Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I just got this watch yesterday, so this review cannot address issues of longevity or service life. However, I noticed there are no reviews on Amazon of this particular model as I was shopping and comparing, so I thought I would provide my comments here. I did a lot of comparisons and research when selecting this watch.
Overview:
Before I get into a lot of details, my quick impressions - better than expected! It looks better than it does in any pictures I found, in which the watch looks solid black with a blue face. There is a lot of dark subdued green hues, as well as black, that give the watch a subtle military look. The face is only blue when illuminated; otherwise it looks a bit gray/green, which I like. I also love the nylon-resin band. The buttons are well designed. They are not easy to hit accidentally, yet I find them easy to use when I want to.The atomic timekeeping works well so far (I live in the Phoenix, AZ area). I did a manual receive yesterday, and the watch successfully received time synchronization while I slept last night (which is very easy to confirm when you get up). The functions are plentiful and easy to figure out by referencing the manual. If you have had another G-shock the functions will be very familiar.
Check the manuals:
When I started looking at different brands I remembered an original G-shock I had a long time ago. I gave it to my son. I checked and was very interested in the solar power and atomic timekeeping.The biggest problem was deciding on which model. I found the technical specifications listed on Casio's website were a bit misleading. There are some functions that are listed only for certain models, yet when I downloaded the owner's manuals I found all the models I compared had them. For instance, some list the ability to turn daylight savings time on and off. I was concerned about models that did not list that capability since I live in AZ and we don't use DST! I found by reading the manuals that all the models I was considering has that capability - they probably all do.If you are very concerned about a particular function, I recommend downloading the manuals from Casio.com. You have to get the module number (not model number) for the watch, then you can download the manual from the support page.
More on the band:
I was worried because I wasn't sure what a "nylon resin" band would be like. I am familiar with the resin band, like on my original. I went to a local Walmart to see if they had one. I found a similar watch with a nylon strap with a Velcro closure. It was okay, but I wasn't thrilled with it. I ordered the Green Atomic thinking that was the strap I was getting. I was very pleasantly surprised with this strap. It is not a cloth like nylon at all. It is more like resin band reinforced with nylon - so it is comfortable, seems like it will be very strong, and it is not the kind of material that will absorb sweat and other moisture (which was my concern). I like to go from working out to the steam room, to the shower, and then to work - all while wearing a watch. I was worried about having something that would soak up sweat.Lightweight vs Heavyweight:
In looking at the various solar atomic models, it seems to me there are some that are lightweight (like the green atomic), and some that are metallic and very heavy. My Citizen Aqualand was very heavy, so I didn't think I would mind that, but I went to a local store and put on one of the MTG series G-shocks and didn't like it. I prefer the lighter styles, like this one.
Main Function Difference:
One of the biggest considerations was the set of functions. All the Casios have a lot of functions. In the G-shock atomic solar watches - the main difference is that some have the time recorder (which allows you to hit a memo button to record up to 30 different times) and others (like this model) have a countdown timer. I really like having a countdown timer with alarm - I miss that from my old G-shock. I really couldn't think of much use for the time recorder.
The little things:
I was a little sorry to see no display of the day of the week. I may be the only person who forgets what day of the week it is, but I was sad to see it was not included in the display. I was pleased to find out (accidentally - I did not find this in the manual) that I can toggle between the date display and the day of week by hitting the "B" button while in timekeeping mode!
Reliability:
As I already mentioned, mine is brand new. I scoured the Internet for reviews and found a couple of people who posted problems with solar models dying on them. They also mentioned that once out of warranty, battery replacement on these models is more than the watch. I am curious about that and I am thinking of contacting Casio and asking about that. I also found some reviews of solar models that have held up for a long time and are still running. Although this isn't a cheap watch, it is not terribly expensive either. I am comfortable taking a "risk." These G-shocks seem to have a very good overall reputation for reliability and ruggedness.
Summary:
If, like me, you like the G-shock and are anal about knowing exactly what time it is - the atomic G-shock is a great watch.Trying to wade through all of the various models can be difficult, but if you narrow down what you want:
1.Analog vs digital
2.Light vs heavy
3.Time recording vs countdown alarm
You can narrow down your choices more quickly. So far I am thrilled with my choice, and I don't expect that to change.
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Casio Men's GW002KA-3V G-Shock Solar Atomic Timekeeping WatchProduct Description: Perfect for your active lifestyle, this Casio G-Shock men's digital sport watch (model GW002KA-3V) is solar-powered and wirelessly receives atomic time updates. This powerfully styled watch features a durable dark gray resin case and polyurethane strap. It offers a 1/100-second stopwatch with a 60-minute measuring capacity as well as four independent daily alarms (with one snooze alarm), world time from 30 cities, and an autocalendar (to the year 2039). And because it's solar-powered--charging in either sunlight or indoor light--you'll never have to deal with changing the battery. Other features include a scratch-resistant mineral crystal, AfterGlow LED electro-luminescent backlight, and water resistance to 200 meters (660 feet)--suitable for recreational scuba diving.
This radio-controlled watch receives a time calibration signal transmitted from Fort Collins, Colorado, and signal reception is possible within a radius of about 2,000 miles from the Fort Collins transmitter. You can choose to automatically receive this signal four times a day, or manually update the watch to the atomic clock.
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