Water Resistant Archives

April 27, 2021April 28, 2021

Best Watches For Construction Workers [Our Top Picks]

Construction workers spend all day in job sites while performing all sorts of strenuous physical tasks before them. On top of being a very physically-demanding occupation, construction workers are also always at risk by working in an accident prone environment. This is why construction workers wear protective gear that fits the environment that they work in. One of the most overlooked tool for the job is a watch.

Construction workers need a watch that can stand up to the job. This means a timepiece that’s durable, practical, and built to last.

Today, we’ve rounded up some of the best watches for construction workers to help you kickstart your search. For this list, our top pick is Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 for its wide variety of features and top-notch durability.

Best Watches for Construction Workers	Key Features	Our Rating
Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400	Solar powered, Triple Sensor, Quartz movement, Protective mineral crystal dial window, Mb6 atomic timekeeping, auto LED, 5 Daily Alarms, Water resistant to 660 feet	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire	Full color Topo U.S. mapping, Rugged design, Built in navigation sensors include GPS and Glonass, 3 axis compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter, Preloaded run profiles, Smart notifications, Advanced Performance Metrics	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Timex Expedition Rugged Metal	Genuine leather strap, Cream dial with date window, Full Arabic numerals; 24-hour time, Gray 45 millimeter brass case, Mineral glass crystal, Indiglo light-up watch dial; Luminous hands, Water resistant to 50 meter	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Citizen Eco-Drive AT4010-50E Titanium Perpetual	3 chronograph subdials, 42 mm titanium case, Antireflective sapphire dial window, Titanium link bracelet, Atomic timekeeping, Eco-drive technology, Water Resistant to 666 ft. (200m)	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Luminox 3059 EVO Navy SEAL Colormark	Precise swiss-quartz movement, mineral crystal, polyurethane case, Strong chemical resistance, Very low thermal extension, Anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal	★ ★ ★ ★
Casio PRO-TREK PRG-600	Double LED light, Solar powered, Low-temperature resistant (-10C/14F), Quartz Movement, Digital compass, Water resistant to 100m (330ft), Pro Trek Version 3 Triple Sensor	★ ★ ★ ★

Best Watches for Construction Workers

1. Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400

For this list of the best watches for construction workers, I could probably fill the list with Casio watches and it’s still going to be a pretty good roundup. When it comes to tough watches, it’s no wonder that Casio is a household name. The Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 is what I consider a quintessential Casio tough watch.

The Quintessential Tough Watch

The G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 is a battle-tested timepiece and is widely considered to be one of the best G-Shock watches available.

However, the G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 is more than just a tough watch, it’s a full-featured outdoor unit as well. One of its best features is the Triple Sensor which means that it comes with a compass, altimeter, thermometer and barometer. It’s not exactly something that you can use on the construction site but it’s certainly a nice bonus.

But the toughness of the Rangeman GW-9400 will surely come in handy on the site. As you might expect, this watch is highly resistant to scratches, bumps, shocks, and vibrations. It’s also low temperature resistant, so you can wear it while working in the cold. It’s also a Tough Solar model which means that you don’t have to worry about running out of juice.

Overall, the Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 is a must-have for construction workers, thanks to its legendary toughness and excellent value proposition.

2. Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire

If you’re looking for a timepiece that offers more than your traditional tough watch, the Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire is a top-notch choice.

Perfect for Challenging Environments

The Fenix 5X is also our top choice for the best ‘smartwatches’ for construction workers, so that’s saying something. The Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire is primarily an outdoor watch but it’s going to feel at home at a construction site.

The rugged design of the Fenix 5X allows for some serious durability. It features PVD-coated stainless steel bezel, buttons and rear case – a highly reinforced timepiece that feels tough and solid to the touch. The Transflective technology reflects and transmit light at the same time, so you can read the watch even when you’re working on the site. Water resistance is also great and is rated at 100 meters.

As mentioned, the Fenix 5X Sapphire is a high-end outdoor watch that’s packed with features. The advanced GPS and GLONASS satellite reception makes navigation in the wild a breeze. The full color Topo U.S. mapping is also a great navigation feature. On top of being an amazing outdoor watch, it’s a feature-packed activity tracker as well.

Overall, the Fenix 5X is more than just a tough watch. It’s on the expensive side but it’s worth the investment.

3. Timex Expedition Rugged Metal

When it comes to rugged, tough watches that provide amazing value proposition, Timex needs no introduction. For construction workers, the Timex Expedition Rugged Metal is a reliable timekeeping companion.

Tough and Practical

Timex is a brand that has been around forever, so I tend to think that they know how to make watches. The Timex Expedition is one of the best collections the brand has to offer.

The biggest pro of this watch is its build quality and materials. That tends to be the case with the Expedition collection. This isn’t your Uncle Dave’s old Timex anymore that comes with a cheap metal case and bracelet. The Expedition Rugged Metal is a workhorse of a watch, thanks to its metal construction – it’s a watch that you can rely on while working on a construction site.

As with most Timex watches, the Expedition keeps good time. The Indiglo feature works as intended but the hands are luminous enough that you won’t need the aforementioned feature for legibility. In terms of comfort, this watch wears just right. The leather watch doesn’t just look good, it’s surprisingly comfortable as well.

Finally, the best reason to get this watch is for its price. For this amount of quality and durability, $50 is a steal.

4. Citizen Eco-Drive AT4010-50E Titanium Perpetual

Citizen’s Eco-Drive series is a beloved collection from this legendary Japanese watchmaker. In terms of durability, I went with the Citizen Eco-Drive AT4010-50E Titanium Perpetual.

Combination of Style and Durability

Who says that tough watches need to look like bulky tool watches? The Citizen Eco-Drive AT4010-50E Titanium Perpetual is modern and sleek but is still a reliable timepiece for construction workers.

As a Titanium watch, the case and bracelet deliver in terms of durability. It’s pretty much a daily-wear watch that you can wear from casual walks to construction work. However, with the elegant design and silver tone, I can see myself wearing it during formal events as well. The watch also offers a water resistance of 200 m (660 ft) which is pretty good.

The dial is also a standout and has good texture. However, legibility can be an issue. The three chronograph dials are laid out beautifully but it can be a bit too busy for some people. The atomic timekeeping is a great feature to have, especially if you care about accuracy.

Overall, the Citizen Eco-Drive AT4010-50E Titanium Perpetual is a stylish but durable solar-powered watch. It’s a bit on the expensive side but it should serve you well while on the site.

5. Luminox 3059 EVO Navy SEAL Colormark

The Luminox 3059 EVO Navy SEAL Colormark is one of our top picks for the best military watch. With that in mind, it’s hard not to recommend this watch for a list of the best watches for construction workers.

Rugged Build and Superior Construction

The Luminox 3059 EVO comes with the right amount of heft and bulk. Plus, it comes in safety orange so it’s perfect for construction workers. As far as looks go, this watch is handsome one, thanks to its great shape and the pop of orange color. Plus, it makes the watch easier to read.

But is this a tough watch?

Absolutely! The watch uses the innovative carbon compound material Carbonox. The material is six times lighter than steel and three times lighter than titanium. It’s also very resistant to chemicals and features a very low thermal extension. So when you’re working on the site, it doesn’t get very hot or cold. Luminox did a good job of taking ruggedness and durability to a whole new level.

Finally, it’s a watch that’s recommended by U.S. SEALs and pilots, so you can trust that it’s a reliable piece.

6. Casio PRO-TREK PRG-600

The Casio PRO-TREK PRG-600 is tagged as an “outdoor world timer” and its tough design and bevy of features are the reasons why it’s one of the best watches for construction workers.

The Watch You Take Outside

For starters, the Casio PRO-TREK PRG-600 is one of the newer versions of the Pro Trek series. As you can see, one of the stronger aspects of this watch is its look. It’s quite an outlier as far as Casio designs go. The round face is fairly easy to read, even without the backlight. I think the oversized numbers is a great design decision.

The PRO-TREK PRG-600 is reinforced for temperatures down to -10C and has a water resistance rating of 100 meters. For durability, Casio’s signature rugged design shines here and it’s a good thing that you don’t have to worry about charging because it’s a solar-powered watch.

Ultimately, the PRO-TREK PRG-600 should come in handy for construction workers. However, it does have a steep learning curve.

Reliable Timepieces for Hardworking Men

That wraps up our list of the best watches for construction workers. These watches are not just tough for the sake of it, I also considered the features, usability, comfort, and value proposition. These timepieces won’t let you down while you’re hard at work.

April 22, 2021April 27, 2021

Best Outdoorsman Watch: Brave the Wild Outdoors

The best outdoorsman watch is one that’s tough enough for the harsh outdoor conditions. It’s going to receive a lot of punishment, so its durability should be on point. Plus, the watch should also have the essential outdoorsman features like compass, GPS, barometer, and more.

Today, we’ve made a list of the best outdoorsman watch that your money can buy. These are watches that will serve you well in the wild with useful features for the hardcore outdoor enthusiasts.

If you can’t be bothered to go through our list, we have the Suunto Traverse Alpha as our top pick. It’s a full-featured outdoor watch with the much-needed durability and ruggedness.

Best Outdoorsman Watch	Key Features	Our Rating
Suunto Traverse Alpha	Rugged, knurled stainless steel bezel, Water repellent nylon strap, Location-based moon Phase calendar, Automatic shot detection technology, Compatible with Suunto Movescount App, GPS & GLONASS via SIRFStarV chip	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Casio Pro Trek PRW2500T Tough Solar	Tough Solar Power, Multi-Band Atomic Timekeeping, 200M Water Resistant, Digital Compass, Altimeter, Altimeter Memory, Barometer, Thermometer, Full Auto EL Backlight with Afterglow, Countdown Timer, Battery level indicator, Power saving function	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Garmin Instinct	Constructed to U. S. Military standard, Built in 3 axis compass and barometric altimeter, Smart notifications, TrackBack feature, Smart notifications, Activity tracking	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Timex T49612 Expedition Shock	Shock Resistant to I.S.O. Standards, Digital Compass, Durable Resin Case, Indiglo Light-Up Watch Dial, Water resistant to 200m	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Luminox 3051.BO Navy Seal Colormark	Swiss quartz movement, Durable mineral crystal, Pc carbon reinforced case, Water resistant to 660 feet (200 M), Case diameter: 45 mm	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Citizen BU2055-16E Military Quartz	Analog day/date and12/24-hour time, Eco-Drive technology, Japanese-quartz Movement, Black ion-plated stainless steel case, Dark green Cordura strap	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Best Outdoorsman Watch

1. Suunto Traverse Alpha

When we make a list about the best outdoor watches, the Suunto Traverse Alpha will likely find itself on the list. Why not? It’s a very durable watch with rugged construction, and Suunto didn’t exactly skimp the features.

For the Tactical Outdoorsman

For any outdoorsman, a rugged and reliable timepiece is the most important. This is why the Suunto Traverse Alpha is our top pick for this list of the best outdoorsman watch. The Traverse Alpha is housed in a composite case with a fixed knurled steel bezel. Plus, the watch is protected by sapphire crystal lens, making it less susceptible to scratches. It comes with a water-resistant nylon wrist strap which is great even it starts raining outside.

However, the Traverse Alpha isn’t just a rugged smartwatch, what makes it a top pick are the features. The watch comes with GPS and GLONASS technology and it works beautifully based on my experience. You can also set built-in shortcuts for saving your current position as a point of interest or POI. To get the most out of the Traverse Alpha’s features, make sure to download the Movescount app.

Finally, the woodland design of the watch just screams tactical and I’m sure many outdoorsmen will appreciate that. Wrapping up, it’s certainly one of the best outdoor watches that you can get.

2. Casio Pro Trek PRW2500T Tough Solar

Choosing an outdoor watch from Casio is a daunting task. After all, Casio is the leading brand when it comes to tough watches. For the hardcore outdoors person, the Casio Pro Trek PRW2500T Tough Solar is our top recommendation.

Traditional But Never Outdated

The Pro Trek PRW2500T is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a traditional outdoorsman watch. It’s a digital timepiece with a traditional Casio design. The watch is aimed directly at the outdoor adventure types where it truly shines.

The dedicated compass, altimeter, and barometer are here and the buttons are large enough for easy operation, even if you’re wearing gloves. The screen is large enough to display two levels of data like the current time, visual compass, and numerical heading. The inclusion of tide data and 200m water resistance makes the Pro Trek PRW2500T a solid all-around unit.

Furthermore, this watch is a tough solar mode which means that the battery is solar-rechargeable. Therefore, you’ll never have to worry about running out of juice while outdoors. With a single full charge, you can get 5 months of use without charging with light. Now, that’s a real heavy-duty watch.

Wrapping up, I compare the Pro Trek line to the Jeep Wrangler. The watch retains its basic design over the years but its build quality and feature sets continue to improve.

3. Garmin Instinct

I’ve been debating if I’m going to list the Garmin Fenix or the Garmin Instinct for this list. Ultimately, I went with the Garmin Instinct because it’s a solid outdoor watch but it’s a lot less expensive compared to the Fenix.

Heavy-Duty Piece That Offers Great Value

The Garmin Instinct has a wide range of activity-tracking features but it truly shines with its navigation features. If you value navigation more than anything else, the Garmin Instinct supports GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. Connecting to any of these satellites is quick and easy, even when you’re in the middle of nowhere.

The Instinct features low-resolution, non-color display which is hardly a big deal unless you’re looking to use TOPO maps. In addition, you can upload your routes to the watch which you can use as a reference while outdoors. Or perhaps, you can go old-school by using the Instinct’s built-in compass.

In terms of durability, the watch is constructed to U.S. Military standard 810G so it has excellent thermal, shock and water resistance. For sure, it’s durable enough to take a few knocks. Despite its durability, the Instinct feels light while on the wrist, thanks to its excellent materials and construction. It’s a heavy-duty watch but it doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a brick.

Overall, the Instinct isn’t exactly a full-featured timepiece but it’s a very reliable GPS watch. Also, the price makes it a great buy for hardcore outdoor enthusiasts.

4. Timex T49612 Expedition Shock

Now, here’s our top budget pick. If you want a super durable timepiece that won’t break the bank, the Timex T49612 Expedition Shock is certainly worth checking out.

Designed for Outdoor Torture

When a watch is marketed as “Designed For Outdoor Torture Tests”, you have to take notice. Sounds like it’s an exaggeration but the T49612 Expedition Shock is indeed one tough customer. The durable resin case is putting in the work and the construction makes it seem like it’s built like a tank. Honestly, the T49612 Expedition Shock can give the G-Shocks a run for their money in terms of durability. The water-resistance rating of 200 meters is also a nice bonus.

Unfortunately, the watch is rather light on features, so this is not the piece for you if you’re looking for advanced features. It does come with a digital compass that works well. The watch can also be illuminated with the Indiglo light up system which works great in low-light conditions.

However, the best feature of this watch is actually the price. This is one of the best hiking watches under $100 due to its excellent durability. If I have to find a drawback, the strap will eventually give out especially with regular use.

5. Luminox 3051.BO Navy Seal Colormark

I am a big fan of Luminox, especially of the 3050 series. The Luminox 3051.BO Navy Seal Colormark is endorsed by the Navy Seal, so it’s an easy recommendation from me.

Navy Seal Toughness

The rough and tough nature of the great outdoors doesn’t have a fighting chance against the 3051.BO Navy Seal. Its durability is attributed to the Polycarbonate carbon reinforced case, making it a true tough timepiece but still manages to be lightweight. The face is protected by the durable mineral crystal, providing it with the much-needed scratch resistance.

Despite its bulky and rugged exterior, the 3051.BO Navy Seal is a beautiful masculine watch. The BO designation refers to the blackout color of the watch and the black matte finish adds a tactical look to it. With the blackout colorway, it’s understandable if you think that legibility will be a concern. However, you don’t have to worry about legibility because this watch boasts top-notch luminosity. Whether in nighttime or underwater, you should have no problem reading the watch.

Overall, if this watch is good enough for the Navy Seals, it should be good enough even for the most hardcore outdoorsman.

6. Citizen BU2055-16E Military Quartz

Citizen is a Japanese brand that’s known for making high-quality and reliable watches. The Citizen BU2055-16E Military Quartz is no exception.

Timeless Tactical

The Citizen BU2055-16E Military Quartz watch is yet another tactical watch that many outdoor enthusiasts will love. For starters, the tactical look and canvas strap really make the look of this military-style timepiece. Just a word of warning, the watch is quite sizable at 43mm so it might look big on smaller wrists.

From the construction to the materials used, the BU2055-16E just feels high-quality and robust. The black ion-plated stainless steel case does a great job of adding durability to the piece. The dark green Cordura strap is another durability feature but since it’s canvas, it’s not ideal for wet conditions. However, you can easily swap out the default strap with either a 19mm or 20mm replacement strap.

Also, it’s worth mentioning that it’s an Eco-Drive model which means that it can be charged with solar power. It’s a great watch for those who are looking for something simple but tough.

Brave the Wild Outdoors With These Watches

This concludes our list of the best outdoorsman watch. I’m hoping that I’ve made it easier for you to choose your next outdoor timekeeping companion.

In case you are looking for some more advance tech in your outdoor adventures, you may want to have a look to the best outdoor smartwatches.

April 19, 2021April 27, 2021

Oceanaut Watches Review: Big, Bold, and Colorful

When it comes to watches, no two people have the same preference. Some like timepieces that are made of gold, embedded with diamonds, and elegant timeless designs. Others prefer super-tough outdoor watches that can brave the elements and toughest conditions. Some people prefer their watches to have bold designs, bright colors, and oversized faces. If you belong to the last group, this Oceanaut watches review is for you.

Oceanaut is a fairly obscure brand from California. I’ve always enjoyed discovering new manufacturers and microbrand watches, especially when they offer something interesting to the table. Oceanaut watches offer timepieces with unique designs, good build quality, and relatively affordable pricing.

If you’re looking to expand your collection without resorting to big brands, this Oceanaut watches review should be worth your time.

About Oceanaut

Looking into the history of Oceanaut watches, I must admit that I didn’t find anything substantial about the company. I’ve looked into the company’s official website and also didn’t find good information about how the Oceanaut brand came into fruition. I did find out that Oceanaut is based in Los Angeles, California. Again, nothing much to go on from here.

Also, the Contact page offers very barebones information as well. The company even uses a Gmail account for its official email – it’s not giving me a vote of confidence, not gonna lie. The phone number is also available from the Contact page. They do have social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram).

According to the Oceanaut Our Story page, the company makes watches that evoke a lifestyle of luxury and fashion. They specialize in making watches with classic designs but with great details like textured dials, bold colors, oversized faces, and many others. Oceanaut claims that they use high-quality Swiss & Japanese components and I’m not sure as to what extent is that true.

Unfortunately, there’s very little information about Oceanaut on the web. But hey, you came here because of watches, right?

Oceanaut Watches Review: Pros and Cons

Are Oceanaut watches worth your time and money investment? Although Oceanaut is a fairly unknown brand, I did my best to give it a fair shake and here are the things that I love and don’t love about Oceanaut watches.

What We Love

Good Overall Build Quality

Majority of Oceanaut watches I’ve seen come with stainless steel construction. Some models have ceramic materials but most of the models are made of stainless steel. At this price point, it’s hard to complain about the stainless steel construction. Plus, I think Oceanaut did a good job with the construction so most of the watches I’ve worn feel solid and tight.

As for the dial crystal, it seems that Oceanaut has an affinity towards mineral glass. It’s not a bad choice at all as it provides good protection and scratch resistance. However, I wish they used sapphire glass but I guess that would shoot up the price quite a bit. Water resistance is also good with Oceanaut watches, especially the Submersion line which is a dive watch collection. I was half-expecting the watches to feel “budget-friendly” and I was pleasantly surprised.

Bold Designs

Oceanaut watches are all about being bold, loud, and colorful – fans of minimalist designs can look elsewhere. Many of Oceanaut watches have oversized cases and sporting bright colors. Take for example the Oceanaut OC3324 Baltica with a full yellow bezel and dial except for the indices and hands. The Baltica is big, bold, and certainly loud.

Obviously, the big and loud design philosophy is not for everyone. However, in my opinion, Oceanaut’s design is quite well done. What I like is that Oceanaut goes all-in with its colorful designs because the colors are not just limited to the bezel or the strap.

There’s some variety in the model designs as well but it’s nothing too crazy or innovative.

Amazing Selection of Watches

You can criticize Oceanaut watches all you want but you can’t ever accuse them of not offering enough options.

Oceanaut has an impressive lineup of watches across all types. They offer dive watches in the form of the Submersion line. The Actuator collection is a great looking pilot/field watch. In addition, the Magnete collection is comprised of highly stylish semi-formal timepieces.

This is one of the best things about Oceanaut – the sheer variety of watches that they offer.

Good Price Point

While Oceanaut watches do have good designs and build, I hesitate to call them luxury timepieces. However, this means that Oceanaut watches are offered at a good price point. I’ve been looking around and not a single model is sold for more than a thousand dollars.

Conversely, except for a few entry-level watches, Oceanaut pieces aren’t exactly cheap and are priced in the hundreds. You can even find some watches that are priced below $50. Although the price point is a boon for Oceanaut, it also proves to be a drawback (more on that later).

What We Don’t Love

Derivative Designs

While I do like most of Oceanaut’s watch designs, I have to say that many of them don’t inspire innovation and originality. Maybe it’s just me but many watches by Oceanaut remind me of other watch models from other brands.

For example, the Oceanaut Aqua One collection reminds me of some Victorinox watches. Another example is the Oceanaut Actuator line which closely resembles some pilot watches from Seiko.

But don’t get me wrong, many Oceanaut watches look unique and interesting. At the top of my head, the Lexington and Sentinel are two of my top favorites. I just wish that Oceanaut were more consistent with their designs and not derivative.

Competitive Price Point

As mentioned earlier, Oceanaut watches are fairly affordable but I’m not sure if the value proposition is that good – at least when compared to other brands in a similar price range.

To clarify, Oceanaut’s prices seem to compete with Seiko watches, especially with the mid-range models. I don’t know about you but I think most people will most likely go for Seiko watches just because of its long-standing reputation. Plus, Oceanaut pieces don’t come across as very collectible for me. Sure, you can get a watch that you can wear daily and it will serve you well throughout the years. However, as far as collecting goes, the relative obscurity of the brand stops it from being a desirable option for collectors.

Best Oceanaut Watches

1. Oceanaut OC0114 Aviador

The Oceanaut OC0114 Aviador is not exactly mindblowing. In fact, it’s one of the more derivative watch designs by Oceanaut. However, the Aviador is a good example of an aviation-inspired watch done right.

The Aviador line benefits from Oceanaut’s excellent build quality and attention to detail. Despite having a busy dial, everything in the dial is legible and easy to read. Even the subdials boast good layout for the best legibility. There’s also a date window between the 4 and 5 o’clock but it’s a bit too tiny for my taste.

Additionally, the Oceanaut OC0114 Aviador feels a solid and durable watch. The pure stainless steel construction feels appropriately weighty but not too heavy that it becomes uncomfortable. It doesn’t hurt that the watch looks good on the wrist as well. Depending on your color of choice, the dial really stands out but in a good way.

Overall, the Oceanaut OC0114 Aviador is one of the best models that Oceanaut has to offer.

2. Oceanaut OC3320 Baltica

Next, we have the Oceanaut OC3320 Baltica which is a sports watch model from the L.A.-based manufacturer. I’m a bit of a sucker for black-dialed watches, so the Oceanaut OC3320 Baltica caught my attention immediately.

Consistent with Oceanaut’s design philosophy of being big and bold, the Baltica’s oversized dial is simply eye-catching. The size of the dial gives the Baltica an excellent wrist presence and great legibility. I love the thick hands of the watch but they can sometimes obscure the subdials. Also, the 3, 6, 9, and 12 numerals are stylish which gives the watch an interesting look.

Again, the stainless steel construction of the Baltica comes through and it helps the watch to feel solid and secure. It features a water-resistance rating of 330 feet which is fairly decent for this type of watch.

3. Oceanaut OC6115 Biarritz

Lastly, we have the Oceanaut OC6115 Biarritz for you, which is my favorite fashion piece from Oceanaut’s stable.

The Biarritz is notable for having crazy colorful dials and I have to say that it works great. Particularly, I am a fan of the Oceanaut OC6115 Biarritz which sports a cherry red dial with a black case and bracelet. This black-red combination gives the watch a handsome masculine look.

This is the type of watch that you can wear daily or to semi-formal events. Again, this is a fairly large watch at 44mm. If you have a small wrist, the Biarritz might be too small for you. Personally, the Oceanaut OC6115 Biarritz’s size is just right although it does have a bit of heft to it.

Also, the black stainless steel bracelet feels comfortable and solid. In terms of comfort, the Biarritz doesn’t disappoint. Finally, it’s a sports chronograph priced at below $500, so it’s hard to complain at this price point.

Oceanaut Watches Review: Are They Any Good?

As per usual, we wrap up this Oceanaut watches review with our verdict.

Are Oceanaut watches worth checking out? I have to answer with a cautious YES! There are many elements of watchmaking that Oceanaut got right. The first thing that comes to mind is the design. The bold, big, and colorful design philosophy can be hard to pull off but Oceanaut did it. I also like the fact that there are so many options to choose from.

On the other, there’s really nothing too mindblowing about this brand. Many of its designs are derivative and some elements are fairly mediocre.

Ultimately, Oceanaut watches are worth checking out if you love big and colorful timepieces.

April 18, 2021April 27, 2021

Best Waterproof Android Smartwatch: Top Models

After spending hours checking the quality and features on various smartwatches, we recommend the Garmin Fenix 5 as the Best Waterproof Android Smartwatch.

We selected this timepiece because it has a sturdy build and water resistance to great depth. It is also GPS enabled and has an impressive battery life. Overall, the watch can withstand damage from moisture while offering features that meet our daily needs.

Best Waterproof Android Smartwatch

Are you’re looking for the best Android waterproof smartwatch that can track your health rate, navigate any terrain, and carryout other exciting things? Here in this article, we’ve great models for you.

Every year, Android smartwatches marker keeps flooding the market with advanced waterproof models. Some of these smartwatches have an IP68 protection rating, which means they can withstand splashes and brief immersion in water up to 1.5 meters. But watches with this waterproof rating are not suitable underwater or water-based activities.

Furthermore, there are also more advanced models with water-resistant to 50 meters and beyond. With this smartwatch on your wrist, you do not need to take it off when showering or having a short swim. However, you should avoid using them for snorkeling or scuba diving.

One exciting part about this android smartwatches is that they come with impressive features for daily use. These features include heart rate monitor, barometer, WIFI, sleep tracker, GPS function, and more.

With all these mentioned above, you certainly want the best android waterproof smartwatch that can withstand moisture, and serve your specific need, right? Hence, before you buy a waterproof smartwatch with untrue claims and regret your money spent, we’ve compiled some of the best models on the market. These smartwatches on our list are durable, packed with great features, and don’t get damaged easily when submerged in water.

So, what are you waiting for? Read on as we reveal to you the best waterproof smartwatches that stand out on the market?

Garmin Vívoactive 3

Are you looking for the best waterproof smartwatch for fitness? Then you should consider purchasing this watch from Garmin Vivoactive 3. Like most watches on our list, this product supports people with active lives and encourages a healthy lifestyle.

Dedicated App Store

Garmin offers a download store that has numerous apps for this smartwatch. From this app store, you can download and install watch faces that suit your taste. Some apps focus on various fitness-based activities such as running, hiking, stretching, and cycling.

Durable Build for Regular Use

Its screen has a diameter of 1.2 inches while boasting of 240 × 240 pixels which are ideal for both large and small wrist sizes. It also allows you to read any information without effort under any conditions. The watch face of the smartwatch is protected by sturdy Gorilla glass that is topped by a stainless steel bezel.

The internal parts of the Vivoactive 3 are housed in a fiber-reinforced polymer case that has a stainless steel cover. Also, it has a silicone strap that can withstand sweat and other forms of moisture.

Water Resistance

You can shower or swim without taking this smartwatch off because it is water-resistant to 50m. However, we do not recommend you swim for long periods or dive with the timepiece on your wrist.

Ideal Battery Life

In smartwatch mode, its battery can run for seven days while it lasts for 13 hours in GPS mode. You can recharge the battery with the assigned charger that comes with the smart timepiece.

Opinion and Drawbacks

This smartwatch is a worthy investment as it encourages fitness and healthy living. Unfortunately, it does not have onboard storage for music files. Hence, you will have to take your smartphone along during workouts.

Samsung Gear S3

The Samsung Gear S3 is one of the popular rivals of Apple smartwatch. It comes with impressive features that make it stand out in the best android waterproof smartwatch list. Gear S3 has specs for daily activities like running, messaging, and calls. As expected from a possible best waterproof watch for Andriod devices, it can withstand damage from moisture and splashes.

Durable Design

This product is a round face device with a bulky look that will fit people with bigger wrists. But the Gear S3 also has a design that offers comfort and allows ease of use in all conditions.

A Gorilla glass that can resist cracks due to falls from distances as much as 5 feet covers its display face. Furthermore, a movable steel bezel tops the crystal and allows you to access notifications and apps quickly.

Its internal parts are housed in a durable case while a replaceable 22m silicone strap holds the watch to your wrist.

Extended Battery Life

When it comes to the best smartwatch under 300, the Gear S3 rival many brands on the market due to its long battery life. On a single charge, the product can run for more than 3 days. However, it lasts for lesser time on GPS mode. You can recharge the battery wirelessly with a charging dock that comes with the smartwatch.

Crisp Display

A 1.3 inch AMOLED screen graces the front panel of this smartwatch. With its resolution of 360 × 360 pixels, you will find it easy to use and read under direct sunlight or at poorly lit rooms.

Easy to Use Interface

The interface on this smartwatch allows you to access your notifications and apps quickly. You can also reply to messages and trace out letters with this UI.

Opinions and Drawbacks

From the features mentioned above, this smartwatch can certainly withstand splashes, raindrops, and light swimming. However, the product supports limited apps and might be bulky for users with smaller wrists.

Garmin Fenix 5

The Garmin Fenix 5 multisport timepiece stands as the best smartwatch under $500 on our list because it has features that can rival most expensive models. It also withstands harsh conditions and moisture than other smartwatches at the same price.

Accurate Sensors

The watch has a massive selection of sensors that provide vital information. These sensors include a barometer that detects weather changes while a 3D compass coupled with GPS helps with navigation. You can also view your heart rate data when using this watch.

Durable and Rugged Design

The watch weighs 85g and has a width that looks bulky on the wrist than other watches. It also has a case made from fiber-reinforced polymer with a stainless steel cover. A sapphire glass protects the display from scratches and knocks that occur during outdoor activities. Likewise, it has a replaceable elastomer band that feels comfortable on the skin.

Ideal Water Resistance

The Garmin Fenix 5 has a water resistance of 100m, thus making it a rival to the best android waterproof smartwatch. You can use the watch for swimming, bathing, and showering. However, it is not suitable for diving or snorkeling.

Reliable Power Source

The watch runs on a rechargeable battery that offers power for extended periods. For instance, the timepiece can run for two weeks in basic mode. However, if you activate its GPS option, the battery lasts for 24 hours while the UltraTrac mode offers 60 hours of battery life.

Opinion and Drawbacks

Adding this product to your watch collection is an excellent idea as it comes with features that can withstand moisture and offer accurate readings. But its poor Bluetooth connectivity might make you consider other options.

Casio Men’s “Pro Trek” Sports Watch WSD-F20A

The Casio Men’s Pro Trek is a smartwatch that focuses on outdoor activities at any location. It’s rugged and waterproof exterior enable the Pro Trek Smart WSD-F20 to withstand wet and rough conditions. In summary, this timepiece has specs that can be found on the best Andriod waterproof smartwatch in the market.

Dependable GPS tracking

The smartwatch supports GPS and GLONASS features for easy navigation in any environment. With these features, you can also view your previous and current locations. What’s even better is that if the GPS option is disabled, you can still navigate any terrain with the aid of offline color maps on the smartwatches display.

Activities such as trekking, swimming, canoeing, and fishing can be tracked with the smartwatch. The timepiece also allows you to tweak the GPS settings, especially if you want to extend the battery life.

Tough Build for Rugged Conditions

Like most outdoor watches, this watch has a bulky build with components that can handle knocks and moisture. For instance, it features a steel case and a sapphire crystal that can withstand knocks and scratches from numerous uses. It also has a resin bracelet that works against all forms of moisture, including sweat.

Water Resistance

Its ability to handle moisture comes as one of the selling points of this smartwatch. With this in mind, the Pro-Trek WSD-F20A offers water resistance at a maximum depth of 165ft. For this reason, there is no need to take the watch off before a short swim or bath, but not for diving.

Ideal Battery Life

This Casio watch runs on a lithium battery that offers more than three days of use on a single charge. However, on GPS mode, it runs for less than a day, which is reasonable for a watch of this nature. When the battery is low, a plug-in charger can restore it to full capacity within two hours.

Opinion and Drawbacks

The Casio men’s watch stands out as of the best waterproof smartwatch with GPS due to its navigation accuracy. However, the watch looks bulky on smaller wrists while its operating system lags and doesn’t respond to commands quickly.

Suunto Traverse Alpha

The Sunnto Traverse Alpha is an outdoor watch that works great for hunting and fishing. It also has features that can withstand moisture and wet conditions, thereby making it a durable waterproof smartwatch for android. It even comes with specs for everyday use.

Sturdy Design for Everyday Use

The Traverse Alpha is a round-faced watch with a robust look. Fortunately, it is lightweight and does not add pressure to the wrist.

The smartwatch face has a sapphire crystal that can resist scratches while its stainless steel bezel offers added security. Next, it comes with a comfortable nylon strap that secures the watch firmly to the wrist. Overall, the timepiece promises water-resistant up to a maximum depth of 100m.

Powerful Battery

The battery life on this watch depends on the features activated. For instance, the battery can run for 14 days, but if you enable the GPS mode, the watch can last for 100 hours.

Immediately the battery is low, a battery icon on display blinks. Hence, you can quickly recharge the cell with a compatible USB compatible charger.

Dependable GPS

One of the exciting features of the Suunto Traverse Alpha is its GPS /GLONASS functions. You can use these options to navigate any terrain without getting lost. It also allows you to save points of interest along the way.

Dedicated Activity Tracker

For those loves to keep fit, this watch comes with impressive tracking features. With this said, you can use it to measure your daily steps and calories throughout the day.

Opinion and Drawbacks

This model stands one of the best android waterproof smartwatches because it has a durable body and battery. But you might want to consider other options because it does not have a color touch screen display. This makes the watch a bit difficult to read in low light conditions.

Fitbit Versa Smart Watch

If you want the best affordable waterproof smartwatch, then you should consider adding the Fitbit Versa smartwatch to your shopping list. This slim and attractive timepiece offers an impressive selection of features like built-in storage and extended battery life.

Portable and Simple Design

Unlike most smartwatches on our list, the Fitbit Versa is ultra-slim and lightweight. It also perfectly fits both large and small wrist sizes.

It has a round face with square edges that give it a unique look while its replaceable bracelet promises comfort and durability. All internal parts are housed in an anodized aluminum case which also holds a GPS antenna.

Massive Space for Music Files

The Fitbit Versa comes with storage that can hold up to 300+ songs which you can play during workouts or everyday use. If you want more music, you can use the Deezer app to stream any track of your choice. However, it requires a monthly fee to access this service. The watch also pairs easily with Airpods.

Fitness Tracker and Water Resistance

The watch is water-resistant to a depth of 50m. This feature makes the timepiece ideal for a short swim or bathing. However, it not advisable to take this item on a diving or snorkeling trip.

Fit Versa also comes with many essentials feature, which includes heart rate monitor, step counting, sleep tracker, and other sports function. Hence, for those looking for the best waterproof smartwatch fitness tracker, this is the best bet for you.

Impressive Battery Life

On a single charge, the Fitbit Versa can run for up to 3-4 days. However, depending on the number of workouts or sleep tracked, the battery life might be lesser than that.

The watch does not use a regular micro USB charger. Instead, it works with a model that has a clip-in dock for quick power-up.

Opinion and Drawbacks

Compared to most watches on this list, the Fitbit Versa has features that make it a worthy investment. For instance, it weighs less and fits most wrist sizes. However, it does not support GPS functions and some music streaming services such as Spotify.

Wrap Up on the Best Android Waterproof Smartwatch

The six models on our list are the perfect choices for those looking for durable smartwatches that can withstand splashes, raindrops, and short swimming. They also come with high functionality, health monitor and fitness tracker, GPS, and other essential features.

However, when it comes to the preferred choice, this depends on your specific needs and budget. If we are to select our top pick, then the Garmin Fenix 5 stands as the best option. But if you’re looking for a budget-friendly waterproof smartwatch, then the Garmin Vivoactive 3 is the best.

For those that engage in fitness and other basic training, the best value for your money will be the Fitbit versa smartwatch. As for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a durable smartwatch with excellent features that will suit their specific needs, we recommend the Suunto Traverse Alpha.

April 17, 2021April 27, 2021

Best Swim Watch For Open Water [Our Top Picks]

Many watches claim to be waterproof but only a few are truly fit for swimming. Your favorite timepiece may survive the shower or rain but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a good fit for open water swimming. This is why I’ve decided to make this list of the best swim watch for open water.

Today, we rounded up the watches that you can wear for open water swimming. For this list, we chose the Garmin Forerunner 935 as our top pick due to its wide range of features, superior build quality, and value proposition. Keep reading to see the rest of our recommendations.

Best Swim Watch For Open Water	Key Features	Our Rating
Garmin Forerunner 935	Advanced running and multisport features, Built-in barometer, altimeter and electronic compass, Advanced dynamics for running, cycling and swimming, Built-in activity profiles	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Apple Watch Series 5	GPS, Always-On Retina display, Swimproof, ECG app, Electrical and optical heart sensors, Built-in compass, Emergency SOS, Digital Crown with haptic feedback, 64-bit dual-core processor, W3 Apple wireless chip	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR	Battery life up to 12 hours, Steel bezel, mineral Crystal Glass, 100 meter water resistance, GPS route navigation, support for over 80 sports, Optical heart rate, Sapphire glass, Triathlon and multisport mode	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Garmin Swim 2	Wrist-based heart rate, Pool swim mode, Built-in GPS, Full-color Garmin chroma display, Auto rest feature, Advanced Swim Features, Turn-based pacing alerts, Up to 7 days battery life in smartwatch mode	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2	Advanced sensors, Aluminum or stainless steel, Detects a high or a low heart rate, Sleep tracker, 360 x 360 Super AMOLED display, GPS, Bluetooth	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Polar Vantage V	Up to 40 hours of training time with GPS active, Running power from the wrist, Training Load Pro and Recovery Pro, Integrated GPS, Polar Precision Prime sensor fusion technology, Nightly Recharge and Sleep Plus Stages	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Best Swim Watch For Open Water

1. Garmin Forerunner 935

The Garmin Forerunner 935 is one of our top picks for the best Garmin for Triathlon and because of that, it’s easy to recommend is as the best swim watch for open water.

Beast of a Multi-Sport Watch

On top of the training and performance tracking features, the Forerunner 935 also has a healthy offering of dedicated pool smarts. It’s a full-featured triathlon watch, so you can trust that it will serve you well in open waters.

The Forerunner 935 comes with built-in activity profiles both for open water and pool swimming. Through the Garmin Connect app, you can create your own workouts or download pre-made sessions to your watch. Moreover, the watch will automatically detect stroke type along with metrics like lengths, distance, pace, and stroke count. Other advanced features include time and distant alerts, countdown start, and other open-water metrics.

Perhaps the best feature of the Forerunner 935 is the Training Status function which automatically evaluates your recent workouts. There are even numerous performance indicators that will let you know if you’ve had a productive swimming session or not.

Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 935 is one of the best GPS watches I’ve used which makes it a solid option for open water swimmers.

2. Apple Watch Series 5

The world’s most famous smartwatch also happens to be an excellent gadget for open water swimming. The Apple Watch Series 5 is not just a fancy offering from the Cupertino company, it works great for open water swimming as well.

Not Just a Fancy Apple Gadget

Regardless of how you feel about Apple products, the Apple Watch Series 5 is one of the best-looking smartwatches out there. Over the years, the design of the Apple Watch has seen some updates here and there but its overall design has not changed that much – it has become an iconic design.

The Apple Watch comes with an accelerometer and gyroscope, and they’re very accurate. As a result, the watch can recognize which strokes you are doing (backstroke, freestyle, breaststroke) and provide an accurate quantification. The watch will also track other metrics such as the number of meters or yards completed, pool size (if you’re not swimming in open water), total swim time, number of strokes per lap, and many others.

For open water swimming, you have the GPS feature that will tell you position while you’re in the ocean or a lake. However, one of the best functions of Apple Watch is the ability to use third-party apps that can give you more information about your workouts when compared to stock apps.

If you’re going to buy the Apple Watch Series 5 just for swimming, it can be very expensive. Otherwise, it’s a top-notch smartwatch and fitness tracker for everything else.

3. Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR

The Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR is also one of the best smartwatches for triathletes. It’s a multi-sport GPS watch with a pretty good heart rate sensor – perfect for hardcore open water swimmers.

Excellent GPS Watch for Swimming

The Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR is “everything but the kitchen sink” equivalent of smartwatches. Perhaps the most noteworthy feature of the Spartan Sport Wrist HR is the optical heart rate sensor. I won’t say that the heart rate sensor is 100% accurate but it’s more than good enough considering that you don’t have to use a chest-strap add-on. Suunto did a great job of creating an optical HR sensor for swimming.

The Spartan Sport Wrist HR has a water resistance of 100 m (300 ft) which means that it’s perfect for open water swimming. One of my favorite features of the watch is the heat map. It just makes it a lot easier to find training spots. You can create routes using the Movescount app and the best thing about this is that you can filter by sport. This makes it a breeze to find the right swimming routes.

The Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR isn’t exactly cheap but I’d say the price is more than warranted.

4. Garmin Swim 2

Garmin is one of the biggest manufacturers of sports watches today. When it comes to full-featured sports watches, it’s hard to go wrong with Garmin. The Garmin Swim 2 is no exception. This functionality tracks your heart rate along with your steps taken to provide more accurate data.

Designed for Swimmers

Just by going by the name, you’ll know that the Garmin Swim 2 is a reliable swimming partner. Again, this is not just your standard fitness tracker that you can wear while on the water. The Swim 2 has features that will measure your swimming performance.

The Garmin Swim 2 can measure lap count, recognize all four strokes, and utilizes gamification to motivate to perform better. There’s a SWOLF Scoring feature which is basically a combination of “swimming” and “golf” that combines your stroke rate and overall speed.

One thing that I love about this watch is that it’s quickly usable out of the box. You can simply strap it on and use it right away. With that said, it’s highly recommended that you get the Garmin Connect app to get the most out of your Garmin Swim 2.

Overall, the Garmin Swim 2 is a definite upgrade to the old Swim model which doesn’t even have a GPS function.

5. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2

Samsung has been killing it when it comes to wearable tech. This is true with their Samsung Gear (old name) and Galaxy Watch lines. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 is another solid entry from the South Korean tech giant and it’s a pretty good entry for this list of the best swim watch for open water.

Great All-Around Fitness Tracker

With the 5 ATM waterproof rating and the fact that it’s water-sealed, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 is an easy recommendation for swimmers. One neat functionality of the watch is that it allows you to customize the information displayed within the swim tracking screen. This includes your target, pool size, guide frequency, and which data to display.

When in the water, the Galaxy Watch Active2 will disable touch sensitivity so you’ll need to use the physical buttons to navigates. Like the Apple Watch, you can simply press a button to reactivate the touch interface after a swim. It also has an impressive battery life at 3-4 days after charging to the max, even when you use the GPS for swimming in open waters.

Overall, the Galaxy Watch Active2 isn’t as advanced as the other watches on this list but it’s robust enough to be used as a general fitness tracker.

6. Polar Vantage V

The Polar Vantage V has been touted as the “Garmin Killer.” While I can’t claim that yet, Polar did a great job with the Vantage V, especially when it comes to the swim features.

Formidable Rival to Garmin

For starters, I love the design of the Polar Vantage V. The very thin brushed metal looks great and practically disappears when viewed face on. The touchscreen feels intuitive and snappy, and you’ll have no trouble using touch as a primary input.

Like the Suunto Spartan HR, the Vantage V brings heart rate monitoring to the water. Also, the swimming metrics track information like pool size, swimming style, distance, strokes, rest time, and so on. The tracking results are quite satisfactory especially when you use it in conjunction with the Polar Flow app.

Overall, the Polar Vantage V isn’t the cheapest wearable tech out there. However, it’s very polished and can give some Garmin models a run for their money.

Ready for an Open Water Swim?

This concludes our list of the best swim watch for open water. Hopefully, you’ll find something here that will help maximize your training sessions. Stay safe out there!

April 11, 2021April 21, 2021

Best Triathlon Watch: Tools for the Elite Athlete

If you are planning on participating in a future triathlon event, it’s safe to say that you are serious about making the most out of your performance. This means that you are determined to stay on top of your performance by keeping track of your swimming, running, and biking metrics. If this is the case, you definitely need to invest in the best triathlon watch.

Obviously, you can’t just pick a regular sports watch or smartwatch and be done with it. You need a timepiece that can withstand the toughest activities and at the same time, enables you to accurately track your metrics.

Today, we will take a look at some of the best watches that can be used by serious triathletes. For this list, our favorite is the Garmin Forerunner 935 for its lightweight but tough construction, impressive battery life, and a wide range of smart features.

If you’ll keep reading, we have other recommended picks just for you.

Best Triathlon Watch	Key Features	Our Rating
Garmin Forerunner 935	Advanced running and multisport features, Built-in barometer, altimeter and electronic compass, Advanced dynamics for running, cycling and swimming, Built-in activity profiles	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Polar Vantage V	Up to 40 hours, Running Power function, Optical heart rate monitor, Training Load Pro, Recovery Pro	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Garmin Fenix 5	Elevate wrist heart rate technology, Fiber-reinforced polymer, GPS and GLONASS satellite reception, 3-axis compass, smart notifications	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Suunto 9	Intelligent battery modes, Smart reminders, Supports 80+ sports and multisport events, FusedTrack Sensor, 100m water resistance, Average HR during sleep	★ ★ ★ ★
Garmin Forerunner 735XT	24/7 Heart rate monitoring, Built-in activities, Smart notifications, Multisport mode, Step Counter, Advanced Running Dynamics	★ ★ ★ ★
Polar Vantage M	Polar Precision Prime heart rate monitor, Changeable wristband, Training Load Pro, Sleep tracking, 100+ sports profiles	★ ★ ★ ★
Suunto Spartan Ultra HR	80 Sport modes, Includes built in altimeter, barometer, compass, GPS, 100 meter water resistance, 26H battery life	★ ★ ★ ★
Polar V800	Built-in GPS, Sport profiles, 30 meter water resistance, Integrated barometer, Smart notifications, Inactivity alerts, 24/7 activity tracking	★ ★ ★ ½

Best Triathlon Watches

1. Garmin Forerunner 935

When it comes to GPS watches, Garmin is a brand that’s high on most people’s list – including ours. The Garmin Forerunner 935 is one of the best, if not the best, GPS watches that Garmin has released.

It’s far from an affordable option but it’s definitely a worthy investment for any serious athlete.

An Ironman’s Best Friend

The Forerunner 935 is a premium GPS through and through. The GPS and other navigation features are spot on.

However, the wealth of running and multisport features is what makes the Forerunner 935 a great investment. The watch provides you with the right tools to monitor your performance, training, and recovery. It actually monitors your training and will let you know if you are training productively, peaking or pushing yourself too hard.

The 935 also lets you set built-in activity profiles for different activities like running, cycling, hiking, strength training, swimming, and more. For triathletes, switching to another sports profile is as easy as pressing a button. Like all good smartwatches, the 935 syncs with your compatible smartphone that will let you access more training and social features.

If you are a serious athlete, the Forerunner 935 will easily become your best friend. It’s a feature-packed and comfortable triathlon watch that’s definitely worth the price tag. We don’t hesitate to choose it as the Best Triathlon Watch.

2. Polar Vantage V

The Polar Vantage V is a great looking watch with enough features to impress even the most hardcore athletes.

It looks like the previous Vantage M model but it’s a little bit heavier, and for good reason. The Vantage V comes highly recommended for those who are trying to train at the highest level.

A Fully-Featured Training Tool on Your Wrist

The Polar Vantage V managed to catch my attention because it’s a good-looking, well-designed watch.

Unlike other smartwatches, the Vantage V comes with a circular watch face which means that I can wear them casually without telling the world that you are wearing a fitness device. The buttons are also fairly low-profile so the watch doesn’t look bulky and it doesn’t get caught on pockets, sleeves, etc.

One of the best features of the Vantage V is definitely the Running Power function. This gives the user to have another data point which comes in handy for a more accurate training session. I also love the fact that the touchscreen feature can be disabled during training mode. Touch screens are great but they can get rather touchy when training due to factors like sweat, moisture, inadvertent contact, and more.

Overall, the Vantage V is a high-quality fitness watch with amazing features for training at the highest level. It is our runner up for the Best Triathlon Watch.

3. Garmin Fenix 5

You can’t really make a list of the best triathlon watch without including multiple products from Garmin. The next watch that we have for you is the Garmin Fenix 5.

The Fenix 5 is actually very similar to the Forerunner 935 in terms of features. However, the Fenix 5 has proven to be the tougher watch between the two.

For Athletes of All Levels

The Fenix 5 actually comes in three different versions: 5S, 5, and 5X. Each model comes in a wide range of color options, lens types, and strap options. Aside from the size and weight, the three versions are almost identical except for the 5X (the most expensive model) having the mapping feature.

The Fenix 5 is a top-notch watch and that’s mainly attributed to its wealth of great features. Activity tracking with this watch is a breeze and very accurate. This a full-featured triathlon watch which means that you can use it for swimming both in the pool and open water locations.

The watch can be programmed with multiple profiles and you are allowed to switch profiles on the fly. If you have the HRM-Run heart rate monitor (the chest strap add-on), you can track metrics like ground contact time and vertical oscillation.

As mentioned, it’s a heavier, tougher alternative to the Forerunner 935 which makes it more suitable for tougher activities.

4. Suunto 9

I am a big fan of the Suunto brand. In fact, one of my favorite pickups lately is the Suunto Traverse Alpha. The brand has a great handle when it comes to sports watches, so it’s not surprising that the Suunto 9 GPS watch has made the list.

Beefy Features with the Bulk

The Suunto 9 is quite similar to Garmin’s Fenix series in the sense that it’s a rather hefty watch that boasts a lot of features. Throw any outdoor activity at it and it will track it. This watch can track over 80+ sports.

The Suunto 9 stands out for having an impressive battery life. Depending on your settings, the watch can last from 25 up to 120 hours between charging. Even when the battery starts to run out during your training, the watch will suggest that you can change settings easily in order to conserve battery.

For running, the watch utilizes motion sensor information with GPS technology. This enables the device to conserve battery without sacrificing quality. Swimmers will have no problem wearing this as it can be used for pool and open water swims. Switching between activities is as easy as pressing a button.

If you mind the weight and bulk, this watch might not be for you. This watch definitely has a weight to it. However, the number of great features and impressive battery life make this a solid triathlon watch.

5. Garmin Forerunner 735XT

We have yet another candidate from Garmin and it’s the Garmin Forerunner 735XT.

The Forerunner 735XT is very comparable to the 935 except for some key features like the barometric altimeter sensor and golf tracking support. However, it’s a very competent triathlon watch and presents a good alternative if you think that the 935 is too expensive.

A Reliable Multisport Watch With a Learning Curve

Triathlon athletes will surely appreciate the 735XT’s thin and lightweight profile. Whether you are running, cycling, or swimming, the watch feels like it’s barely there.

However, it comes with advanced features that will satisfy any serious athlete.

The Forerunner 735XT is preloaded with profiles for many different activities. It has data support for running, cycling, swimming, hiking, skiing, strength training, paddle sports and cardio. The 735XT features a multisport mode which allows you to track different sports as one activity. You just need to press the lap button to switch to next sport. Battery life is a decent 14 hour with GPS enabled.

As stated, there’s a bit of a learning curve to use the 735XT. Working with the five watch buttons can be confusing and learning how to use the watch properly will take some time. I highly recommend you spend some time reading the manual first.

Once you get past the learning curve, the watch offers plenty in terms of customization.

6. Polar Vantage M

The Polar Vantage M is highly recommended for athletes who are looking for a mid-range triathlon watch.

The Vantage M looks quite similar to the V but it’s definitely the cheaper option between the two. However, this doesn’t mean that you should skip on the Vantage M as it offers plenty of features for the hardcore athlete.

The Mid-Range Option for Elite Athletes

The Polar M400 and M430 were very popular multisport devices which is why the Vantage M had a lot to live up to. Fortunately, this follow-up by Polar was not a disappointment.

What I love about Polar watches is the comfortable design. The Vantage M is very comfortable and lightweight – you can wear this 24/7 because unlike the heavier Vantage V, you’ll never feel the need to take it off. The Vantage M doesn’t have touchscreen features but has physical buttons instead. Using the physical buttons is fairly straightforward.

As for the sports tracking, you can expect the same tracking experience with the Vantage V. The watch supports up to 130 sports profiles and you can load 20 to the watch at any given time. Triathletes will have a lot to love with this watch as it offers the most insightful metrics for running, cycling, and swimming.

However, the Vantage M is strictly for sports tracking and training insights. If you are thinking that this is a potential alternative to the Apple Watch, we have to stop you right there. As far as syncing goes, you are only limited to notification support.

All in all, the Vantage M is an exciting multisport tool that won’t break the bank.

7. Suunto Spartan Ultra HR

The Suunto Spartan Ultra HR is a solid go-to option if you think that the Suunto 9 has a crazy price tag.

Despite being the more affordable option to most of the watches on this list, it’s far from a stripped-down training tool. In fact, this is one of the best watches for any Ironman participant.

Great Versatility in One Package

As its most basic, the Spartan Ultra HR supports over 80 different activities. Plus, it comes with built-in ABC features and a GPS. For each sport, you can track metrics such as time, distance, pace, and elevation. You are also provided with in-depth data such as peak training effect and workout recovery time.

Since it comes with a GPS, the Spartan Ultra HR will let you map out your paths for a run. For this, you can use Suunto’s Movescount app which enables you to import routes and import a GPS file. There’s even a neat “heat maps” feature where popular routes are shared. With this feature, you may even discover a new or better path for your runs.

The Spartan Ultra HR earns decent marks when it comes to accuracy. Recording metrics such as distance and time are often on point. However, the GPS can be slightly spotty at times but nothing major that it becomes unusable. The GPS does considerably drain the battery.

The Spartan Ultra HR is a high-end activity tracker that offers plenty of versatility.

8. Polar V800

The Polar V800 is not exactly a new and shiny model. In fact, it’s certainly the oldest triathlon watch on this list. However, don’t let that discourage you because this watch packs enough oomph that makes it a top choice for athletes.

A Great Watch for Multisport/Endurance Events

When compared against the newer, sleeker models, the V800 is starting to look outdated. The chunky stainless body with rubber straps certainly doesn’t do the watch any favor. However, it more than makes up for its build quality. This is clearly a watch that can take a good deal of punishment.

Although it’s an older model, we’re happy to report that the V800’s GPS is still as zippy as ever and can deliver mapping with good accuracy. One of the best features is the new Running Program. This feature creates programs based on the watch’s coaching features.

This gives you the ability to create more personalized routines.

To get the most out of the V800, it’s highly recommended that you use it with the Polar Flow app. However, weirdly enough, you can’t create programs using the mobile app and it must be done using the web app.

Battery life will get you 13 hours of training with GPS enabled and about 50 hours in low power mode.

The V800 is definitely starting to show its age as far as design goes but if you care more about accurate stat tracking and a zippy GPS, it’s a solid all-around choice.

How to Choose the Best Triathlon Watch?

As stated earlier, you can’t just choose a sports watch and use it for triathlon training. That’s a surefire way to ruin a perfectly good watch.

Here are the factors that you should consider when buying a triathlon watch.

Multisport

Of course, you want a watch that features a multisport function.

Multisport watches can switch from one sports profile to the next with just a press of a button. For instance, you can easily switch from running to cycling by simply pressing a button. By switching to another sports profile, the information displayed on the screen will be related to that specific sport.

Without a multisport feature, the user will have to manually stop the activity, tinker with the settings, and start a new profile. As you can imagine, this is hardly ideal especially when you’re trying to shave seconds off your performance.

Water Resistance

Since you will be swimming during a triathlon event, it goes without that you need a water-resistant watch. However, that might not be enough.

It certainly won’t hurt to get a triathlon watch that can track swimming metrics such as distance, pool laps, stroke count, and more. Swimming watches will typically work in both pools and open-water swims.

Battery Life

Nothing is more frustrating than running out of battery while you’re in the middle of your triathlon training.

Therefore, you should consider getting a watch with sufficient battery life. Preferably a model that will last longer than your daily exercise routine.

Fortunately, most smartwatches and activity trackers these days have decent battery life at the minimum. It’s still worth considering what sort of event you are participating in. If you are competing in Ironman, you need a watch that can go for hours without being charged. On the other hand, shorter events like sprint triathlons will only require a watch with decent battery life.

Data Transfer and Connectivity

Any serious athlete will review their metrics after every training session.

In this case, you need a watch that can transfer data easily. The watch should feature a painless way to transfer data to a smartphone or computer. This enables you to review your metrics and analyze which areas you need to improve. Or perhaps, you can even share your results via social media.

In terms of connectivity, most smartwatches use Bluetooth or even Wi-Fi. However, there are also models that can only be connected using a physical wire.

Price

Do you go for a watch that’s cheaper but doesn’t have to offer in terms of features? Or do you break the bank and get a deluxe smartwatch with all the bells and whistles? Or maybe, you could settle on a mid-range model that strikes a good balance between the two?

This will all depend on your allocated budget and needs.

If you are a long-time triathlete, you probably have a certain price point in mind. However, for beginners, it might be a good idea to invest in an entry-level to mid-range model and upgrade later.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much waterproofing do I need?

When it comes to sports watches, there are varying degrees of “waterproofing.”

For a triathlon, make sure that you get a model with an ATM of 5 or more. However, the waterproof capability is not enough. Try finding a watch that measures swimming metrics such as swimming speed and efficiency. Also, watches with swimming features indicate whether they can be used in open water, pool, or both.

2. How long should the battery last?

This will depend on the type of activity that you will be doing and how long your usual training session lasts.

Multisport watches with many different features such as GPS will likely run out of juice faster. Fortunately, most modern smartwatches can last from 10 to 20 hours even when in training mode. When checking for battery life, make sure that you read customer reviews and see if the battery life does hold up.

3. Do I need to have a touchscreen watch?

While it’s certainly cool to have, I don’t touchscreen features are a must when it comes to the best triathlon watch.

Don’t get me wrong, touchscreen navigation makes it a breeze to use and navigate the watch. Plus, it’s a bit of a future-proof function since most gadgets are touch-enabled these days. However, touch input can also be a nuisance since you can inadvertently swipe the device during training and stop whatever it is you are tracking.

Final Thoughts – Best Triathlon Watch

We’ve tried and tested the top triathlon watches in the market and the definite top pick is the Garmin Forerunner 935. It commands a high price tag but it’s definitely worth the investment for any serious athlete.

If you have any questions about triathlon watches in general, feel free to comment down below.

April 9, 2021April 21, 2021

Casio vs Seiko: Which Japanese Brand is Better?

During the 1970s, the Japanese watch manufacturers have shifted the market and dominated in every way possible. This became possible due to the phenomenon called the Quartz Revolution and the industry has never been the same.

If you’re looking for a timepiece that delivers in quality and value, it’s hard to go wrong with Japanese watch brands. When you’re looking into quality Japanese timepieces, your decision will likely come down to Casio vs Seiko. Both brands are very well-respected around the world, thanks to their innovative features, rock-solid reliability and amazing value.

So for this brand showdown, it’s Casio vs Seiko. We break down the highs and lows of both brands as well as highlight some of the best models from both brands.

Casio vs Seiko: Head-to-Head Brand Comparison

Style and Design

If you’re stuck with the choice between Casio vs Seiko, style and design are good factors for choosing. In this case, your choice depends on whether you like traditional vs. modern designs.

Seiko timepieces tend to have traditional styles and designs – the tried and true classic aesthetic. You can see this from popular Seiko models such as the Seiko SARB033 and some Seiko dive watches, especially from the Prospex series. Seiko’s classic style echoes a message that it’s richly-storied and established brand. Seiko knows that they have an established reputation and that’s reflected from their watch designs. The company even has a luxury brand, Grand Seiko, that features timelessly designed models at luxury prices.

On the other hand, Casio specializes in watches with contemporary, industrial designs. Many people think of the G-Shock watches when talking about the Casio brand, and it’s hard to blame them. The G-Shock design is one of the most prolific looks from Casio. However, the Japanese brand is more than just the G-Shock line of watches. One thing that I love about Casio watches is design variety. Their collections such as G-Shock, Edifice, and Wave Ceptor all feature models with varied designs, ranging from rugged to professional.

So, if your main criteria for choosing between Casio vs Seiko is style and design, it’s really an easy choice. If you prefer watches with traditional and elegant designs, Seiko is the obvious choice. On the flip side, if you want a watch with a more modern approach and rugged looks, I recommend checking out Casio’s line.

Construction and Durability

You are probably thinking, “this category is an easy win for Casio, right?” Well, if you’re going for pure durability alone, Casio certainly has this on the bag. However, when you’re looking at the big picture, it’s not as clear-cut as it seems.

Seiko won’t have such a legendary reputation by making unreliable watches. For example, the Seiko Prospex series features some of the best diving watches that money can buy. Many Seiko models, especially the higher-end ones, are comparable to Swiss-made watches that cost twice or more. One of the things that make Seiko watches so durable is the Hardlex crystal which has excellent impact resistance. However, I’ve found out from personal experience that the Hardlex is quite prone to scratches.

Seiko has a history of excellent watchmaking, so its watches are high-quality and durable in general.

On the other hand, we have Casio which has made its name by putting out some of the toughest watches available. Casio developer Kikuo Ibe created the G-Shock line with the vision of ‘creating a watch that never breaks’ – and many of you will agree that Ibe has successfully fulfilled his vision.

Casio is the brand of choice of professionals such as law enforcement and firefighter EMTs. On top of exceptional durability, Casio watches are also packed with innovative features such as Multiband 6 Radio Technology, GPS Hybrid Technology, Tough Solar technology, and many others. The combination of toughness and versatility makes Casio watches a true utilitarian tool.

In terms of durability, Casio is clearly the runaway winner. However, you should know that you’re not losing out on quality and toughness if you choose to go with a Seiko watch.

Features and Technology

When it comes to pure features and technology, Casio has the upper hand over Seiko. Casio is like the nerd/geek of the watchmaking industry as it continues to push the industry innovation-wise. On the other hand, Seiko watches might be light on features but the brand also offers some innovative features that appeal to collectors.

Regardless of your needs, it’s safe to say that there’s a Casio watch for you. For instance, outdoor adventurers can turn to the Casio Pro Trek series for timepieces with advanced navigation functions. The Casio ‘Pro Trek’ Outdoor Smartwatch comes to mind. This Pro Trek model can be synced with your Android smartphone and comes with a compass, altimeter, barometer, activity tracker, and more. Sure, it’s not comparable to something like the Suunto Traverse Alpha but Casio did a good job with this outdoor-friendly watch.

Also, if you’re in the market for a quartz movement watch, Casio gets my recommendation. This is especially true if you check out the Casio Edifice series with its amazing quartz watches. While Seiko also makes quartz watches, Casio is simply better in that regard.

On the other hand, Seiko watches are light on features, especially when compared to the most popular Casio watches. Also, if you’re particularly looking for a mechanical watch, you’ll have slim pickings with Seiko. However, the brand does offer a few mechanical watches whereas, Casio doesn’t make mechanical models.

If automatic watches are your thing, pardon the pun but your automatic choice is Seiko. After all, the brand is known for making the first automatic (self-winding) watch in space. While Seiko watches aren’t as robust as Casio’s offering, it offers extremely fine watches that stood the test of time.

Pricing

Honestly, pricing isn’t much of a factor when it comes to this Casio vs Seiko comparison. Since we’re comparing both brands in the broadest sense, both watches cater to a wide range of budgets. As mentioned, both brands offer tremendous value.

However, if budget isn’t an issue and you want to go for the most expensive watch that you can buy and it’s between Casio vs Seiko, the latter gets your money. After all, Seiko has the Grand Seiko line that features fine watches with luxury-tier prices.

Again, I just feel like the price tag is not the definitive factor when choosing between these two Japanese brands. Both brands will give you a lot of watch for your money.

Best Casio Watches

1. Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400

One of the most popular Casio collections is the Master of G series. This line features some of the toughest and feature-rich timepieces out there. The Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 happens to be a fan favorite and it’s hard not to see why.

If you’re in the market for a tough-as-nails watch, the G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 comes highly recommended. As you can see from its looks, the GW-9400 doesn’t pretend to be anything other than a rugged digital watch. It looks aggressive with just the right amount of bulk – it’s a watch that can take a lot of punishment.

Apart from being tough, the GW-9400 is also packed with navigation features such as a compass, thermometer, and altimeter-barometer.

2. Casio Edifice EF527D-1AV

Casio isn’t exactly known for chronograph watches but nevertheless, it’s hard to ignore the company’s attempt with the Edifice line. The Casio Edifice EF527D-1AV is a chronograph that pays homage to early pilot watches.

Right off the bat, you’ll notice that it’s a fairly large watch at 45.5mm. The wrist presence of the Edifice EF527D-1AV is certainly off the charts. Typical of the chronograph style, the dial is quite busy and one of its distinctive features is the inner rotating slide ruler. The ruler calculates information such as fuel consumption and flight time.

The Edifice EF527D-1AV is a very competent attempt by Casio at a chronograph and is worth checking out.

3. Casio Wave Ceptor WVA-M640D-1ACR

For starters, the Casio Wave Ceptor WVA-M640D-1ACR is a budget-friendly solar atomic watch. Watches with atomic timekeeping are generally pricey but the Wave Ceptor WVA-M640D-1ACR is one of the few exceptions.

As you can see, the Wave Ceptor WVA-M640D-1ACR is a hybrid of analog and digital. The unique look can be quite polarizing but I think it looks great. It’s a performance-driven timepiece but still found a way to look sophisticated.

Overall, the Wave Ceptor WVA-M640D-1ACR is a unique offering from Casio and certainly worth a look.

Best Seiko Watches

1. Seiko Prospex SRPA21K1 Automatic

The Seiko Prospex SRPA21K1 Automatic is an excellent option if you’re looking for a dive watch under $500. The Prospex line is a respectable line of dive watches and the Prospex SRPA21K1 is a shining example.

This watch can handle depths of 200 meters (660 feet) which is good for general diving. Of course, you can’t talk about this watch without mentioning the classic Pepsi color combination. The Prospex SRPA21K1 is a very polished dive watch with a sophisticated look.

2. Seiko SNE331 Solar Watch

The Seiko SNE331 Solar Watch is a personal favorite of mine. This is a military-inspired that found its way into my regular rotation.

The simple yet bold dial is a standout with its large indices and the stencil-like numerals. This is a black dial watch that should appeal to many collectors. It’s a bit hefty piece but only because it’s rugged and durable.

Ultimately, this is one of the better solar watches that Seiko has to offer.

3. Seiko Radio Sync Solar Coutura

For the atomic timekeeping category, we have the Seiko Radio Sync Solar Coutura – one of the best solar atomic watches that money can buy.

The main point of attraction of this watch is its striking blue dial. The unique dial layout and design really drive the point home. Despite the fairly busy dial, it’s very legible aside from the date window which can be too small.

As an atomic timekeeping watch, the Seiko Radio Sync Solar Coutura will automatically sync every night so you don’t need to adjust it ever.

Casio vs Seiko: Final Thoughts

Ultimately, this Casio vs Seiko is not as tricky as you might believe. Both Japanese brands offer excellent timepieces but their most popular models are hardly competing with each other. Both Casio and Seiko cater to a wide range of needs and budgets.

As long as you know what you want from a watch, you should have no trouble choosing between a Casio or Seiko watch.

April 7, 2021April 19, 2021

Rolex Submariner Two Tone Blue Review [Submariner Date ref. 116613LB]

Rolex is a brand-name that’s synonymous with success. And as far as luxury watches go, there are only a few timepieces that can match the sheer recognizability of the Rolex Submariner. The Submariner is the paragon of iconic and timeless design.

If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you’ll know that I’m the biggest fan of the Submariner.

For today’s review, we’ll be taking a look at the Rolex Submariner Two Tone Blue aka the Submariner Date ref. 116613LB. This Submariner is a luxurious version of the Rolex’s dive watch line. Gold is generally reserved for formal dress watches but this one is certainly an exception. Let’s get on with this Rolex Submariner Two Tone Blue review.

Rolex Submariner Two Tone Blue Review: At a Glance

As mentioned, this is the review for the Submariner Date ref. 116613LB. Let’s take a look at its specifications:

Model:	Rolex Submariner Date
Reference no.	116613LB
Model case:	Oyster, 40 mm, Oystersteel and yellow gold
Oyster architecture:	Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown
Material:	Yellow Rolesor – combination of Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold
Bezel:	Unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated, scratch-resistant Cerachrom insert in ceramic, numerals and graduations coated in gold
Winding crown:	Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system
Crystal:	Scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date
Water-resistance:	Waterproof to 300 metres / 1,000 feet
Movement:	Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding
Caliber:	3135, Manufacture Rolex
Precision:	-2/+2 sec/day, after casing
Winding:	Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor
Bracelet:	Oyster, flat three-piece links
Clasp:	Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system
Dial:	Blue
Certification:	Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)
Functions:	Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. Instantaneous date with rapid setting. Stop-seconds for precise time setting

Rolex Submariner Two Tone Blue Review

First Impressions

In all honesty, the Rolex 116613LB is not at all on my radar. In general, I’m not very fond of two-toned watches and the Rolex 116613LB looks to me like a bastardization of the iconic black dial Sub. Since then, I’ve been proven wrong.

I had the opportunity to acquire the Rolex Submariner 116613LB and I told myself, “why not?” As a classic Submariner fan, I feel like it’s my obligation to give this timepiece a chance and give it a review.

Of course, the two-tone blue color of the watch is the first thing you’ll notice about it. The 40mm case diameter feels just right and the integration of the watch’s Supercase adds a great deal of wrist presence. Much like the original Submariner, this two-tone blue Rolex succeeds in having a go-anywhere design aesthetic.

Based on the pictures, I previously thought the Rolex 116613LB looks way too flashy. Spending more time on it, I am more than happy to be proven wrong. The Submariner Date 116613LB neither looks too flashy or too utilitarian. Thanks to Rolex’s skillful blending of colors, the Rolex 116613LB can be worn for formal and casual occasions. This is the type of watch that you can wear with a broad spectrum of styles.

So if you have an aversion towards two-toned watches, the Rolex 116613LB might just change your mind. As far as first impressions go, it’s so far, so good.

Design

The first blue Submariner (ref. 16613) was a departure from the iconic black dial of the original. And yet, the Blue Sub became an instant hit for luxury watch collectors. While the black dial was replaced with the blue sunburst one, it still retained its timeless design. I think Rolex did a good job of combining flair and workmanlike with the two-tone blue Submariner.

The exquisite yellow gold next to the rugged 904L stainless steel is a combination that Rolex has gotten right over the years – thanks to the Rolesor name that they coined in the 30s. In terms of design, the Submariner Date 116613LB is an even better version of the two-tone blue Sub with plenty of enhancements.

This new blue Sub kept the age-old 40mm case dimensions which I feel is just right for regular wear. However, it does come with a Supercase which gives the watch a well-muscled look. I have to say, the screen presence of the watch is off the charts. I guess Rolex has succumbed to the large watch trends but doesn’t want to compromise the overall look of the iconic watch.

On top of its beefed-up case, the 116613LB also started using the heavy-duty Cerachrom bezel and a Maxi dial with thicker hands and hour markers. The blue sunburst dial adds a great deal to the sophisticated feel of the watch and even gives off some interesting patterns under certain lighting conditions. Visibility is also not an issue due to the gold-rimmed luminous hour markers and lumen-filled hands. The Cyclops lens is of course here and provides a great view of the date window.

Construction and Wearability

The case of the 116613LB is exactly what you can expect from a high-end luxury dive watch. The Cerachrom ceramic blue bezel doesn’t just look great but it also retains the timeless charm of the original black dial Sub.

As mentioned, the case measures 40mm in diameter and has a thickness of 12.75mm. However, the case actually slims down around the edges which enable the center to sink into the wrist. This subtle construction detail makes a huge difference in wearability especially when it comes to daily wear.

Many avid collectors refer to the case as the “Super Case” which I can agree with.

This version of the submariner is still a diver’s best friend as it features a waterproof rating of 300 meters / 1000 feet which makes is a capable dive watch. Like the original Submariner, this dive watch uses a screw down crown with Rolex’s Triplock locking crown. This means that nothing gets past the watch when underwater. Now, I doubt many people will wear this watch for diving but it’s nice to know that it’s a reliable diving tool.

Furthermore, the bracelet also received a much-needed upgrade. The iconic Oyster bracelet has received a fair bit of modernization. The earlier versions of the Rolesor bracelet were not received well due to durability issues.

Fortunately, the solid end and center links of this watch feel solid and sturdy. The over-engineered Glidelock clasp is also here and does a great job of providing a superior fit. Rolex’s patented extension system also allows you to make quick 2mm changes to the bracelet.

Timekeeping

At the heart of the Rolex Submariner Date ref. 116613LB beats the in-house Rolex Caliber 3135 movement.

This movement was introduced back in the late 80s and features a higher beat rate of 28,800 bph and even comes with an auto-changing date feature. The power clocks in at a standard 48-hour power reserve and is fitted with the Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring for added durability.

It’s worth noting that the Rolex Caliber 3135 movement is also used for the Rolex Submariner and Rolex Sea Dweller. With that said, the 3135 movement is an absolute workhorse and many experts consider it as one of the most successful movements Rolex has produced.

The movement features 31 jewels and a date aperture that automatically changes itself at midnight. On top of that, the 3135 movement includes other interesting features such as the glucydur balance wheel and the extremely efficient Perpetual winding system.

Furthermore, the 3135 movement is not just mechanically advanced but it’s built to last as well. The movement is fitted with KIF system for shock protection which brings the much-needed durability and impact resistance.

Overall, the Rolex Caliber 3135 movement is one of the best watch movements out there, and you’ll be happy to have it with your Rolex Submariner Date.

Pricing

One of the main things that differentiate the Rolex Submariner Date ref. 116613LB from the other Submariner models is the price.

As mentioned, the Submariner Date ref. 116613LB is the luxury, upscaled version of the Rolex Submariner. Thus, the price of the 116613LB is more or less 1.5 times more expensive than the Regular Submariner and even the Submariner Date.

In general, two-toned Rolex models are more expensive than single-colored ones. Of course, the main culprit for the higher price of the 116613LB is the use of yellow gold for the bracelet center link and the accents. With that said, the Rolex Submariner Date Two-Tone Blue retails at about $14k. However, this is by far, not the most expensive model in the collection. The pure 18 ct gold Submariner Date models (blue and black dial) are more than twice as expensive as the 116613LB.

So for this Rolex Submariner Two Tone Blue review, you’re probably asking, “is it worth the price?” Well, it really depends on how deep you are in to watch collecting. In all honesty, the 116613LB is not exactly entry-level, so this one is hard to recommend for beginners.

However, if you’re simply looking to add more to your Rolex collection, it’s hard to go wrong with this two-tone blue beauty. It’s the more affordable model as far as two-tone Rolex watches go.

Should You Get the Rolex Submariner Two Tone Blue Ref. 116613LB?

So what’s the verdict for this Rolex Submariner Two Tone Blue review?

The Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB is certainly a great take on an iconic dive watch. It’s a nearly perfect version of the venerable Sub that perfectly balances utilitarian toughness and timeless design. Whether you’re going to a formal event or a casual gathering, you’ll have no problem wearing this piece.

The biggest hurdle of this watch is the price. If you’re expecting to pay for a regular Sub or even the Submariner Date, you’ll be sorely disappointed. This is a 5-digit purchase which makes it a tough recommendation for beginners.

Overall, the Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB is a worthy addition to any luxury watch collection.

April 3, 2021April 19, 2021

Best Survival Watch: Timepieces for Dire Situations

Aside from the most hardcore bushcrafters and survivalists, most people would rather steer clear of survival situations. Of course, a smart outdoorsman is always prepared for the worst. With that said, one of the most important gear that you should have for dire situations is a survival watch.

Technically, a regular tough analog watch can be used to survive in the wild. However, if you want the best survival watch, you want a model that offers the bells and whistles along with the toughness. Think GPS/GLONASS capabilities, TOPO maps, and ABC features.

Today, we made the best survival watch list to help you choose the best timepiece for survival situations.

Best Survival Watch	Key Features	Our Rating
Casio G-Shock GW9400 Rangeman	Multi-Band Atomic Timekeeping, Receives time calibration radio signals, Manual receive function, Triple Sensor, Solar-Powered Movement, Low Temperature Resistant	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Suunto Traverse Alpha	Rugged, knurled stainless steel bezel, Water repellent nylon strap, Location-based moon Phase calendar, Automatic shot detection technology, Compatible with Suunto Movescount App, GPS & GLONASS via SIRFStarV chip	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Timex Expedition Classic	Adjustable black 18mm resin strap, Integrated mini compass, 100 hour chronograph, Acrylic lens, Indiglo light-up watch dial, Water-resistant to 100m (330 ft), 24-hour countdown timer	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Garmin Instinct	Constructed to U. S. Military standard, Built in 3 axis compass and barometric altimeter, Smart notifications, TrackBack feature	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Victorinox Swiss Army I.N.O.X. Carbon	I.N.O.X. Carbon, Black dial, black Para cord strap, Carbon case with triple-coated anti-reflective sapphire crystal, Swiss-quartz Movement, Water resistant 200m (660ft)	★ ★ ★ ★
Casio Pathfinder Triple Sensor	Solar-Powered, ABC features, Triple Sensor, EL Backlit, World Time, 6-Months battery life on full charge, 51-mm stainless steel case, Quartz movement with digital display, Resin band, Water resistant to 100 m (330 ft)	★ ★ ★ ★

Best Survival Watch

1. Casio G-Shock GW9400 Rangeman

Casio’s G-Shock line is legendary for heavy-duty toughness and great value proposition. Literally, any G-Shock can be used for survival situations. However, if you want the best survival watch from the G-Shock line, the Casio G-Shock GW9400 Rangeman is a sure bet.

Survival of the Toughest

The GW9400 Rangeman was tested and designed to withstand even the most challenging conditions.

It comes with the Triple Sensor feature which is basically the compass, altimeter, thermometer and barometer. This enables you to receive real-time feedback and information about your surroundings. There’s also a sunrise/sunset timing which is a plus during dire situations.

As mentioned, the GW9400 Rangeman has set the standard when it comes to toughness. It features insane shock-resistance and respectable water resistance. All of the sensors are properly protected as well to ensure top-notch durability. Plus, it comes with a 10-year battery life which is always a welcome benefit.

The GW9400 Rangeman is also a solar watch which means that battery life will never become an issue down the line. It’s no wonder that this watch is favored not just by survivalists but also outdoorsmen, law enforcement, military personnel, and more.

2. Suunto Traverse Alpha

The Suunto Traverse Alpha isn’t quite a smartwatch but it might as well be. If you are looking for a survival watch with comprehensive features, the Traverse Alpha is more than a solid choice.

Feature-Packed Survival Tool

For starters, the Suunto Traverse Alpha is specially designed for outdoor use. It features a rugged, knurled stainless steel bezel which can take a lot of punishment. The nylon strap is durable and water resistant as well. The premium scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass does a great job of protecting the face.

When you’re in a dicey situation, you’ll appreciate the Traverse Alpha’s GPS/GLONASS navigation. This allows you to keep your bearings and prevent you from losing your way. Another impressive feature is the customizable, night-vision-goggle-compatible red backlight which allows you to read the watch without blowing your cover.

The watch also comes with a barometric pressure graph and storm alarms so you can stay on top of weather changes. In a survival scenario, being able to predict the weather can be a lifesaver. The battery life can only last up to 14 days but it should be more than enough to get you out of a pinch.

Overall, the Traverse Alpha is one of my favorite outdoor gear. It just delivers no all fronts especially with features and durability.

3. Timex Expedition Classic

The best survival watch doesn’t need to have all the bells and whistles. In many cases, you’ll be fine with a timepiece that has excellent reliability. The Timex Expedition Classic definitely fits the bill.

The Budget-Friendly Survival Watch

While the Expedition Classic isn’t as feature-packed as the rest of the selections on this list, it has enough basic features to help you survive in the wild. It features an integrated mini compass which is handy for navigation. It’s not the most advanced compass but it gets the job done.

It comes with an adjustable resin strap which is surprisingly tough enough even for the most rigid applications. For timekeeping, it has 100-hour chronograph, lap and split times, 24-hour countdown timer, month, day & date calendar, 24-hour military time mode, and 2 time zones. The functions are all basic but it’s hard to complain, especially at this price point.

As for the price point, it’s a sub-$50 watch so it’s an excellent choice if budget is an issue. Or perhaps, you can buy multiple units for varying applications. However, don’t expect to replace it soon since this watch is one tough customer.

Overall, the Timex Expedition Classic is tough, super comfortable, lightweight, and highly durable. It’s just a reliable timepiece that won’t break the bank.

4. Garmin Instinct

There’s a big overlap between an outdoor watch and a survival watch. Garmin Instinct is primarily designed for outdoor applications, making it an excellent choice for bushcrafters, preppers, and survivalists.

From Outdoor Adventures to Survival Scenarios

The Garmin Instinct outdoor watch is like a smartwatch for people who don’t like smartwatches. Most smartwatches won’t fair well outdoors but the opposite can be said when Garmin is on the case.

The Instinct is designed to withstand the toughest outdoor conditions. It’s constructed to U. S. Military standard 810G for thermal, shock and water resistance, so this one won’t die on you as you brave the elements. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it features a proper tactical look.

This watch excels in navigation. It supports GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellites and the Instinct can connect to these satellites quite quick. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with built-in TOPO maps but you do get other navigation features such as a compass and the ability to upload routes.

Another excellent survival feature is the TracBack function. It allows you to take the same route back to the starting point. You don’t have to worry about getting lost as you scout locations and collect rations.

Ultimately, the Garmin Instinct isn’t exactly a smartwatch but it’s a highly reliable survival tool.

5. Victorinox Swiss Army I.N.O.X. Carbon

Sometimes, the best survival watch just needs to be reliable. Something that will help you keep time reliably as things go south. In this case, the Swiss-made Victorinox Swiss Army I.N.O.X. Carbon comes highly recommended.

Unparalleled Toughness and Reliability

When compared to other entries on this list, the I.N.O.X. Carbon looks woefully under-equipped. You won’t find any on-board sensors and navigational features here. However, it’s still an amazing timepiece for surviving dicey situations, and that’s mainly due to its toughness and reliability.

In fact, the watch part is quite basic in itself. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not a good watch for survival scenarios. The watch features a standard three-hand dial and a date window. Again, fairly standard stuff and this one won’t help you navigate any environment. But it more than makes up for its inherent durability.

This watch is a military-grade unit that will get you through the field with little to no problem. The carbon composite case ensures that this watch won’t break even under pressure. It’s literally tough enough to survive being run over by a truck or tank for that matter. Victorinox claims that it has subjected the watch to over 130 and durability tests.

From military folks to hardcore survivalists, the Victorinox Swiss Army I.N.O.X. Carbon is a tough one to pass.

6. Casio Pathfinder Triple Sensor

Casio’s Pathfinder line is another great contender for the best survival watch that money can buy. Personally, you can just fill this list with Casio timepieces and be done with it. The Casio Pathfinder Triple Sensor is reliable, durable, and keeps good time.

Built to Last

Casio’s tough solar units are almost always reliable. The Pathfinder boasts the venerable Triple Sensor feature which means that it comes with a thermometer, barometer, altimeter and compass. With these features, you’ll have more fighting chance when surviving in the wild.

As for the reliability, the Pathfinder Triple Sensor has a water resistance rating of 100 meters (330 feet). Unlike many so-called water-resistant watches, the buttons on this watch will keep working even when submerged underwater. This adds a good deal of longevity to the timepiece.

It’s a digital display that may turn off some people. However, the display is crisp and clean, and you’ll know the information that you need with just a quick glance. This is one of the most important aspects of a survival watch, at-a-glance readability.

Overall, the Pathfinder Triple Sensor is a great watch that you can use for both outdoor and survival applications.

Be Prepared for the Worst

That wraps up our list of the best survival watch that will bail you out of a sticky situation. Just to be clear, these watches won’t directly save your life when facing a survival scenario. However, they are certainly nice to have as additional tools to help keep you level-headed and safe.

April 1, 2021April 21, 2021

Seiko Solar vs Citizen Eco Drive: Which Solar Watch is Superior?

Seiko and Citizen are two of the biggest brands from Asia, and it’s safe to say, even the world. With the rise of battery-powered quartz watches, both brands have been leading the market and these two companies have a lot in common.

Many customers are finding themselves choosing between a Seiko or Citizen watch – and that’s a good problem to have. Both manufacturers have excellent track records.

For this comparison review, we’ll try to answer the question, which is better? Seiko Solar vs Citizen Eco Drive.

Seiko Solar vs Citizen Eco Drive: At a Glance

This review is essentially a head-to-head between two major watch lines. Here’s a quick specs comparison of Seiko Solar and Citizen Eco-Drive.

	Seiko Solar	Citizen Eco Drive
Movement	Solar, Quartz, Automatic	Solar, Quartz, Automatic
Display	Analog	Analog
Water-Resistance	Yes, 330 feet	Yes, 660 feet
Power Reserve	About 10 years	Second battery lasts up to 20 years
GPS Watch	Yes	Yes
Chronograph (and Tachymeter) watch	Yes	Yes
Atomic Timekeeping	Yes	Yes

Seiko vs Citizen: Brand Comparison

As you all know, both brands originated from Japan and have been enjoying a good deal of popularity in the market.

Now, according to our research of the market, Citizen has the upper hand when it comes to reach and sales volume. Citizen has a wider market presence and that can be said with their sales as well.

On the other hand, Seiko is also a popular brand but less so when compared to Citizen. In my experience, Seiko watches are not as widely available as Citizen, even when you’re shopping from major watch retailers. Therefore, many customers have to buy straight from Seiko or from a specialty store.

In comparison, Citizen watches are virtually everywhere. You can find plenty of Citizen models on Amazon and most major retailers. Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology is one of the main reasons for the brand’s popularity. Eco-Drive watches are known for their reliability which resonates well with customers.

As far as the solar watch community goes, Citizen seems to be the more popular brand between the two.

Seiko Solar vs Citizen Eco Drive: Solar Technology

Obviously, the appeal of both watch lines lies with their solar-powered technology. Seiko uses the Solar designation while Citizen uses the Eco-Drive technology.

It’s worth noting that Seiko manufactures more mechanical watches than Citizen. Under Seiko’s Quartz collection is where you’ll find the brand’s solar-powered watches with the technology that’s simply called Seiko Solar. On the flip side, Citizen specializes more in quartz timepieces where you can find the Eco-Drive collection. The Eco-Drive technology was well-received and in fact, it has won the Gold prize at the “Eco Mark Award 2014”.

As we look closer, we’ve discovered that the solar technologies from the two brands are fairly similar. We’re trying to find a distinguishing feature between Solar and Eco-Drive to no avail. Some folks even believe that they’re essentially the same solar movements with some subtle differences.

So which solar technology is better? Well, it’s really hard to say.

Seiko uses its Solar technology to quite a handful of models. From the Seiko SNE481 Dress Watch to the Seiko RECRAFT Series, there’s a good selection of Seiko Solar models to choose from. However, it’s not a technology that Seiko uses across its collections.

On the other hand, Citizen outfits a wide range of its watches in Eco-Drive solar technology, even the bestselling ones. Thus, there’s a good chance that you’ll get an Eco-Drive watch if you invest in a Citizen piece. Also, Citizen has the advantage since they’ve been working with solar technology longer than Seiko.

In contrast, Seiko seems to be more committed to developing mechanical watches and their own Kinetic technology. If you want a mechanical/self-winding watch, Seiko is your best bet.

Seiko Solar vs Citizen Eco Drive: Style and Design

This one is a bit trickier to compare.

However, if you’re going to observe the offerings from both brands, you’ll see that Seiko leans more towards the tried and true classic designs. A good example of this is the Seiko SNE102 Stainless Steel Solar Watch that has all the makings of a classic leather watch. However, Seiko Solar watches have a variety to them as well. Take for instance, the Seiko Solar Chronograph Silvertone Watch which is a nice-looking chronograph.

On the flip side, Citizen seems to push the limits more when it comes to design. One of my favorite Citizen watches is the Citizen BM8180-03E which is slick-looking field watch. However, Citizen Eco-Drive watches have models with bolder designs such as the Citizen AW1148-09E Drive.

Both brands offer stylish and great-looking watches. If you want something more of a classic look, Seiko is the way to go. However, for more design selections, Citizen can offer you more.

Seiko Solar vs Citizen Eco Drive: Construction, Durability and Water Resistance

Again, this is a category that’s difficult to argue concerning both brands. Both brands offer reliable and robust timepieces at a reasonable price. For the most part, both collections use the same type of case which is stainless steel. The cases are either brushed or polished.

On the back side, both watches are fitted with stainless steel as well. Stainless steel is durable and significantly helps with water resistance. Both Citizen and Seiko watches also use the screw-down lock style which improves water resistance even more.

Although Seiko Solar watches are water-resistant, they have some glaring limitations. For the most part, Solar watches have a water resistance rating of 100 meters. This makes Seiko Solar watches to be technically dive-ready. In comparison, some Eco-Drive models can go down to 200 meters underwater or 660 feet.

It’s worth noting that Seiko has a different line of solar watches for divers. Therefore, although some of their watches have water resistance, not all of them can be used for diving. As for the case of Citizen, they have Eco-Drive models that span both dive and outdoor watches.

Best Seiko Solar Watches

1. Seiko SNE331 Solar Watch

As mentioned, this is one of my favorite Seiko watches ever. The Seiko SNE331 Solar Dress Watch is a military-inspired timepiece but still works wonderfully as an all-around watch.

The large indices and the stencil-like numerals really perk up the dial. The thick luminous hands go very well with the handsome black dial. It’s a 43-mm stainless steel watch, so there’s a bit of heft to it. The hardlex crystal does a great job of protecting the dial.

Overall, it’s a stylish and rugged solar-powered watch that will last you a long while.

2. Seiko SNE042 Stainless Steel Solar Watch

The Seiko SNE042 Stainless Steel Solar Watch is a beautiful dress watch with the signature Seiko reliability.

This is one of the more popular Seiko Solar models and for good reason. The two-tone design adds a good deal of class without looking tacky. The combination of gold hands and indices against the shimmering charcoal dial is so well done.

Of course, the best thing about this dress watch is that it’s solar-powered. With a straight 35 hours charge, it’s supposedly going to give you 10 months of battery life – that’s quite amazing. For a dress watch, it’s also tough and robust enough for daily wear.

The Seiko SNE042 is holding up well and a great introduction to Seiko Solar watches.

3. Seiko SSC667 RECRAFT Series

If you want to check out a chronograph Solar from this brand, the Seiko SSC667 RECRAFT Series is an excellent candidate.

One of the first things you’ll notice about the SSC667 is its vintage design which is a throwback to the 70s. Aside from the 70s-inspired design, I applaud Seiko for putting a good effort into creating the dial. There are various layers to the dial which creates depth. The applied markers also add the much-needed texture to the face.

The SSC667 is a utilitarian watch where every design element is deliberate. The NATO strap adds another layer o personality to the timepiece. It’s definitely one of the better Seiko chronographs that you can get.

Best Citizen Eco-Drive Watches

1. Citizen AW1150-07E Eco-DRV AR 2.0

The Citizen AW1150-07E Eco-DRV AR 2.0 is a big, black, and bold timepiece with a modern appeal. Citizen doesn’t shy away from edgier designs and this one is my favorite.

It’s a 44mm stainless steel watch but it never feels too large, even on smaller wrists. The main selling point of the AW1150-07E is its looks. The dial just looks amazing and can be worn pretty much everywhere. I’ve received many compliments wearing it.

Overall, the AW1150-07E is one of the finer Eco-Drive watches available.

2. Citizen BM8180-03E

The Citizen BM8180-03E is a trooper of a watch. It feels very rugged but still lightweight. From the military-inspired design to the quality construction, the Citizen BM8180-03E succeeds in the utilitarian sense.

The dial looks simple and straight to the point – just the way I like it. The lume is fairly decent but I wish it was better since the watch is designed for outdoor applications. The strap is a bit stiff at first but it was eventually broken in and became a lot more flexible.

Ultimately, the BM8180-03E is a fan favorite and it’s easy to see why.

3. Citizen BN0151-09L Promaster Professional Diver

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty diver with a great price, the Citizen BN0151-09L Promaster Professional Diver is an easy recommendation.

The BN0151-09L is an updated version of the classic Citizen dive watch. This dive watch has a water resistance rating of WR200/20Bar/666ft, so it’s something that scuba divers can actually use. Despite being a tool watch, the BN0151-09L Promaster is light and comfortable.

Overall, the BN0151-09L is a rock-solid dive watch and offers amazing value.

Seiko Solar vs Citizen Eco Drive: Final Thoughts

As you can see, this Seiko vs Citizen matchup is a tricky one. This is mainly because both brands are very similar.

If you are looking for a solar-powered watch with a more classic look, Seiko Solar should have something for you. On the other hand, Citizen Eco-Drive watches are more adventurous when it comes to design. When it comes to solar power technology, Citizen edges out Seiko because the former has more watches that have the feature. Plus, Citizen has been working with solar technology far longer than Seiko.

Either way, it’s hard to go wrong with their brand.