Good cheap w proof wrist watch?

inthebush50 · #1 03-22-12, 23:10

Anyone have recommendations for a nice cheap waterproof survival type wrist watch?

SeriousStudent · #2 03-23-12, 00:33

Can you define cheap?

For under $100, I am a really big fan of the Casio G-Shock solar atomic watches. I own two, and have given them as gifts. They were well received.

They do make models that do not have the solar feature, or the ability to sync with an atomic clock for about $50.

Nice and cheap is a rare combination in the watch world.

inthebush50 · #3 03-23-12, 00:40

cheap as in under 50$ hell back in basic training i used a 10$ that got its ass kicked through water, obstacle, daily sweat lol. trying to find another one like that , I cannot remember what it was tho!

Vash1023 · #4 03-23-12, 00:44

if u bought it at the PX it was probable an armitron.

thats like the only brand ours had, durable as all hell.

i run a casio pathfinder. great watch with tons of settings including digital compass, altimeter, and barometer.

i think it was $90 at costco. totally worth it.

inthebush50 · #5 03-23-12, 00:46

yes i did get it on base. maybe i will look again. Yeah that cheap bastard took a beating. Got a buddy who still rocks his from basic lol. I ll look into the ones you guys mentioned. Thanks!

Vash1023 · #6 03-23-12, 00:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vash1023

if u bought it at the PX it was probable an armitron.

thats like the only brand ours had, durable as all hell.

i run a casio pathfinder. great watch with tons of settings including digital compass, altimeter, and barometer.

i think it was $90 at costco. totally worth it.

oh yeah, its also solar powered. BIG PLUS

all these specs for just $90 bucks.
specs
Multi-Band Atomic Timekeeping (US, UK, Germany, Japan)
Receives time calibration radio signals which keep the displayed time accurate
Auto receive function (6 times per day)
Manual receive function
Signal: US WWVB, UK MSF, Germany DCF77, Japan JJY40/JJY60
Frequency: US 60kHz, UK 60kHz, Germany 77.5kHz, Japan 40/60kHz
Tough Solar Power
Digital Compass
16 points of measurement
Measuring range: 0 to 359 degrees
Measuring unit: 1 degree
Altimeter
Measuring range: -700 to 10,000m (-2,300 to 32,800ft)
Measuring unit: 5m (20ft)
Auto memory measurements
Altimeter Memory
Memory capacity: 40 records
Measurement data: altitude, month, date, time
High / Low altitude memory
Cumulative ascent / descent memory
Relative altitude display
Altitude tendency graph
Altitude differential graphic
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 tendency graph
Atmospheric pressure differential grapic
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)
Full Auto EL Backlight with Afterglow
Duplex LCD
World Time
29 times zones (30 cities), city code display, daylight saving on/off
5 Daily Alarms
Countdown Timer
Measuring unit: 1 second
Countdown range: 1 minute to 60 minutes
Auto-repeat function
1/100 second stopwatch
Measuring capacity: 9:59'59.99"
Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times
Hourly Time Signal
Auto Calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2099)
12/24 Hour Formats
Accuracy: 15 seconds per month (with no signal calibration)
Storage Battery CTL1616
Battery Power Indicator
Power Saving Function
Approx. battery life: 5 months on full charge (without further exposure to light)
Module 3043

Size of case/total weight
62.3 X 52.2 X 14.2mm / 118g

Battle*Hound · #7 03-25-12, 00:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vash1023

if u bought it at the PX it was probable an armitron.

thats like the only brand ours had, durable as all hell.

i run a casio pathfinder. great watch with tons of settings including digital compass, altimeter, and barometer.

i think it was $90 at costco. totally worth it.

At $90 you shoulda bought ten of them.

drsal · #8 03-25-12, 11:50

Good and "cheap" don't usually go together, but +/- $100 for a Casio G is pretty reasonable

just a scout · #9 03-25-12, 14:00

I got a Traser couple of months ago. $400. Love this watch. Wear it with a Camenga Tritium wrist compass on the band.

Traser Code Blue

mallowpufft · #10 03-25-12, 14:52

Solar atomic g-shock is damn near unbreakable and needs no effort to maintain. A Casio Pathfinder isn't far behind plus has the compass and all that cool shit.
If you want a non battery powered beast the Seiko Monster is tops. Less than 200, solid, and has a well built Seiko movement that you can have regulated. A step slightly down in the automatics would be the Orient Mako (or similar models), about 100 bucks, well built,, good movements. Not overbuilt like the Monster but the Mako flies under the radar.
I'm also a sucker for the real Vostok Amphibia (easily confused with Vostok Europe Amphibia). Soviet dive watch that hasn't changed much in 60 years of production.

HKUSP.40 · #11 03-25-12, 15:19

IDK what "cheap" is to you...but I just bought this little guy for on-duty use and I love it:

I had a gift certificate and coupon so it only ran me $15 out the door but even at $35 it's a nice watch.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c....aspx?a=478684

Scorpaznatica · #12 03-27-12, 17:28

I picked up a Timex Ironman Triathlon about 6 months ago from Walmart for about $30, and it has been indestructible. I have been wearing it daily for the last few months and have smacked it on more than one hard surface. It's been fully submerged on multiple occasions and has put up with the stress of many workouts, range days, dynamic training days, etc.

It doesn't have a lot of the "survival" bells and whistles that some models have, but I prefer to have separate dedicated equipment (compasses, etc.) rather than putting all my eggs in one basket. I would definitely recommend it for a no-frills, affordable, reliable watch.

Here is mine as it sits today. (It's currently caked with dried saltwater from a kayaking excursion yesterday.)

K9 jake · #13 04-02-12, 10:45

Sportsmans guide HAD the pathfinders for 95$ back last Xmas, I started to buy one. It didn't. Wish I had. They are tough, now they are $129.
I love the Gshocks by Casio. Very tough. I had one back in 86, that I traded a guy for, and the factory battery lasted over 10 yrs! Not kidding.
The band finally ripped at the hole that I latched it with and I retired it shortly after that, it went dead.
The Casio tough solar power series is a great watch at a great price. You can pick them up pretty reasonable on eBay. Any of the gshocks are great.

QuackXP · #14 04-02-12, 18:33

What do you want the watch to do? Give you the approximate time or be a chronometer accurate enough to be a portable time standard for navigation?

If its the earlier I have a Orient Mako Automatic. It will run forever mechanically as long as I don't take it off for over 48 hours. $100

For the later your looking at at least $500 a the bare minimum.

agrius · #15 04-18-12, 22:24

Victorinox renegade
130$

sammage · #16 04-19-12, 00:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by just a scout

I got a Traser couple of months ago. $400. Love this watch. Wear it with a Camenga Tritium wrist compass on the band.

Traser Code Blue

How is that a cheap watch? Although I would feel miffed that the one in the link was almost half what you paid.

OP: for a cheap, durable watch, check out the G-Shock. They can be had for as cheap as $40 new shipped.

just a scout · #17 04-21-12, 18:40

Its not cheap, but if I can get 3 or more years out of it, I feel I broke even or better. I'm pretty tough on watches, sometimes going through 2 a year or more. So far, the Traser is doing great. Just sayin.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Brimstone · #18 05-18-12, 16:26

G-Shock Amazon - $44.88

DoMDrty · #19 05-27-12, 23:29

$30-40 watch from the PX. Never really paid attention to the brand. Just discard/lose them every few years. I think I broke the wrist band on one or two of them over the years.

TN_Warrior · #20 05-29-12, 18:53

I've only had two watches (for work) since 2002 and they are both G Shocks. The first I loved band broke and it was more for a replacement band (I don't know why) so I ended up buying another G Shock and I love it they only thing I don't like are the red buttons (G9000-1V). So for less than $100 you can get a good watch, but still cheap.

I've stayed away from solar power watches due to my wrist being covered 99% of my workday. I've had a friend who had to make sure he put it outside to charge. So I really don't know much about them.