Reviewed By: Mike C
Review date: Sat 14th January 2012
Rating: Excellent





VERIFIED WATCHSHOP BUYER (PURCHASED: THU 29TH DEC 2011)
Being my first ABC (altimeter-barometer-compass) watch, I had to read through the printed manual that comes with it, to get a full understanding of all the features. After one week of use, I haven’t come to regret my choice one bit. This is the thinnest of all the ABC watches from the Casio Pro Trek line-up, and I can concur to that, as the watch sits rather flush on the wrist and is reasonably light at 70 grams. The watch certainly looks better in person than in the pictures. Underneath the watch, where the resin band meets the case, there are two plastic fins which help it sit comfortably on the wrist. I have not experienced any problems with pinched or pulled arm hairs, as I have read some users complain. The duplex LCD is a nice feature as it allows for a comprehensive data display in all modes. The contrast is great, the digits are big and easy to read even in low light, and it has full E.L. backlight to use in the dark.
I got a strong signal (level 3) reception to sync the watch with the atomic time calibration signal, which is all the more impressive seeing as I live almost at the edge of the signal coverage area. This means I will never have to fiddle with setting the time, date and DST ever again, as it is all done automatically with the sync.
The solar power (Tough Solar) is a great feature, as I need not worry about battery replacement. The watch arrived with the battery on M(edium) level, but after half an hour in the sun it went to H(igh) level and it has stayed at H ever since, even though I wear the watch under my sleeve.
Other great functions of the watch are sunset/sunrise time based on latitude/longitude for any given date, 24 h CDT and Stopwatch, 5 daily alarms, 48 city world time, to name but a few. The compass can store in the memory a direction reading and display that reading as you take subsequent measurements, so you can easily find your bearing outdoors.
The buttons are not hard to press, and the design of the case prevents accidental button operation.
I have found the watch sensor to be fairly accurate in altimeter-barometer-compass modes, although calibration of the altimeter is recommended. In order to get accurate temperature readings, the watch should be taken off the wrist, or it will give erroneous readings due to body temperature. This however, is an issue with all Casio ABC watches.
The watch (made in Japan) is very well built, with good quality materials. The resin band is sturdy but not rigid.
Regarding the purchase, I can highly recommend Watchshop, as the purchase went without a hitch. The watch was well packaged and delivered to me on time.
To sum up, this is one the most feature packed ABC watches there is, and I am very pleased with my choice.