aBlogtoRead.com » Casio

Casio Pro Trek PRW-2500 Watch Review

admin — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:08:05 +0000

Thankfully a good number of Casio watches grace my wrists. There are few other inexpensive watch brands I so eagerly strap on and wear with glee - which is especially true for their Pro Trek (formerly Pathfinder here in the US) collection of multi-function watches. This time I check out the mid-range Pro Trek PRW-2500 and am again impressed.

In my opinion there are enough Casio watch models available for one to get highly confused. The difference between one model and another can be confusing, with many having very slight changes here and there. Though overall new Pro Trek models tend to have the latest technology and are more often than not more advanced than their predecessors. The Pro Trek PRW-2500 isn't about breaking too much new ground feature wise, but inserting Casio's latest developments into a new watch meant specifically for outdoor enthusiasts.

As a mid-range Pro Trek model this piece really does have a lot of the latest cool features that many people want from a Pro Trek watch. The collection for years has been the go-to timepiece for anyone with nature exploration in mind given the watch's wealth of durability, longevity, and information features. Notably, the PRW-2500 is solar (light) powered, six band atomic clock controlled, has a duplex LCD screen, claimed improved sensors, claimed improved durability, and legendary legibility for loads of details at a glance. The full list of features is too long to go into, but suffice it to say that few features are lacking. Honestly, the only thing Casio can't claim with a watch like this is that it is suitable for a suit or sophisticated outing.

At about 50mm wide Pro Trek watches aren't small, but Casio makes them the most comfortable large watches I've ever worn. They feel thin compared to older models and have that create strap-end system that wraps around any wrist. In the resin case the watch is also extremely light. In addition to this black-toned resin (fancy plastic) model, there is a PRW-2500 model with a titanium case and bracelet.

Casio claims that the sensors in this watch have been shrunken a bit which makes for an overall smaller set of protrudences on the case. The case also has a rotating navigational bezel. In the past I have thought these bezels to be too easy to turn. This one is much more stiff, making it perhaps to tough to turn (though it is possible you need to break it in a bit as this is a feature I admittedly don't use).

Coming in mostly black the PRW-2500 is a less nerdy looking Pro Trek watch, but is still a Pro Trek through and through. I continue to notice slight upgrades in these watches over time, including the strap resin material which seems to be softer and more flexible than ever. While you don't even notice the watch on your wrist because of its comfort and weight, it does take a beating well. Perhaps not as well as a Casio G-Shock, but the Pro Trek is still water resistant to 200 meters and has metal caseback as well as a healthy amount of plastic padding. You also appreciate how the crystal is inset a bit compared to the bezel which should protect the screen/dial as much as possible.

The face of the PRW-2500 was specifically designed to offer a range of environmental information at a glance without having to cycle through mode screens. The time is placed at the bottom of the dial, which also has the moon phase, tidal data, barometer graph, and calendar displayed all at the same time. There are some options such as removing the tidal data from the home screen in favor of a more complete calendar display. The tide chat data has its one function mode screen as well for more detailed info.

Like all Pro-Trek models the full list of features is long. In this model these include, but are not limited to, world time, full calendar data, several alarms, automatic backlighting, stopwatch, count-down timer, moon phase, tidal data, thermometer, compass, barometer, altimeter, and more. There is a bit of a learning curve to figuring it all out, but long time Casio users won't have any trouble figuring it all out.

People who need a lot of data at a glance will appreciate this watch a lot. Those wanting to see mainly the time might prefer another Pro Trek piece because the time is not in the center of the dial on the home screen - though it is prominent enough. Casio's continuous improvement and attention to their electronic gadget watches is always impressive and the watches just keep getting better. They are also inexpensive enough to upgrade each few years. In black resin the PRW2500-1 retails for a fair $300 while its titanium sibling the PRW2500T-7 is $400. Fancier or more colorful version likely exist in the Japanese domestic market. All in all a great - yet subtle - evolution for the world's greatest gadget watch collection. Keep 'em coming Casio.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Casio Baby-G Watches Get Sleazy With Kesha

admin — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 07:02:44 +0000

Casio doesn't always see their watches like you see their watches. Casio internally is an interesting mixture between the techie watch engineers and fashion folk trying to match a Casio timepiece with the next big artist or fashion trend. It makes for a very diverse, and sometimes contradictory brand. On the one hand you can have an awesomely functional watch that is high in value given what you paid for it, and on the other hand you can have sometime made in sparkly pink plastic focused entirely on being an accessory for someone's fall fashion lineup. The good news is that for the most part Casio is able to entertain both audiences. You just need to know what watches to pay attention to given your interests.

Like Swatch, Casio is able to dole out a lot of volume based on some quality core designs. That means a world of possibilities and enough new things to make even the most avid collector dizzy with brand direction and product releases. Do some research and you'll find everything from strictly limited editions to limited production models made in collaboration with people who are singers, athletes, artists, designers, pop culture icons, and more. Most models that get this treatment are in the G-Shock or Baby-G collection.

The purists will always have the Pro Trek (formerly Pathfinder in the US) and Edifice models. Those are for the serious watch people in Casio's mind while everyone else should find a G-Shock or Baby-G that they like. Baby-G is just a smaller, feminine version of the G-Shock with its own collection and look. Both have had hundreds of versions over the years. The fashion route has done really well for Casio. Back maybe 10 or 20 years ago Casio found that inexpensive and cool looking G-Shock watches were making their way on the wrists of urbanites. People in big cities who were into fashion, music, and art were dismissing a lot of the traditional watch styles available.

Young people such as myself were convinced that most cool things were born in Japan. Something affordable that looked like it came from the future and offered a range of standard features in addition to telling the time was easy to love. That and G-Shock watches could really take a beating. Even today, there are few watches other than a G-Shock that I would subject to actual torture and expect them to come out OK.

AP Photo/Baby-G/John Storey

Casio later found that owners wanted color. The original G-Shock watches to my understanding were mostly black in tone. At some point the colored plastic floodgates opened and a rainbow of G-Shock models started showing up. Anyone with a hip fashion sense was going to have one. Casio took proactive measures and also quickly started working with people like influential musicians to wear their watches. Examples include Eminem, Lady Gaga, and now Ke$ha (Kesha).

Such partnerships proved extremely valuable in today's day and age when timepieces are not a must-have item for young people. It makes a lot more sense to show people that their musical or artistic heroes are wearing something cool - and that they in turn might like to wear those items as well. This concept is not new, but in the watch industry Casio is a bit of a unique player - which is ironic given they they are among the only brands doing what they are doing with a mainstream product.

AP Photo/Baby-G/John Storey

High-end watch brands from the larger groups such as Swatch Group and Richemont frequently work with high-profile stars to show off multi-thousand dollar timepieces. While there is nothing wrong with that, those groups are often aiming for very small segments of the population who can afford such luxuries. Casio is focused on a more mainstream population using the same strategy - and it works really well for them.

Recently I joined Casio during their launch of a new collection of Baby-G watches designed by and branded for the singer Ke$ha. The title of this article is such because this was during Kesha's "Get Sleazy" tour. The popular performer has been a Baby-G ambassador for a little while now and had the opportunity to come up with a few of her own designs. I posed the question to her of why it was important to work with a brand that was affordable, versus some of the very high-end brands that her colleagues might work with. Her response was simple and too the point. Virtually all of her fans can afford a Casio timepieces, and the watches themselves were relatable to her audience. Fair enough, and a good point. It would be antithetical of her to position her music as for her fans when the products she associates herself with are not.

To start there are two Kesha branded Casio Baby-G watches. One is a square in shiny black with a digital/analog face and gold-toned leopard print on the dial. This one is the reference BGA200KS-1E watch priced at $120. It is girly and a bit rebellious - a lot like her. Next is the model BG5600KS-7 done as Kesha's own homage to the American flag. I anticipate this one to be the more popular model and it is priced at $99. It is a slightly more traditional Baby-G model with a pearlescent case and mixed blue and red straps. There are little starts strategically placed on the case and straps.

This latter model went well with Kesha's home-made superhero outfit that she debuted herself in. Stars and fringes forever... You can learn more in the video I took of the interview. Sorry about it being a bit shaky. I was trying to record the video with one hand, and take photographs with the other.

AP Photo/Baby-G/John Storey

Casio intercepted Kesha early on in her career. She is popular among younger woman and I think her connection with Casio is a benefit to the entire watch industry. It is about getting people to wear and discover the virtues of watches. These days even parent might not think to get their kids a watch. By seeing hip looking timepieces on their idols, young people will be drawn to purchase and adopt these products into their lives. Once you wear a watch for long enough you tend to want to continue doing so. When these girls become women they will likely continue to have a few Casio pieces in their lives and also include more professional pieces into their collection. In this case, getting them while they are young is a good thing. My thanks to Casio for including me in this event, I continue to find what you do fascinating.

Casio Pro Trek PRW-5000Y Watch Review

admin — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 07:03:46 +0000

New colors, new names. I last wrote about this watch when it was called the Casio Pathfinder PAW-5000 (you can see my full review here). This new model sports a slick new color palette as well as the "new way" of the Casio ABC watch range. "ABC" stands for altimeter, barometer, and compass, and usually was accompanied by the name "Pathfinder." Ever since I was a find I was in love with Casio Pathfinder timepieces.

Now the Pathfinder name has been retired to streamline the collection with the naming system used for the rest of the world which is Casio "Pro Trek." Until recently Casio was unable to use the Pro Trek name in the United States due to a intellectual property issue with Trek bicycles. The two brands formed an agreement and now Casio will will be able to use the Pro Trek naming system in the US. Starting this year you should be seeing newly branded Pro Trek watches. Finally, we can feel more like Europe and Japan.

When I reviewed this model before it was called the PAW-5000, but is here called the PRW-5000 (specifically the PRW-5000Y-1). The reference number change is odd, but who cares really. I think it is to help people know the Pathfinder versus Pro Trek models. aside from the name and color differences, the watch is the same as the PAW-5000, so the video review still applies.

The bezel around the dial is now in black coated steel with darker metal all around and a metallic blue inner bezel ring. Legibility is still high thanks to the white hands and hour indicators. A soft blue versus a more bold orange or yellow adds a calm trim to the face. While the new color scheme is not meant to serve as an improvement over the outgoing model, it is a nice new reason to look at the collection.

Analog/digital Pro Trek watches aren't new, but each few years Casio offers a new one to keep up with the massive set of features that their latest and greatest Pro Trek models provide. This range is one of the best in my opinion and offers a very handsome alternative to the all digital Pro Trek timepieces. I've quickly become very attached to the collection due to the style and comfort. Even at 49mm wide, the case is light and airy, but solidly made. For a piece in this price range the detailing is very impressive.

Using a macro lens I tried to capture some of the more interesting details of the watch. One of the things that impresses me most is the number of parts and textures Casio is able to incorporate on the case and dial alone. The Japanese quartz movement offers a multitude of functions including (but not limited to) the time, full calendar, chronograph, alarms, backlight, timer, compass, barometer, altimeter, and world time. The movement is also atomic clock controlled, with a battery that is charged by the light. The Casio Pro Trek really is the epitome of the gadget watch is there every was one. Retail price of the Casio PRW-5000Y-1 is $480 (up from $450 for the PAW-500) and can be purchased online direct from Casio here.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Casio Edifice EQWM1100DC-1A2 Watch Review

admin — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 07:03:46 +0000

While this watch dial in action looks like a miniature aerial view of an amusement park, something is actually going on - this isn't all for show. With the reference EQWM1100DC-1A2 Edifice "Black Label" watch, Casio wanted to turn all of the functions present in most of its better digital watches in a analog stage show. To be honest I never thought such a thing could be done, even though Casio has been experimenting with making sophisticated digital functions in analog format for a while. Tag Heuer was getting all hot on themselves for putting a mechanical analog 1/100th of a second movement in their $50,000 Carrera Mikrograph watch, and here Casio has a 1/1000th of a second analog chronograph in their $500 quartz watch. Frankly I like the looks of this Casio a bit better.

Casio has been developing it's Edifice collection of watches for the last few years, and I like where they are going. Some people are going to take one look at this dial and sigh at how complex it is. This is the opposite of a simple watch dial. In fact, Casio designers did just about everything they could do to give it a rich, three-dimensional appearance with as many textures and levels as possible. There is also the fact that the hands and dials each have at least more than one function depending on the mode the watch is in. I will however say that legibility is better than one expects. There are large easy to see yellowish hour markers and white hands. These have been lume coated and are pretty easy to see in the dark.Â There is also the date window. It looks hidden, but once you know where to look it isn't hard to spot. The watch has full calendar date to the year 2099, but you'll need to use the manual to adjust the calendar properly.

Speaking of the manual, this is a must for understanding this watch. It has four pushers on it and a host of functions that aren't too obvious. Sure you can figure out some of the basics, but this is a timepiece that you'd be wasting money on if you didn't take at least 15 minutes to read up about it. Having said that however, I will say that after you set the time and date, they are easy to spot, and this watch makes for a decent daily wear if you aren't going to be using all the functions. Casio positions this Edifice Black Label watch as one of their higher-end timepieces, which means they have designed it to be convenient to live with. For Casio that means that it is light-powered and syncs to a local atomic clock using radio signals.

So the Japanese quartz movement is solar (any light really) powered, and should always be accurate. It is set to sync itself with a local atomic clock 6 times a day. In power saving mode the battery can last about 5 months. Regardless, it is a good idea to store the watch where it has access to light. Those deep-set areas on the dial that look like green carbon fiber are where light enters to reach the photovoltaic cells.

You'll be surprised to learn that in addition to the time, date, and 1/1000 of a second chronograph, the watch has a world time function and alarm. The world time function is neat, because it uses the upper left subdial to show you the reference time. In fact, you can choose to have the reference time on the main dial, and the second time zone on the little subdial. Again, consult the manual for this. Easily the neatest part about operating the watch is the 1/1000th of a second chronograph. When operating the hands are all flying about rapidly. It is an intense little feat of engineering, and relies of five different small motors. Though reading the measured time isn't that easy as it uses all the dials to measure the time, and you need to know how to read them. You also need pretty good vision to see all the little numbers. Seeing the miniature ballet of hands moving around never seems to get old.

What makes the watch harder to use is the lack of labels on the pushers on the side of the case. There are labels on the rear of the watch, but they aren't super helpful. Many digital Casio watches try to label the hands, at least generally so that you know what they do in most situations. That sort of exists here, you need to take the watch off to see them, and it can be a bit confusing and frustrating to figure things out without the manual. I recommend learning how to use the basic functions, and not throwing the booklet away for when you need it. As I have said in the past, Casio does a good job at writing the manuals - so at least when you consult it to figure out how to do something, the answer isn't a horrid pain to find or understand.

Using a steel case that has been IP black coated, this Edifice watch has an impressive stance with its multi-color black, green, and yellow dial. The case wears a bit smaller than it is because of the thick bezel, but it is 46.9mm wide and 51.5mm tall. Though it isn't super thick at 13.7mm. The case is water resistant to 100 meters and has a mineral crystal. The bracelet is integrated into the case and has a push button deployment clasp. While it is not as adjustable as other Casio bracelets, you shouldn't have a problem getting a comfortable fit. Most people won't think this watch is a Casio, and will likely be impressed when you tell them that it is. Just don't forget the reference number so that you can tell them to go look for a Casio Edifice EQWM1100DC-1A2! Actually on the back of the watch Casio calls it a Wave Ceptor Edifice - there are so many names to keep track of.

Overall I am really impressed with the technology and what Casio was able to do with the EQWM1100DC-1A2 watch. The dial is really neat looking and the chronograph operation can't be beat. At $500 it is really expensive for a Casio (by US standards - Japan has much more expensive models), but I don't think it is too unreasonable. Now I need to get back to the manual to finish understanding how to set everything.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Casio G-Shock Bluetooth Watch Revealed

admin — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 10:34:27 +0000

A bit faster than I expected Casio has now finally debuted its first Bluetooth connected watch. The Casio G-Shock Bluetooth is designed for use with upcoming Bluetooth profile 4.0 mobile phones that are said to be coming soon (a few might already be around). As Bluetooth 4.0 is designated as a "low energy profile," this watch will retain a 2 year battery life on a single CR2032 battery. So what does it do? In a nutshell the Casio G-Shock Bluetooth with wireless sync with your phone's time, and help you manage incoming alerts as well as work with your phone's alarms.

When Casio first introduced its plans to release a Bluetooth connected watch I wrote about it here with a lot of editorial. Not too much has changed in terms of function, but now we know exactly what the watch will look like and the precise features that it has. Style wise this is a pretty standard G-Shock.Â Glossy black with blue trim, being 53.2mm which and 18.2mm thick - not one of Casio's smaller pieces. Though at 65 grams it won't be heavy. The dial and layout of the info hasn't changed since the concept version of the watch.

The watch dial contains the basic info most G-Shock users are accustomed to. The watch will of course have the time, calendar, alarms, stopwatch, and other host of digital features that Casio always offers. Though like I said, the time will sync via Bluetooth with the connected mobile device. This is ensure accuracy (as the phone is network updated) and to ensure that no matter where you travel, the watch time is correct. This should be an improvement over this function in Casio atomic time controlled watches that can be a bit finicky.

How else will the watch interact with your phone? First of all Casio says that you'll get an alert on your watch of incoming calls and text messages. I am not sure if this means that called IDs and address book information will sync as well. By just tapping the watch itself you can silence the phone from ringing or vibrating. Also note that this G-Shock vibrates in addition to chiming so that you can have silent notifications on your wrist. That is a great feature. Last, if you lose your phone (within Bluetooth range) you will be able to press a button on the watch to make it ring so that you can find it.

According to Casio the watch will also sync with your phone's alarm. I believe this function is similar to being able to silence incoming calls. Where by tapping a button on the watch you can silence incoming alerts and alarms. Casio keeps it simple but useful for its first Bluetooth watch. The affordability and durability of the G-Shock collection makes total sense for this product, and I think there will be a wide adoption among gadget, phone, and watch lovers alike. Expect this technology in more Casio watch soon - especially as more Bluetooth profile 4.0 watches come to market. Because really, if you are in a meeting so important that you need to covertly silence your phone, you don't always want to be wearing a G-Shock sport watch. My best guess on pricing is in the $150 - $200 range. According to Casio, they will release the watch as soon as phone companies start releasing Bluetooth profile 4.0 equipped phones.

Technical details from Casio:

Ref: GB-6900
Case:Shock-resistant
Water Resistance: 20 Bar
Size of Case: 53.2 Ã— 50.0 Ã— 18.3 mm
Total Weight: Approx. 65 g

Communication Specifications
- Data Transfer Rate: 1 Mbps
- Signal Strength: 0 dBm (1mW)
- Signal Range: 2—5 m (may differ depending on surrounding conditions)
- Encryption Method: 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)

Communication Functions
- Time Correction: The watch can be synchronized with time information transmitted from a smart phone
- Incoming Call, E-mail and SMS Alert: The watch alerts users of incoming calls and e-mail and SMS messages sent to a smart phone
- Finder Function: Alarm and vibration functions of a smart phone can be activated using a watch button

Watch Functions
- Alarm: 5 independent daily alarms; hourly time signal; vibration function
- Stopwatch: 1/100-second; measuring capacity: 23:59’59.99?; split time
- Countdown Timer: Measuring unit: 1 second; input range: 1 minute to 24 hours
- World Time: 100 cities (35 time zones, daylight saving on/off) and Coordinated Universal Time
- Light: LED backlight (auto light switch and afterglow, Super Illuminator)
- Other: Full auto-calendar, 12/24-hour format; sleep mode

Power Source: CR2032
Battery Life: Approx. 2 years (assuming the communication function is used for 12 hours per day)

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Casio Bluetooth Watch For Smart Phones

admin — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 08:05:56 +0000

News about this Casio watch concept has been everywhere. People seem to be more excited about what it is able to do than Casio is. This is partially evidenced by its circa 1987 G-Shock design. This however is a mere prototype - meant to show off the concept. That concept being the ability for a watch to sync via Bluetooth with a phone - and not have pathetically poor battery life in the process. Sure this Casio Bluetooth watch isn't the first timepiece that allows you to connect your phone to your watch, but all of those previous watches needed to be charged really frequently. This watch would need a battery change each two years like a normal (non solar powered) Casio quartz watch.

The secret? Something called BLE, which stands for Bluetooth Low Energy. This new profile requires much less energy to move information from two Bluetooth connected devices. Though I did also hear that this is a feature of Bluetooth profile 4.0 - something that is currently not available on any phones. So while this is impressive technology, you'll have to not only wait for this watch to come out, but also new phones to come out that utilize Bluetooth 4.0.

If the Casio Bluetooth concept is a success, don't expect just this one resin model to come out. Casio will more than likely offer a whole range of timepieces that utilize the phone connect functions. While I could be wrong, I have a feeling that the pictured model will not be released in an unmodified form. Though for reference, it is just over 44mm wide - so not as big as say a Pathfinder model.

OK, so you have a decent battery life and the ability to connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth. What is that going to allow you to do? Casio has actually be able to successfully demonstrate a host of uses that I think are more than gimmicky. They are also seem to suggest some light touch screen properties.

While there is more info below, and the final product is yet to be seen, there are a few promising features. First is the very basic time sync function. Know all those people who use phones for the time rather than watches? Well the accurate time from your phone can sync to this Casio watch - that also applies to the date, etc...

Because the connection is almost instant, your watch can let you know when a call is coming in, as well as who is calling you via caller ID - or contact name info set in your phone. You can also silence the ringer on your phone to stop a call by tapping the watch. Related to this is the ability to get alerts about incoming text messages or e-mails on your watch.

You should also be able to access information gathered on your phone, on your watch. GPS information, or streaming data from apps should theoretically being available on the Casio Bluetooth watch. This has all types of potential functions and benefits. These include simple tools such as weather data on your wrist, to potentially information on turn by turn GPS directions on your wrist.

As really cool feature (especially for a lot of people I know) is the "find my phone" tool. Given that your watch is in Bluetooth range of your smartphone (maybe 30 feet), you will be able to have your phone ring if you can't find it. This is good if the phone is dropped under a seat in the car, long in a bag, or caught somewhere in bed covers.

Aside from all of these phone connect features via Bluetooth, except the Casio watch to do all the things you'd expect from a Casio watch. So you'll have the time, calendar, alarms, stopwatch, etc... While we are all really excited about this new Casio Bluetooth watch, I expect a few solid months before it is finally commercially available - if not more. There will need to be at least a few phones on the market with the most up to date Bluetooth standards, and the price will need to be right. I have a feeling these Casio Bluetooth watches will be in the $200 range when they are eventually available.

Tech specs from Casio:

Watch Capabilities:

Incoming call and e-mail alert — see who is contacting you without having to take out your Smartphone (aka during a meeting or dinner date)
Phone finder - for all those times you misplace your phone and need someone else to call it in order to find it (you need this)
Global Time Sync — self-adjusts to local time (think of jet setting and never having to set your watch ever again, no really!)
Can sync with a variety of applications:
- Sports and fitness/Outdoors — track your distance, speed, direction and altitude
- Security: alert emergency services via call/e-mail through your watch
- Entertainment — use your watch as a motion sensing, remote control

Overview of Casio’s Prototype Bluetooth Low Energy Watch

Main features:

Â§Â Wireless communication is powered by the button-cell battery used in small devices and watches

Â§Â Battery life with the communication functions is the same as previously released watches

Â§Â The watch case measures a comfortable 53.4 (D) x 44.4 (W) x 12.8 (T) millimeters

Main functions:

Â§Â The alert signal notifies the wearer of calls and e-mail messages arriving on the networked smartphone

Â§Â Alarm and vibration functions of a smartphone can be activated using a watch button

Â§Â A smartphone’s ring and vibration alerts can be stopped by tapping the watch

Â§Â Accurate time information can be transmitted from a smartphone to the watch to ensure correct time

Main Specifications of the Prototype Bluetooth Low Energy Watch

Communication Specifications	Data Transfer Rate	1 Mbps
	Signal Strength	0 dBm (1mW)
	Signal Range	2—5 m (may differ depending on surrounding conditions)
	Encryption Method	128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
Communication Functions	Time Correction	The watch can be synchronized with time information transmitted from a smartphone
	Incoming Call and E-mail Alert	The watch alerts users of incoming calls and e-mail messages sent to a smartphone
	Finder Function	Alarm and vibration functions of a smartphone can be activated using a watch button
Watch Functions	Alarm	5 independent daily alarms; hourly time signal; vibration function
	Stopwatch	1/100-second; measuring capacity: 23:59’59.99”; split time
	Countdown Timer	Measuring unit: 1 second; Input range: 1 minute to 24 hours
	World Time	100 cities (35 time zones, daylight saving on/off) and Coordinated Universal Time
	Light	Electro-luminescent backlight with afterglow
	Other	Full auto-calendar, 12/24-hour format; sleep mode
Power Source		CR2032
Approx. Battery Life (Based on the Prototype Model)		Approx. 2 years (assuming the communication function is used for 12 hours per day)
Size of Case		53.4 Ã— 44.4 Ã— 12.8 mm
Total Weight		Approx. 50g

Casio G Shock GB 6900 7JF White Bluetooth Low Energy Wireless Technology NIB
$247.50
Time Remaining: 1h 55m
Buy It Now for only: $247.50
Buy It Now

Tri Band Screen Touch Mobile Phone Watch w Bluetooth FM
$90.99
Time Remaining: 9h 42m
Buy It Now for only: $90.99
Buy It Now

new Imitation of Pirates mobile phones watch bluetooth Vibrating Bracelet
$23.70 (16 Bids)
Time Remaining: 11h 25m

Bid now

GSM Multimedia Cell Phone Watch Camera MP3 Touch Screen Bluetooth Dual Band
$249.95
Time Remaining: 12h 55m
Buy It Now for only: $249.95
Buy It Now

Watch Mobile Cell Phone Bluetooth Spy Camera 4Band 910
$120.35
Time Remaining: 1d 50m
Buy It Now for only: $120.35
Buy It Now

NEW BURG G6 Watch Phone BURG 6 Watch Cell Phone Bluetooth Compatible White
$30.00 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 1d 2h 7m

Bid now

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Casio Pathfinder PAG-240-1 Watch Review

phubbard — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 07:05:19 +0000

Somehow, I think that the watch designers at Casio enjoy their jobs.

I've never met or spoken to one, but from seeing a succession of Casios over the years, and the relentless way that they keep improving, every single time, I have to think that they like what they do. Case in point today: the new PAG-240-1 Pathfinder. Casio has done a lot of Pathfinders over the years, and every single time the come up with new features, killer prices and manage to improve the user interface in small ways to boot.

This Pathfinder is mid-line for Casio, lacking only the radio-set functionality of the more expensive versions. It still has solar power (which I consider an essential feature for an outdoor watch), alarms, countdown timer, world time, altimeter, barometer, compass, altimeter, thermometer, trend graphs and an EL backlight. The case is 50.7mm across at the widest point, 15.5mm thick and 65g on the plastic strap.

There's also a leather strap, model PAG-240B-2, and bracelet, model PAG-240T-7. As with most Pathfinders, it's water resistant to 100m (vs 200m for G-Shocks) and quite comfortable to wear. I tried this one out for an hour of ultimate frisbee, and it was great: easy to read at a glance, and seemingly weightless even when tired.

The other new feature of the PAG-240 is the dual-layer LCD, what Casio is calling 'duplex.' Above the normal dial is one of radial segments, which Casio uses for several features. Obviously, it's used to show the compass major axes:

Here is where I admire the ingenuity of the Casio engineers: They reused the second layer to show mode, and for several of the modes it adds features at a glance. Here's world time mode, not the 24h scale on the edge of the glass:

Here you can see local time (lower left segment, pointing just past 14:00 hours) and world time (just past 21:00).

It's also used for sunrise/sunset indication:

Sunrise/set is a new feature too, I think, and quite useful for outdoors types.

Other things to note: Bidirectional compass bezel, the usual excellent Casio buttons that work even when gloved, and the remarkable fact that the second LCD layer doesn't reduce display contrast noticeably, a feat all by itself. You can set the green area to show year (picture above), day of the week or a small trend graph of barometer readings.

Overall, with a list price of $250, this is another killer value. I don't find the lack of radio synchronization to be a big deal, but if you do there's lots of Pathfinders to choose from. It's a big, geeky, feature-laden watch and can go straight from cubicle to hiking trail at the end of the week. I think owners of previous models will like the addition of the duplex LCD and it's added usability.

Thanks to Casio for the review unit. Opinions are 100% independent.

Casio Dee & Ricky G-Shock GA110DR-1A Watch

admin — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 07:13:54 +0000

When I first learned about this new Dee & Ricky limited edition G-Shock watches, I was like WTF?! Not that I would wear it, but I can appreciate the culture that created it. The watch design really started in the 1980s, though the designs may not be aware of that. It was the time of Lego and bright colors, and when wearing wild hues was fashionable until the mid 1990s (when thankfully florescent colors went out). The lineage of the style also is related to 8 bit gaming. Nintendo brought bright colors before our eyes on a daily basis in blocky glory. This watch is the summation of an entire pop culture generation. Nerds with focus, geeks with passion.Â Designers Dee & Ricky are New York born twins who are self taught and highly inspired by their youth. If this watch is at all questionable to you, then simply view the video they made below with direct and video artist Kenzo Digital (which will appeal to all Lego and G-Shock fans). Don't worry, the Casio part of it comes in later in the video - though I promise you, it does. The film is actually called "Super Ultra Kara-Tay" (starring Dee & Ricky). When it comes down to it... these "street fighters" need the power of a mystical watch to beat the bad guy. About as silly as Saturday morning cartoons from 1989, and as fun.

Casio loves hooking up with talent such as this. Urban, relevant, and thought provoking. It isn't as much a way to sell watches, as it is a way to get Casio into pop culture. And in that they have succeeded. The watch seen hereÂ (ref. GA110DR-1A) is a version of the new GA110 line of G-Shock watches. I reviewed a cousin model to this, the Casio GA100 here. Ricky & Dee embark on adding their own mixture of colors to the watch - and Casio seems happy to oblige. It is a series of bold, contrasting colors, and it sticks out. A watch for people who want attention - which many do.

With only a slight premium over the non-limited edition models of the new GA110, the watch will only cost $130 - and I am not sure how many models are in the limited edition set. Functions remain the same as the standard model. Which are the time, 1/1000 second chronograph with tacyhmeter, several alarms, world time, 200 meters of water resistance, calendar, back-lights, etc... Note the use of standard and negative LCD displays. If you like it, then they are available at certain Casio G-Shock authorized dealers.

see Casio G-Shock watches on Amazon here.

Casio G SHOCK x GODZILLA DW 6900BGODZ 9JF Mens Watch Limited Model
$269.00
Time Remaining: 1h 55m
Buy It Now for only: $269.00
Buy It Now

CASIO G SHOCK Watches GA 110GB 1AJF Combinations LIMITED Sale New BLACK GOLD
$284.99
Time Remaining: 3h 7m
Buy It Now for only: $284.99
Buy It Now

NEW CASIO G SHOCK GA 110RF 9AJF Shipp from Japan Limited Product
$290.00
Time Remaining: 3h 43m
Buy It Now for only: $290.00
Buy It Now

HARD TO FIND NEW GSHOCK GA110GB 1 XLARGE CASIO GOLD BLACK LIMITED WATCH
$189.85
Time Remaining: 4h 31m
Buy It Now for only: $189.85
Buy It Now

G SHOCK 5600 Limited Edition Watch by Casio F1 Red Bull Vettel Webber GP Sponso
$165.00
Time Remaining: 4h 54m
Buy It Now for only: $165.00
Buy It Now

G SHOCK GW 9300GY Mudman Limited Watch by Casio F1 Red Bull Vettel Webber GP GT3
$499.99
Time Remaining: 6h 9m
Buy It Now for only: $499.99
Buy It Now

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Casio G-Shock X-Large Combi GA100 Watch Review

admin — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 07:26:46 +0000

When I was visiting with Casio at their rather massive room at Baselworld 2010, it wasÂ almost an overwhelming, colorful adventure of Casiotopia. The G-Shock area was probably the most interesting to me because those Japanese designers frequently have something stimulation each year that you don't expect. This year it was a watch with a surprisingly affordable watch. Not like any Casio is unaffordable, but given the rise in quality and prices in Citizen and Seiko, I was expecting some similar high-end stuff from Casio. For me, one of their major 2010 stars was a very inexpensive watch - and I think most people will like it. At just $99 and coming in a range of really fun colors - this Casio GA100 X-Large Combi line of timepieces hits a sweet spot catering both to G-Shock enthusiasts, and people who are often turned off by digital only watches.

The GA100 (aka GA-100) collection is not without its quirks, but overall it is a great watch. Casio calls it the "X-Large Combi" because the case is a bit big, and it is a combination of both analog hands and four small LCD screens. This mixture of both elements has been done before, but works in a very stylish and fun manner here. Aside from just the hip, industrial style of the watch, it has some less than common features for Casio timepieces. First is the 1/1000 of a second stopwatch (chronograph) function. When you need such precision, or how reliable your fingers are when it comes to such small variations in time - I don't know. But what I do know is that you have the ability to measure very small differences in time, which makes this a bona fide gadget watch!

The chronograph function is combined with a digital tachymeter in way that I haven't seen before. A tachymeter is used to measure speed traveled, assuming you can measure a pre-defined distance. Say you want to measure the speed of something, and you can gauge when it has traveled exactly one mile. At the starting point of the time you'd start the chronograph, and then stop it when whatever you are measuring travels one mile. Using a few of the screens together, you can read the speed traveled. The watch settings allow you to adjust the unit of measuring (mile, kilometer), and I think the distance traveled as well. It is a fun little toy that will no doubt be useful to a few people. The subsidiary analog hand at the top of the dial is used for this purpose actually. It is used with the digital window to its right to measure speeds up to 1000mph or 1000kph. There is another little window for speeds over 1000!

While you have the time in an analog fashion, you also have the ability to have the time digitally in the lower left digital LCD window. This is sometimes easier depending on your preferences - or when reading the time at night. Which brings me to a issue with at least some of the GA100 watches. The analog hands have no lume, but the hour indicators around the dial do have lume. Why this is? I don' t know. There is a backlight in the form of a lower mounted LED light, but when it is turned on in the dark it sort of washes out the LCD screens and makes the hands not super easy to read (especially the red hour hand on this color combo). For me, this means that while it is not impossible to read the GA100 at night, it is not an ideal G-Shock for this purpose. There are others though that excel at night reading.

Other functions the watch has are pretty standard Casio G-Shock fare. Calendar, timer, alarms, world time, auto LED, chiming features, and lots of durability. The Japanese quartz movement is a lot of what you expect in Casio watches. Here, the watch has a value price because higher-priced functions such a solar charging, and atomic clock radio synchronizing are absent. Not that all watches with these features are much more expensive, but they would have made the design of the GA100's dial not possible, and would have risen the price. The watch crystal is actually really clear, with next to no glare making the dial very easy to read. The main allure for me of the watch is in fact the high-style dial. The stacked brick texture with the instrument like windows is well-designed and feels like a modern tale of the G-Shock ideals. Symmetry is also good - especially as many G-Shock dials feel off-centered to me.

The watch case is actually about 51mm wide, but you'd never know that wearing it. It wears smaller actually, and doesn't look silly. The case architecture looks good. Large contrast color pushers are easy to find and press, and the style of the strap is actually press nice. The resin materials the case is make out of are better than usual. There is a soft, satin feeling to the plastic which is a step above what you might have been used to in the past. The strap connects via double pins for a secure buckling.

In addition to the black and red colored version you see here, there are some fancy color combos that are really fun. My fav is the white and purple (yes, that is my favorite), and there is a CAT tractor looking yellow and block style. In Japan, there will be even more styles if you feel like seeing what is available overseas. Overall a great new G-Shock collection, especially for people who wouldn't normally consider a digital watch. While the GA100 X-Large Combi is not without its minor issues, it is an enjoy experience, and a good looking watch that is bound to lift your style just a little bit. Once again, retail price is $99.

Learn more or get one at Casio here.

Thanks to Casio for the review unit, Opinions are 100% independent.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Casio Pathfinder PAW-5000 Watch Review

admin — Mon, 10 May 2010 07:04:51 +0000

Casio lovers have been waiting for an analog version of the esteemed Pathfinder watch for years (elsewhere called "ProTrek"). The do anything watch in the Casio family was a bit plagued by nerditis. That is, while the watches are fantastically functional, they ooze a bit of "dork." I am a proud owner of many a Pathfinder watches, and love the looks, feel, and utility they provide - but admit it isn't a watch I'd bring along a wingman on a date. Better for activities, being outdoors, and wanting to survive the perils of nature. Social gatherings demand a bit more tact when it comes to your digital aura.

So the clever engineers at Casio devised the PAW-5000. I can't say with absolute certainly that this is the first Pathfinder watch with analog hands, but it is the first that I am aware of. It has all the bell & whistles you expect in these watches, with the addition of analog hangs, and a Casio Tough Movement (Tough Mvt.). So what is a tough movement? It is a special quartz movement that helps keep the hands perfectly aligned after times of physical shock. I first wrote about it here, so click that link to learn more. Pretty much something you need to having with a rugged watch like this. One of the benefits of the movement is that hands are always perfectly aligned (that I have found), which is a big plus for a quartz watch in my book.

As you would expect, the movement is also solar (any light actually) powered ("Tough Solar"), and atomic clock radio controlled. Actually, being an analog watch might be of benefit to power generation. You can see that most of the dial is a photo-receptive solar panel - larger than the smaller ring used in the all digital screen models. Like other high-end pathfinder models, the watch can receive signals from your local atomic clock to sync to the correct time perfectly each day. This is actually one of the most complex functions in these phones, but you can set it to auto receive each night. I recommend looking through the instructions if you wish to fiddle with the "RC" (radio controlled) functions.

I have to admit that even though the watch dial is really busy on the PAW-5000 watch, it isn't that tough to read - in fact, I would say it is easy to read. Casio is smart not to add clutter underneath where the hands travel (too much), which greatly assists with legibility. I personally find the hands easy to spot and they have a high contrast with the dial. So legibility is good! Casio took some inspiration from the popularity of the Tissot T-Touch family of watches. Not in the "touch" department, but in using the hands for some of the features. Thus, the orange seconds hand is used a lot in the various functions. It isn't quite as slick as in the T-Touch watches, but the Casio is clearly much less expensive (and will probably last longer). As such, the seconds hand is used as the compass needle in the compass mode, to assist with the barometer reading, to see what timezone you are switching to in the world time function (see the abbreviated reference cities spelled out around the dial), and a few other things. Casio does a good job making you feel that the analog part of the watch plays nicely with the Pathfinder part of the watch.

For many of the functions you will need to rely on the smaller LCD screen. That will be your go to space for the chronograph, alarms, countdown timer, calendar, readings for the sensors, and other information. For years Casio has learned to skillfully use small LCD screens for such functions. While each is totally useful, I still recommend an all digital Pathfinder watch if you are going to be using these functions extensively. It just makes more sense when you have more LCD screen real estate. But if you are going to be mainly using the watch for time, with the occasional need for the other functions, then this is a solid choice.

Being a pathfinder watch, the piece will of course have the requisite "ABC" functions. This is the altimeter, barometer, and compass. This also includes the thermometer as part of the barometer function. Again, this are present and useful as expected, with reliance on the small screen, and some integration of the analog hands. The button layout on the watch is the same you are used to. With three on the right, one on the left, and two on the front of the watch. There is little to no learning curve if you are going to the PAW-5000 watch from any other Pathfinder model.

One area that Casio might need to work on a bit is the backlighting. The watch uses a bright LED. It is bright enough, but is placed in an odd location - right at the bottom of the watch. If you turn it on in the dark, it washes out the LCD screen a bit, making it hard to read. Plus, the light isn't lit quite long enough for me. It takes me a little bit longer to read analog hands versus a digital readout. I understand that the LED draws on the battery a lot, but I end up having to turn it on a few time to read the time. These are relatively small issues actually, and don't actually impede using the watch, they just make it take a bit longer in some instances.

Casio really upgraded the look of the Pathfinder watch here. The PAW-5ooo has a nice metal bezel (even in this resin model). There is also a model with a titanium bracelet available. Case is water resistant to 100 meters. The metal bezel looks really nice, and helps "de-plastic" the watch a bit. The resin strap also has metal plates on each side near the watch. At about 50mm wide, the watch is bit, but nothing larger than other Pathfinder watch - though it is a bit thicker than some of the ultra-thin models we have been seeing such as the Casio PAW-2000 that I reviewed here. Style is overall good, and I think we finally have a Pathfinder watch that can be worn to the office. It really has a cool technical look to it, but one that isn't too nerdy As always with this collection, the watch is very comfortable on the wrist (large or small), and is quite light. Casio has mastered the "I didn't even realize it was on my wrist" feeling in even its largest watches. An evolution on the Pathfinder collection the PAW-5000 is not. Instead, it is a true analog/digital alternative to the rock-solid collection that for most people is the gold standard of multi sensor watches. Casio engineers prove that they can use their greatest technology to house a highly durable analog movement in a watch that is meant to keep you updated with information when you need it most. Also, it offers two pieces of functionality that Tissot T-Touch lovers have been begging for, for years. Those being solar power generation and atomic time keeping. Price for the Casio PAW-5000 watch starts at $450 (more for the metal bracelet version)

Learn more or get one at Casio here.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.