different. I like different. I may end up buying one. Not sure at the moment. Still doing research.

EDIT: Thanks for moving the thread into the right section Benner.

Sazabi · **Reply #8 on:** January 26, 2010, 10:37:18 PM

Amazon has the Suunto Steel Core right now for $380 USD with free shipping domestically. http://www.amazon.com/Suunto-Wrist-Top-Altimeter-Barometer-Measurement/dp/B000VKFXLK

I must say, it is a pretty watch. o.o

M.TEX · **Reply #9 on:** January 26, 2010, 11:22:22 PM

wow I dig that timex whatch...cool looking piece....

Chako · **Reply #10 on:** January 27, 2010, 01:39:26 AM

Just came across a Tissot T-Touch.

Still going for a Digital this time around...but man oh man. I didn't know about this one either.

thebullfrog · **Reply #11 on:** January 27, 2010, 08:16:41 PM

I wouldn't use it as I need something better at night, but man that is a very cool watch.

Chako · **Reply #12 on:** January 27, 2010, 11:16:21 PM

I agree.

Update. I stopped over at the local dive shop after work today. Still no word from Suunto, and it has been two days now. I was going to get the St Moritz Momentum model, but found out it only comes with a rubber band that is integral to the watch. They measured it and found it is too small for me. Dang it.

Guess I am stuck with a metal bracelet after all or something like that Timex with the rubber band system.

In a holding pattern until I can get some Suunto prices and availability.

Sazabi · **Reply #13 on:** January 27, 2010, 11:24:37 PM

Quote from: Chako on January 27, 2010, 11:16:21 PM

I agree.

Update. I stopped over at the local dive shop after work today. Still no word from Suunto, and it has been two days now. I was going to get the St Moritz Momentum model, but found out it only comes with a rubber band that is integral to the watch. They measured it and found it is too small for me. Dang it.

Guess I am stuck with a metal bracelet after all or something like that Timex with the rubber band system.

In a holding pattern until I can get some Suunto prices and availability.

What about a Maratac band for the wriststrap instead, Chako?

Chako · **Reply #14 on:** January 27, 2010, 11:37:43 PM

Not on that St Moritz Momentum watch. The rubber bracelet is integral to the watch, meaning it is non removable. That alone would make me steer away from the watch even if it did fit...but I wouldn't have probably known that until after I bought it if the watch did fit my wrist.

Neil · **Reply #15 on:** January 28, 2010, 10:57:11 AM

I know what you mean about the styling of the Timex. But if I'm wearing something that size it had best at least come with GPS

Chako · **Reply #16 on:** January 28, 2010, 01:40:05 PM

Hmmm...I think I may have just found the watch I want.

A Casio Pathfinder 1500T-7V.

I can't get this watch locally, but I have noticed huge savings if I buy one from the US via eBay.

My only question would have to be how to get extra links shipped to me once I get it and find out that I can't wear it due to bracelet size. Just plain sucks having large wrists.

Sill thinking about the options.

Medic82 · **Reply #17 on:** January 28, 2010, 05:56:15 PM

wrist reduction?

Chako · **Reply #18 on:** January 28, 2010, 11:37:14 PM

Never broken a bone yet either...so I guess there are pros and cons.

thebullfrog · **Reply #19 on:** January 29, 2010, 02:45:26 PM

Quote from: Chako on January 28, 2010, 01:40:05 PM

Hmmm...I think I may have just found the watch I want.

A Casio Pathfinder 1500T-7V.

I can't get this watch locally, but I have noticed huge savings if I buy one from the US via eBay.

My only question would have to be how to get extra links shipped to me once I get it and find out that I can't wear it due to bracelet size. Just plain sucks having large wrists.

Sill thinking about the options.

donvito · **Reply #20 on:** January 29, 2010, 08:03:51 PM

If you need help shipping links or the watch from US let me know

Chako · **Reply #21 on:** January 30, 2010, 12:25:22 AM

Thanks for the offer. I think I am good.

Still no email from the local Dive Shop regarding Suunto watches. Suunto was supposed to answer her a few days ago. I reckon the longer and harder it is for me to get an answer, the more I don't want one of their watches. Just imagine how they would deal with a customer if that is how they treat their dealers.

Benner · **Reply #22 on:** January 30, 2010, 02:01:18 AM

Surely the shop themselves could be the delay?

Chako · **Reply #23 on:** January 30, 2010, 02:05:09 AM

Not the local shop's fault, but more of the Canadian Distributor that is located out in BC.

I have been to the Dive shop enough to know that is the case. I have watched her phone them and they always delay the information by stating they will email it to her...and they never do.

This has sort of gone on for a little over 2 weeks now. It is ridiculous.

thebullfrog · **Reply #24 on:** January 30, 2010, 02:57:01 AM

It's not the first time I've heard that about Suunto.

Chako · **Reply #25 on:** January 31, 2010, 01:59:52 AM

Just pulled the trigger on a Casio PAW1500 GB-3 off of eBay. It is the 2009 Winter model that comes with an extra strap to wear the watch over your clothing. Great for someone who has bracelet sizing issues.