Swatch again

Every so often, maybe every year or so, I tend to look at what Swatch have in store. They are, after all a unique brand of timepiece that on many levels just works.
So much so that I have a few myself, even though I would at one time balked at the idea of plastic cases and straps, some transparent too and with a pretty decent quartz movement plus an easy fit/replace battery. Now the plastics are being replaced with bio-sourced materials and many are so light weight it’s easy to forget you have one on your wrist.

A couple I noted this time are a little bit different.

First is the SO34G700, a green cased one from what’s called the “What if “ from the bio-ceramic range. And this one breaks tradition a bit as it’s square.

It’s quartz and it comes in a very green formed case – bio-ceramic of course, as is the glass and strap, though not the buckle. Officially the bulk of this model is both ceramic and bio-sourced and all a bit beyond me, but I quite like it. The Water Resistance if perhaps a bit minimal at 2Bar, but par for the course with these.

A big plus for this model though is the face or dial. It’s big and it’s clear, so no specs needed AND it shows the Day and the Date @3 and has what is termed “glow” hands, so presumably you should see the time in the dark. It also has a sweep seconds hand, which is always useful.

The watch size is 41.80mm and 10.50mm depth and as I say – it is Square. The glass is also square and with enough bulk to almost read the indices from the side.
Note on the back (not shown here) is an image of a round faced dial on the battery cover. Not sure why.
Whilst I don’t have many square watches in my collection, this one is different and modern enough to warrant my attention. So, I could be tempted, maybe.

However, at £91.00 it’s perhaps not the cheapest, but that said, not the dearest either, so the choice is yours.

The second model I’ve spotted is quite different – this is the “Blue Away” SO28K700-S14, from the Swatch Essentials category, which is again all bio, though the case this time is transparent, with a contrasting blue silicon strap, with plastic buckle. The dial is also blue with contrasting coloured hour, minute and sweep seconds hands.

It also features a Day and Date window@3 and this time marginally more Water resistant at 3Bar and the watch size is considerably

smaller than the first watch featured here. Just 34mm, 8.75mm depth and 39.20 lug to lug, with the almost traditional Swatch 3 pronged strap fitting.
The dial features a nice colour combination, which again is very easy to read.

This model comes in at a very respectable £64.00 and wears as a very neat and compact watch on the wrist.

I rather like it.

So another look at what personally takes my interest in the Swatch world. Probably not to other’s taste, who knows. But once again Swatch comes up with new ideas, in what are very affordable, Swiss made quartz accuracy – their philosophy seems to work as they’re still around.

Till next time . . . . . .

Smart Health H-Band EP03

Most folks who regularly check out my web site, are probably aware that I am no lover of “smart” watches. This is because I don’t particularly like the idea of a device that sits there and duplicates what you’re doing on your cell phone. Usually as both the “smarty” and the Cell, are only about a foot or so apart, so doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. Then there is the battery life, which as a mechanical and quartz watch collector, I see as almost always laughable. Now where IS that damned charger?

But recently, after a few heart scares, I looked around and checked out some of the models that tell you something about your health. I wanted one that was more geared towards health than so called fitness.

I eventually decided on this “health” model – and it’s surprisingly good. I have seen the same software and App with other names and a few different watch models and shapes too, but this is the one I got.

It’s the H Band EP03 and whilst it has the ubiquitous and rather bland, black rectangular look, the stuff inside is actually pretty useful and the display is outstanding.

And no, I am NOT taking up jogging!

First and foremost, it tells the time and the 5 or so choices on the watch are enough for me (they have others). I picked one that was big and clear (as main pic above) and swiping left or right leads you to the main functions, health-wise and I show here some of the display views.

Coupled to this is the App (I have iPad) which gives a comprehensive detail and interpretation of any results. It certainly does a lot more than the classic pump your arm up and read the basic dial of my old Boots unit.

Incidentally I got it on the 8^th and the battery is still going after a week – they quote around 15 days standby? It’s charged via a tiny magnetic fool-proof connection to a USB thingy- and takes about 4 hours I think to charge.

My selected ‘Watch dial’ – shows the time, the day, my last manual pulse check figure and also the number of steps so far for the current day. Basic stuff I know, but that’s fine for me. Swipe it to the right or left and we’re on to the other functions. And Up takes you to some other options and Down to messages/emails etc.
There’s the usual Pedometer with Step numbers, Calories burnt and Distance covered, if you’re into that, though quite useful, especially as I’m on a diet and needing some exercises to assist.

Cycling (sorry) through the next few swipes in order – and note the watch runs and records all the time on most functions – you get constant readings of Pulse and Blood Pressure, Blood Glucose, Blood oxygen, Body temperature, Sleep patterns (constant at night) and the weather (local using your location). You can run an ECG (there is a sensor plate on the left side of the watch) and in addition it has a chest sticker and lead to assist too, if more detail is required.

But you can manually do all the above ON the watch itself.

It’s as easy as swipe the dial through the different tests and either press the screen or the arrow and that’s pretty much it.

The App I have discovered (I have iPad and iPhone) has an amazing amount of detail versus the basic test figures shown on the dial and has some really detailed analysis data. I don’t think you can print these out – but I took a screen shot of some of the data pages and it works for me.

You can of course add notifications for all today’s media stuff (Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and all that stuff – none of which I subscribe to, but also phone messages, email, alerts and lots of things I’ve never heard of!
I’ve got notification of emails, which I confess was handy as a reminder to check my email!

But all the main stuff is easy to see, easy to use and gives comprehensive data to reassure you that are still alive! Though in my case, at times – just!

I tend to wear it all day until I have bath at night, then wear it again before bed, then repeat the next day etc.

Blood Pressure and Pulse accuracy –

Now this has always been a bit contentious according the folk who know and all I can do is to use it, then compare both BP and Heart Rate against my Boots upper arm cuff Unit, which IS accurate.

It is fact that wrist cuffs as opposed to upper arm cuffs give different readings. The wrist cuffs are roughly +5% higher for Systolic and around +10% for Diastolic readings. Basically this is owing to positioning (wrist is lower than upper arm).

I have found that this unit, which uses an Optical sensor system is around +5% for Systolic and +10/12%% Diastolic and for BP is just about on par with the Boots Unit.
The instructions say that for BP and Pulse readings, the wrist should be palm down and level with the heart for best results Knowing this you can have a reasonably accurate set of measurements. And when sleeping, the figures are possibly more accurate, being on the same horizontal plane.

As to the App – this is surprising – as it interprets the data and gives an assessment based on the overall readings over 24 hours – and that is very useful.
In fact, it can show you issues that are either pre-existing or factors you might be advised to see your Doctor about – you never know.

The analysis of the recorded data is quite remarkable and could pick up heart anomalies, of which you may not be aware. Heart Rate readings are taken every 5 minutes from midnight to 07.00am and present in groups of 5 readings usually, which gives an excellent indicator during sleep. Also Blood Pressure is taken constantly over the 24 hour period. You can review these on the App, as it stores 3 days readings, so you can get a good idea of how you’re doing.
It also checks out your heart health Index, which surprisingly is 72 for me, which is in the normal range (60 – 100 is in the normal range). There is also a very interesting analytical reading displayed as the Lorentz Scatter diagram, which can give indications as to your heart wellbeing.

So overall a pretty comprehensive set of checks and analysis – all on your wrist. Clever stuff indeed.

However, as with all these new and available to all systems and software – if in doubt – see you Doctor. Remember that medical checking and monitoring equipment used by the professionals are checked for accuracy regularly. (this unit, you buy and use at your own discretion).

Sleep pattern – discovered mine wasn’t great and could be a LOT better and as a result, I’ve modified my life habits accordingly, and to my benefit I have to admit. Now my deep sleep has increased and I feel fitter and have a little bit more energy.

Pedometer – Well, I don’t subscribe to the 12,000 steps a day rubbish it suggested I should do for optimum health (at my age?).
I say this as in the News recently, the latest science says- maybe 5,000 steps – but the current medical view seems to suggest 2500 steps is acceptable to keep joints and muscles working reasonably well. And at my age, well, I do what I can do (I have set 2500 as my goal).

But I’m impressed with this ‘device’ (wow! That’s a modern expression for me) as it does what I want it to do, clearly and easily.

(I understand it can also do routes and fitness programs IF needed, because it has a GPS function – I mean it also gives our local weather – AND it is very local and accurate, which surprised me!

But for simplicity it’s great, because that’s what I want. I use it purely for the basic heath stuff and for that I have to give it 5 stars.

It also didn’t break the Bank at under £60, so it was worth giving it a shot. And I’m pleased I did. And it has a Water Resistance spec to IP67, so if you’re caught in the rain or if you dunk it in the sink, you should be OK. There’s no facility on the App, as far as I can see, to Print the data, but you can “share” data – which seems to be an image file of the selected App screen results, to email or any other App that will accept it – so you could print that.

But, don’t let this thing rule your life – I know a couple who do everything with their ‘device’ and some of what they do, seems distinctly unhealthy to me!

But hey! They’re young!

However I’ll repeat what I wrote earlier – As with all these new and available to all systems and software – if in doubt – see you Doctor.
Remember that medical monitoring equipment used by medical professionals are checked for accuracy regularly (whereas, this unit, you buy and use at your own discretion).

For me though, I like this little unit. It gives an insight into your general health and a general set of clues as to how you are doing – and that has to be good.

Note – This review updated 26/08/2023 – added “share” info. Unit is working flawlessly and I’m working too! not flawlessly, but OK for me.

Models that just got it right (1 of series)

Been looking at some of my older models, actually I’m trying to thin out my collection. And it was when doing this I discovered quite a few watches, which on second thoughts, I decided against moving them on. Basically because first, I bought them for a reason and secondly, they are actually damned good watches. Not expensive, but models that haven’t really been bettered in practice. So I’m simply re-posting these, but with a Review Addendum dated now, at the end, with an update on how I see them today –

The first is – posted 2012 and reviewed (see addendum) today.

Year 2012 – Can’t think why I haven’t posted this watch before as I wear it often enough, especially when off on weekend trips and so on. Somewhere that I don’t have my bedside clock and need or certainly prefer in the middle of the night to be able to tell the time immediately. Of course Tritium light source watches are the answer. Non of this Superluminova that seems to vary in consistency between manufacturers, but a light emitting source that is bright, bright, bright! To this end I have to show you the UZI –

Uzi01 — The Uzi Defender – 001-N – Tritium

Not a bad looking watch at all and especially when you consider it has Tritium illumination, a military look and here fitted to a black matching silicon deployment strap. I’ve had this one for quite a few years now and it still impresses me as to it’s accuracy and it’s ability to still look as new as the day I bought it!

Hardened Mineral Crystal in a tough resin case, screw down crown with a Water Resistance of 200m (that’s 660ft), a black dial plus a one way rotating outer bezel, can’t be at all bad and especially for the price – I seem to recall somewhere around £70.00. It is a decent size too at 43mm diameter and 14mm depth, but it wears SMALL – it simply does not look big – probably as across the crystal face is only 28mm – but that doesn’t seem to detract from the fact that it’s really quite easy and clear to read despite the UZI yellow logo just below 12.

Uzi02 — Easy read face of the Uzi Defender – Note the light source points.

This particular older model is all black unlike I believe the current ones which have an olive green bezel perhaps? though I prefer the darker look and the night ability is exceptional. The tritium light source capsules are @12, 3, 6 and 9 – the hour and minute hands are also “tubed” light source and the natty center second hand is red tipped with a luminous coated tip, which although in the dark is not as bright – it can be seen. The @12 position has double tubes and is not green as the other points, but orange. Note there are also luminous dots on the hours. So this watch is definitely for those who like the darker side!

Uzi03 — Mated to a black ribbed silicon deployment strap.

A screw down crown (as you would expect with this WR), and interestingly as I understand it this particular model at the time I bought it stated just a quartz movement with Swiss components. I have to say whatever it is, it has been superb. Maybe not a Ronda, but it works VERY well and the proof as they say . . . .

The fact that this is resin cased means it is very light indeed and very, very tough. No marks on this one at all, so it wears extremely well. And here I have to mention the price again.

This is one really good value watch, especially when you consider it has the light source illumination and when put against others with this system – and I even mean the others in the Uzi range. It is available currently in Stainless steel – but at a premium £150.00, then there’s black stainless steel at £165.00 and to cap it all, a Titanium one at up around £230.00!

To me I really can’t see these premiums at all – this model shown here at the price I bought it for, does the business – hands down. And most metals scratch with use – and this? – well – it doesn’t! It’s also very lightweight and tough and with the silicon strap it will certainly do me a long, long time.

And against other manufacturers, such as Traser, or Nite, or Smith and Wesson, or Swiss Military and Luminox and so on, it represents tremendous value and I have to applaud them for it.

Uzi04 — 4 point screw down sealed back – 200m WR.

Now after all this – I was sure I had posted this watch here before, but I’m unable to find it on my site at all – so maybe this was one I deleted inadvertently a year or so back – whatever. I post or re-post it here anyway and I’ll treat it as a “re-visit” after some years of quite extended use and say again what a smart, value watch this has and continues to be. I’m off on a trip soon and guess what? I’ll be taking this with me – Oh Yes!

Addendum – 6th August 2023
Last reviewed 2012 and it’s still working perfectly and the last battery fitted was way back in 2019 and it’s still going, so power wise it seems to be very low usage. Perhaps as everything about this watch is so light.

The Lume (Tritium) is still good and accuracy is as good as I need. Shows the time and the date and is still very water resistant at 200m, not a bad spec’ for a cheap watch at the end of the day.

It’s one of these models that appears to have got everything right at the best possible price – and today that is worth a lot!”

Farer (UK design) Swiss watch

Nice to come across the British independent watch designer Farer, who feature a range of new high quality Swiss Made models, of which two have my interest. Both feature cushion shaped cases, which can be very attractive and a move away from the ubiquitous round cases. Sometimes this shape doesn’t attract, but in the case of Farer, they most certainly do.

The first one is the manual wind ‘Durham’ Cushion model of which there are 4 different styles, with various dial and strap colours. Each is beautifully configured with high quality cut dials and a 316 stainless steel cushion shaped case. This has a tan strap, but there are other ones available.

The case in a neat size at 38.5 mm diameter and slim too at just 10.5 mm. A running seconds sub dial @6, which is indented and great contrasting black ‘Dauphine’ hour and minutes hands make for a very stylish look. The curved Sapphire crystal has multi-layered Anti-reflective coatings on the inside, compliments by a Sapphire crystal exhibition back. The strap fitting is 20 mm and the Water Resistance is 5 ATM, so from a WR view, it is a dress watch.

The movement is a Sellita SW216- 1 24 jewel Elabore grade manual wind, 28,000 vpl with a 45 hour reserve once fully wound.
Made in Switzerland by Ruventa Henex who supply Private Label movements and a highly respected manufacturer.

This model is priced at £895, so perhaps for some a little pricey, but for the quality and styling, for me it represents good value.

The second model that really takes my fancy is the titanium series Aqua Compressor Endevour 11, with a slightly different profiled cushion case style. This tough Titanium grade 11 is also very light weight at just 62 grams.

Note – More information on the Compressor grade Titanium case is on their web site –

The Dive Compressor, Reinvented.

This model has a serious Water resistance rating of 300m and features the Sellita SW200-1 26 jewel Automatic movement, which I’ve met before on some very good watches. And known as a great reliable movement.

The Endevour is slightly larger at 41 mm diameter and 12.5 mm depth, but still neat as modern day watches go and it features a double domed Sapphire crystal, again with multi-layer Anti-reflective coating on the internal surface.

The dial this time is designed for great clarity in poor light and underwater, with wide hour and minute hands and a centre sweep split seconds hand seen against a black light absorbing matte surface. The dial bezel is internal – but the images speak for themselves.

Price is £995 – which for high quality Brit design (Swiss Made) is pretty decent value in my book. Might be tempted myself!

With a guarantee of 5 years on all their movements plus a 30 day (if you don’t like it – return it – in unworn as new condition of course). What’s not to like.

Neat 200m Oceanographer

Always on the lookout for a diver’s watch and seeing I was on a bit of a Bulova kick at the moment, surprise, surprise – a Bulova Diver.

This is the Bulova Oceanographer 96B350 200m water resistant ISO compliant Diver’s model. It is powered by a mechanical Automatic Miyota movement, so is very reliable.

Featuring a nicely shaped stainless steel case with a screw down crown, it has a bright orange uncluttered dial – this means clarity, which is a thing of mine. The minute and hour hands are large and luminous, as are the markers, plus it has a white running seconds hand, which is always useful.

It also has a rotating bezel, in black and orange with a luminous datum arrow, all of which are clear to read. Plus a good size contrasting Date window @3 (often called “calendar”, but to me it’s a Date watch – simple). And don’t get me wrong, that’s good, but I prefer to say it as it is.

Conventional rubber pin buckle strap & screw back

The dial is protected by a domed sapphire crystal, the stainless steel back is a solid screw fit, it has a standard fitting flexible rubber strap with pin buckle and the crown is knurled enough to get a good grip on it, so what’s not to like?

In essence, I rather like this Bulova model because it does what it says – no hype, no clutter and no fuss – what you see it what you get. And it is a sensible size at just 41mm diameter.

It’s also available at under £500, has a 3 year Guarantee and has a look that’s just slightly different owing to that subtle cushion shaped case, which for me lifts it above many.

As I say – I like it and certainly worth a look.

Plain & simple

As the title says – this is without doubt, a plain & simple watch. One that is a neat size, no frills, quality maker and looks good.

This is the “Hack” from Bulova, which is a homage if you like to their military heritage, but simplified to suit the “no frills” watch wearer. It also features an Automatic 21 jewel mechanical movement as opposed to Quartz. The movement has a 42 hour reserve, so for those who don’t wear the watch overnight, no worries, it will still be running in the morning.

The black background dial is relatively, uncluttered with no day or date windows, so no distractions and complimented by decent sized and luminous hour and minute hands reminiscent of Divers models. It also has a running seconds hand, often overlooked these days, but very handy. The dial also has in red, a 24 hour inner centre track for those situations where you don’t know if it’s day or night – it happens 😉

A domed mineral crystal covers the dial and it has a water resistance to 30 metres.

The grey stainless steel watch case is a neat 38mm diameter with a Khaki green leather NATO strap, so easily replaced or changed to whatever floats your boat.

All in all, this is a nice little watch (note the decent crown size), which is practical without being too large, unobtrusive, not flashy. It costs under £300 and has a 3 year warranty.

Plain & simple – as I said. . . . .

Update on a favourite.

The watch featured in this update is the Eco-Drive A-T CB0020-09E also known as the World Perpetual A-T – a superbly made 42mm diameter, 11mm depth stainless steel Radio Controlled model from Citizen. The thing is I don’t believe it has been bettered by Citizen and I bought this in January 2011.

CitAT01 — World Calendar Citizen AT – Eco-Drive, perpetual Calendar, Radio Controlled, instant world time analog and only 11mm depth – a masterpiece!

This is the rubber strapped version (a couple come with leather straps and a couple with bracelets are also available). And an excellent quality of silicon rubber strap it is too, with a nice double push button fold-over clasp. Like many other rubber straps however whilst it is adjustable it also tends to be a sort of final adjustment if you have small wrists as cutting is the name of the game, which is a pity. However as alluded to in my previous post, this is not the end of the world as this watch has standard case and lug arrangements, so a replacement alternative rubber or leather strap is easily sourced and fitted.

CitATWrist — 43mm x 11mm makes for a neat watch on the wrist

As said the other versions come with alternative strap arrangements, but this is not the only difference.

Whilst this model has a button @4 which is used to set the world time for example, the leather strap version has a recessed pusher instead. I personally prefer the button as it can easily be operated with the finger and not the end of a pen or other pointed object which may not be to hand.
Another difference is the omission of a bezel – where this model is clearly marked with the city positions – the strap versions have no bezel and the city markers are tucked under the sapphire crystal and part of the dial. Those who are familiar with my blog will know I’m not a great fan of bezels, but in this case not only does it look well but I find it a little easier to read. And apart from some other minor variations the watches share the same functionality and internal mechanics.
The flat sapphire crystal is anti-reflection coated and is very effective, especially as the internal dial markers and so on are not over chromed or reflective anyway and as a result the dark dial face has good contrast and is clear and easy to read.

The movement is the H144 caliber and with radio receivers built in and Radio Controlled so assuming you can receive a signal from one of the 5 transmitting stations, then it’s pretty much the perfect time keeper – it’s stand-alone accuracy without RC is pretty much standard fare for this range of Citizens at around +/-15secs per month.
Radio Control wise, the watch automatically scans for a signal at 2am, then 3am and 4am. If it receives successfully at either of these, then further attempts are deactivated. You can also initiate demand reception manually rather than wait for the automatic update and this is easily done. Simply press and hold the button @4 for around 2 seconds then release. The seconds multi-function hand will move to the “RX” in the little window @9. Let the watch sit in a position where it can best get the signal and note the receiver on this watch is on the 9 side of the case, so point that side roughly towards where the signal is

CitWristClasp — Stainless push button fold-over clasp

Here in the northern hemisphere I point it south as the European radio transmitter is located in Germany and it manages fine – here it takes under 5 minutes (the instruction booklet says allow up to 15 minutes as it’s dependent on signal strength).
After the update completes, the second hand returns to normal operation. The indication of success or otherwise can be checked easily – simply press the button once and the seconds multifunction hand will move to the little window @9 and point to OK or NO. Can’t be much clearer than that!

Interesting system means this watch is a perpetual calendar until 2100 anyway – set the time and it sets the year, month and day automatically. But note that only the date is shown in the window@3, it doesn’t display day or month like the ana/digi Citizen Attesa models, such as the ATV53-2833 (click for my review).
Note – in case of problems the day, date, month and year can be set manually. There is also a quick set date concealed pusher @2 – so pretty much everything is catered for.

Setting the world time in 26 cities and time zones from 0 to 12 with a couple of half zones in there, is a piece of cake – crown to position 1 and turning it moves the seconds hand (which doubles as a control pointer) to each city in turn. The hands follow automatically to whatever zone is selected. Daylight Savings time is indicated in the little window between the 4 and 5 o’clock position and will automatically be set when a signal is received. It too can be set manually if needed.

Being one of Citizen’s Eco-drive models it doesn’t require battery changes. Managing to power itself from available light, when fully charged it can run for 2 years with the power save function activated or around 6 months if not (Power Save is used if the watch is in the dark for 7 days – it stops the hands and deactivates the Radio Control receive function, but the watch continues to keep quartz time).
Note that the watch will also not try to get a signal if the power is low – indicated by the second hand moving in 2 second intervals – another neat feature of this watch.

Other features include a full reset, hand repositioning etc. and the Time and Calendar can also be set manually to allow the auto calendar function to continue after that.

So all in all a pretty comprehensive unit, beautifully made, an excellent 200m Water Resistance, a very comfortable rubber strap and with sensible operational and safety features seamlessly built in. It can be found from around £230 in the UK, though fortunately I managed to find this one for less and coupled with the inclusive Citizen 5 year Guarantee I’m pretty pleased with this new and modern watch for my collection.

As said before I reckon this is the easiest world time adjusting watch there is and it seems slimmer and sleeker than any of their current models. So, sometimes a model comes along that simply is as good as it gets – and this is one of them. So glad I got it and still wearing it today!

CWC Military update

It’s been a while since I looked at the CWC military spec models and the latest incarnation that grabs my attention is this nice PVD cased SBS Divers QS120-DD.

This for me, is a proper, no nonsense military model, that has solid features, without frills.
It starts off with a decent 300m Water Resistance with screw down crown, which is neatly shrouded for protection.

The watch has a black matt PVD coated finish and a decent size at 41mm diameter minus crown (overall diameter is 45mm with the crown) and lug to lug size is actually a neat 47mm.

The Sapphire crystal has a diameter of 31mm, which is relatively small, but with the clarity of the dial markings, seems to fit perfectly. It has a clearly marked 120 click bezel surrounding it.
Note the bezel has it’s own excellent luminous datum point marker.

The dial also features very good luminous qualities with proper Super-Luminova hands and markers, as shown in the second image. There is also a Day and Date window @3 which is a good size, so easy to read.

It’s powered by a Swiss Ronda Quartz movement, so a decent reliable Maker. There is also a seconds hand with pointer, also lumed, so timing anything is possible.
The strap is held to the case, not with spring bars, which in military circumstances can be too easily detached, but are fixed steel bars, so a NATO strap is kind of essential and supplied.

Overall I like this watch, even though the prices is perhaps higher than I expected. Mind you the last one I had from CWC was a long, long time ago – and this is a step up in all facets of look and operation. Presently around £699, but perhaps cheaper if any deals around. But what you get is an excellent, solid and dependable watch that does what it’s supposed to do.

And that’s got to be good these days!

G-Shock Tough Solar GA-B2100

First time I’ve had a look at this particular G Shock model and whilst I do have another G Shock in my collection, my post comparison Casio/Timex – refers https://watchspace.co.uk/2013/02/14/a-digital-classic/) I’ve never found them to be quite right for me. However, this one may the one to make me change my mind.

This is the G Shock Bluetooth Tough Solar version GA-B2100 model.

At first glance to me it seems like many others in the range and the strap already has me concerned, as it might be a bespoke one, so, not easily changed for a standard strap should it become brittle or damaged.
I like the fact it has many of the usual G Shock features, such as Alarms, World Time and a Perpetual Calendar and so on AND that it has analog hour and minute hands, which I understand are Luminous, though the markers are not, which I think is a mistake – with no other reference points when looking at the hands in the dark, it is possible to misread the time. It’s as simple as that.

I like the neat digital window, which Casio are masters at and the fact that the hands can be moved out of the way if obscuring the digits you need to see. The other dial shows battery life and other selected functions of the watch (it is Solar, so with light applied under normal situations, then you can basically forget about battery life). Apparently it will still work even after being left in a dark drawer for around 18 months.

I also like the fact that there is no logo in a distracting colour on the dial (another way of mis-reading time at night) – there is a back light apparently, but I prefer to read a watch at night, at a glance without pressing buttons. It also has a feature of beeping every hour on the hour, but fortunately I understand this can be silenced.
Watch accuracy is the usual -/+ 15 secs a month, though if paired with your phone using Bluetooth, then it’s arguably similar to a Radio Controlled system, though I think many folks will prefer the Radio Receiver system – not every one carries a phone (yes indeed, would you believe! and I’m one of them!)

The glass is toughened mineral and the module and case are protected by Casio’s Carbon Core Guard structure. However, one of the gripes I have with some of these “protected” watches, is the level of protection guarding the buttons or pushers. Often these are protected too well and subsequently difficult to access or operate – I have also found that with other G Shocks. In fact I have always found the protection of the Timex Anti-shock tough watches to be just as good, in firstly protecting unintended operation of buttons, but managing to still allow easy to access the pushers.

I note the watch apparently is 48.5mm lug to lug and 45.4mm diameter (across) x 11.9mm depth. My personal concern are the first two measurement, This is a large watch, albeit a light one and for me, might just be on the big side. I also noted some folks have a concern that the resin case bezel is quite thin and can be adversely affected by the warmth of wearing on the wrist (something I’ve never heard of before) – vis a vis – apparently distorting slightly from the circular where it meets the glass. How this affects the 200m Water resistance or the collection of dust in any gap (bezel to glass) – I would have to see for myself, if this is an issue or not.

BUT – I hasten to add that I have not yet been able to get one in my hands yet, so my brief look is perhaps presumptive, but does illustrate my personal concerns, especially if purchasing one online and unseen in the hand as it were.
However at around £129 it is certainly not an expensive model, but that said, it’s not the first time I’ve bought online and found a watch too big – and that can be so disappointing.

So, I reserve judgement on this model until I get one close up and personal. So – as always Watch this Space.

Memories of Military watches?

One of the most often abused terms is “military” when applied to watches and caused mostly by the fact that watch technology has moved on since the first idea of a Military Specification model appeared. The concept had many facets, each of which was ticked off as a preferred requirement. Indeed it covered such aspects as case materials, what and why used – such as non-shiny and have fitness properties in respect of weather and wear and in situations rarely encountered in civilian life.

Water, mud, night use and physical damage. Although it had to be rugged it also had to be reliable and a good time keeper. Dark dial with white or green luminous numerals which were of legible size, often a 24 hour track and the watches must be if not minimalistic, simple to operate. Battery powered models should have a quick and easy way to replace the battery, hence the battery “hatch” found on many Mil Spec models (though in truth some hatches are anything but easy to get the battery out, once in) Bracelets or straps have to be tough and not fall off easily and both the case and the strap must be waterproof and abrasion resistant.

MWC W10 military - Tritium. A simple interpretation of Mil Spec. — MWC W10 military – Tritium lights. A Mil Spec classic.

And these are just the basics, but as I say watch technology has moved on and so too has the “basic” requirements of a military specified model today. That said some of the best models around are still based on the old specification, as the basic warfare situation, certainly for ground soldiers has hardly changed. In fact many of the older models are collectors gold depending on the Brand and particular Mil Spec at the time.

Uzi Tritium on Quick strap. Another simple Mil Spec interpretation. — Uzi Tritium on Quick strap.
Another Mil Spec interpretation with tritium.

But today “military” as a description of modern watches is perhaps more a fashion statement than a serious and proper “fit for purpose” requirement and there are literally dozens of military “style” models around, from good to bad and from expensive, to cheap as chips. Interestingly a really decent “genuine” military model doesn’t have to cost the earth as long as it gets the basics right.

With the decrease in luminous analog models today unless buying a true Mil Spec model, the “military style” watches, often digital or combo watches tend to feature LE back light displays or dials models. As one of the original requirements of case design is to be non-shiny, to me the idea of any back lights at night, could well be an enemy sniper’s delight and the last thing you saw!

There are few models around that feature a cover, so if checking your watch it would make sense to exercise extreme caution and only expose the dial briefly with the hand shrouding it from being visible by others? – care would certainly be my watchword! But of course I digress – as I’m really talking about Military “style” watches now.

Whilst there is still a market for true Mil Spec models it’s the fashion market that rules today’s biggest market what I’ll call “M-style” watches and basically for those of us who want that military look or style or “stealth” or “macho” model.
Because we collect them and have lots of fun wearing them and because they look good on that camping trip or whatever. Indeed there are so many, that often original concepts are not considered.

In fact some are so “stealthy” that they are virtually impossible to read and forgetting the most basic tenet of all – you must be able to see it to read it – and this for any watch!

Here, I must note that many digital watches, both combo and digital can and often do suffer from lack of clarity, unless they have a very good digital display. Fortunately we have the likes of Casio who’s displays are probably the best available (certainly the positive displays) though there are others, whilst they look great on enhanced photos on web sites, are in reality pretty awful and frankly not worth the money.

The Casio on the other hand is used by so many military folks whether Mil Spec or not, is one the the success stories of watch models today. Some of the G-Shock series in all practical aspects meet and surpass most military requirements AND manage to meet the fashion of the day too. Quite a feat. Mind you, talk to a few forces people and their individual ideas of a “military” model that suits their requirements are often very different. What suits you maybe doesn’t suit me – and so on.

The Casio GD120CM5 digital Camouflage model shown here is one with an excellent display, tough case, dull finish, shock resistant, water resistant to 200m and has a whole pile of extra functions from chronograph to Alarms and OK it does have a decent LED back light – so you MUST take care when using that! So, as far as a digital only model at $130 it’s also pretty good and the camouflage case and strap is a nice touch. Also uses the CR2015 battery so expect around 7 years. But that strap – is it changeable for a standard fit strap? Unfortunately not, as it uses a proprietary resin affair from Casio fitted to 16mm? spring bars – very odd set up – and that’s a pity – but for the price of the watch – maybe buy 3 of ’em – should last a few years, even in action.

However, for me maybe a good combo model with digital AND analog hands (luminous, might be a more sensible option).
Now OK I know that analog hands could be susceptible to shock situations (though never in all my years, including military) but the advantage for me of the “quick glance” at analog hands is something that digital displays simply cannot match. And in a war situation, believe me, you don’t have much time!

Personally and this is just me talking, there are one or two essential requirements.

1 – it must be legible, day and night – so a good back light display and/or luminous hands, plus a gloved had as a shroud – for sniper safety.
2 – it must be Water Resistant to at least 100m, preferably more, as wading in a river with currents is NOT the same as walking in the rain.
3 – preferably non-shiny and with a standard strap fitting or at least screw-in strap bars.
4 – it must be intuitive/easy to operate. In other words I have no interest in carrying a watch manual with me wherever I go.
5 – Quartz is fine and as accurate as you will need. And functions IF useful – if not, stick to basics.

Now if some of these basic requirements seem familiar it’s not surprising is it and does show how sensible the basic Mil Spec ideas were after all!

Casio GW2500BD-A - OK but no cigar! — Casio GW2500BD-A – OK but no cigar!

So what have I found so far?
The Casio BD2500BD-1A shown here is not bad at all, as they use real hands, solid and luminous plus used 2 x displays. But two issues here – 1) they’ve tried to illuminate the entire dial with a dial light – not a good idea and too bright – Why not a simple back light?. The luminous hands will look after themselves. And 2) an integral strap resin affair – if it breaks you’re done!
And amazingly, this model still has shiny old style pushers – surely non-reflective would be better.

It’s also maybe too well specified regarding features – when I was pushing mud in full kit, there’s maybe too much data on my wrist – so perhaps simple is better.
One thing this has shown me is that to find a suitable combo model is maybe NOT as simple as you might think.

Going back to the Casio Camouflage model model above – you would think that all you have to do is add a couple of analog hands and hey presto as if by magic – you’re done. Well think again, because just adding hands is not that easy. Hands generally means the display would be smaller and an hour track also takes up more dial space. You also might have to make the hands skeletal so you don’t hide the digital display, which in turn decreases luminous quality. In short designing a model that has a truly legible analog AND digital dial is quite tricky and you can end up (and often the case actually) with dial some ludicrous dial clutter and no luminosity. Try to light it all and it rarely works well – even for Casio. Better to keep it simple – lume the hands and markers well and only light the digital display is my advice.

St Moritz Momentum Format 4 - not much tougher than this guy! — St Moritz Momentum Format 4 – not much tougher than this guy!

What about Dive watches? and here I already have one that just about meets the requirement –

The St Moritz Momentum Format 4 Whilst not totally dull finish it does at least have a good matte satin finish and it’s debatable if it reflected easily in a torch beam for example, but it’s the nearest yet to my specification. Dial wise it has large and very luminous analog hands with center seconds, great luminous numerals and markers AND 2 x digital displays, both of which are clearly visible in daylight and have excellent back lit illumination in the dark. It also has a 24hr track.
Add to that a pretty decent function set with some scroll too, World Time, Alarm, Chronograph and a Timer it’s well specified.
It takes a standard fitting and interchangeable strap and a 200m Water Resistance with screw down Crown and back. It’s also a neat size at just 42mm across and a more robust steel case you will rarely meet and it has a VERY thick crystal. So not sold as “military” but does a pretty good job fooling me!

Timex T49967 Expedition Alarm Chronograph

I also checked out Timex as they do have a very cheap and affordable and very lightweight combo Expedition model with analog hands and a digital display and the hands are luminous. However, the hands as are shortened and the luminous quality is disappointing for Timex. Solid full length hands would have been so much better and why they’re part skeleton is a complete mystery to me, as the solid part left still sweeps across the digital display anyway.
So maybe a cheap attempt, but they managed to get some of it right – with its non shiny resin, standard strap, decent size with digital function set with Chronograph and Alarms etc, though I can do without the lap and split time stuff buttons on the front as I can’t ever see me using these, unless inadvertently. It also has the “Indiglo” back light system which I’ve always thought an idea that should be good, but rarely is. But the poor lume is a real issue. So, good try, but not there yet.

I also checked out the Casio GA100-1A series of Combo military models and discounted them for 2 reasons. First the luminous analog was confined to the hour markers but NOT the hands which I find surreal. And 2nd the overall dial light is torch like and not my idea of sensible illumination at all. It is also a very large watch which does nothing for me – so not a contender.

The problem with this topic is it’s almost unending, as there are so many watch models out there that meet only certain aspects of the “military” ideal and that ideal spec’ changes depending on who you’re talking to. So the only answer is to decide what you want from a watch, decide what you want to do with that watch, decide on a price range, get it and see if it works for you.

If not, then like me you’re off again on that never ending trawl to find that “ideal” watch – of course you’re never actually going to find it, because there’s always another one just round the corner. OK you might one today that seems to fit your ideal, wear it for a while and yet? what was that watch I saw the other day – wow! it looked awesome! Oh boy . . . .!

Lastly – and after all that’s been said – I managed a post regarding the watch I actually used and was with me in my silly years, back in my military days and you’d be surprised. It wasn’t a Military spec or Diver or Stealth or Tough or Tactical – absolutely not. One of the reasons I suppose being that such terms back then didn’t even exist.

My watch (I only had one) was a gold plated manual dress watch, fortunately with luminous (radium) analog hands and no seconds hand, but with a date window and on a standard leather strap and it survived the worst (arguably the best) years of my life.

And as with things in general, well into my civilian life, it eventually disappeared, but it we had both survived. And it does illustrate that you don’t really need all those fancy descriptive models hyping their so-called military connections. Suddenly you’re in the Forces with whatever watch you had at the time. Then before you know it – you’re in action somewhere and funnily enough time isn’t a commodity you have much of in these situations and you and your watch just get on as best you can.

I have to say we both experienced a few bullet scars, but well – that’s life!