Snubbie,
That is one of the models I was looking at. How do you like it. How accurate is the altimeter? One thing I can't find out is if it remembers the high and low temperature.
On another note does anyone have any experience with watches from high gear?
I have one of the Casio watches. Altitude is not extremely accurate, Around +/- 200' would be my experience compared to my GPS. You also have to calibrate it from a known source before each trip. I calibrate it from home. Not a huge deal.
Temps are not accurate if you're wearing it since it picks up body temp.
Overall I like it. I use the compass mostly. It is not a replacement for a real compass or GPS, but since I prefer to wear a watch anyway it is nice to have the features at hand. I find myself checking directions often at times where I would normally not carry a compass.
I would pretty much agree with JMR40 except the part of the altimeter. Mine is mostly within less than 100'. I does have to be calibrated. If I get on a plane and fly out west, the plane pressure, change in barometric pressure, etc, etc. will require it to be recalibrated. Not a difficult thing to do, I've passed signs on the interstate stating elevation and calibrated the thing while driving. Heck, my Garmin Rino will vary from known elevations by 50' at times.
Also remember the altimeter function works off barometric pressure. Which means storm fronts, changing weather can affect the altimeter. On the other hand, keeping track of the barometric pressure can indicate an approaching storm front with the barometer steadily falling.
The compass function is handy. I don't navigate with it but it is handy to quickly check direction without pulling out my compass. If I'm using a map and compass for any type navigating I'm going to use a compass, not the watch.
Body heat does elevate the temperature readings, although it's handy to take it off at night and next morning it will give an accurate reading of your tent temp. I do not believe it records high and low temps.
It has stop watch functions and countdown timers that are useful. Multiple time zones is handy if you travel. I go out west and just change time zones without actually re-setting the watch. Lots of other bells & whistles I don't use or have no use for.
Overall I like it. I've swam with it, hiked, camped, hunted, gutted deer & covered it in blood(should have removed it!), snorkeled, biked, jogged, gardened etc, etc. with it and it's never complained. Scrub the crud off with a toothbrush & soap, rinse and go on. It's also solar powered so no worry of battery failure. Supposed to run like 10 months or something on a full battery charge. Of course, when using it it's being charged continually as long as it's daylight.
I'm lost without a watch & ordered this one specifically for outdoor use.
edit to add: It's also very lightweight. You said you hate wearing watches. If you're not used to a watch, most men's watches nowadays are fairly heavy & that can be irritating, again, if you're not used to wearing one. This watch is large but very lightweight. The case, bezel, strap are all plastic. The crystal is also recessed to help protect against scratching or breaking.