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From: Joyce, Thomas F. <TJoyce_at_bellboyd.com>
subject: [Paddlewise] Watches
Date: Fri, 9 May 2003 10:53:42 -0500
I wear a diving watch for all outdoor purposes.  When I come down from a hike at altitude (anything above 8,000 ft), a small amount of condensation accumulates under the glass.  It eventually disperses (perhaps after weeks), with no apparent effect on accuracy.  Does anyone have a recommendation for a good watch that does not do this?  Being able to submerge in shallow water 20 - 30 ft) is essential.  What I'm really looking for in addition is the ability to withstand the altitude change (say, up to 15,000) without that condensation.  

Thanks.

P.S.  The cost of the watch should be less than the cost of my last kayak.

Tom Joyce




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From: td376 <td376_at_mail.anonymizer.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Watches
Date: Fri, 09 May 2003 14:18:59 -0400
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I have been using a LUMINOX Navy Seals watch for the last five years 
with no problem.  I have it in the water all the time.  It has a 
rotating bezel.  It has tritium gas in the hour hand, minute hand, 
second hand, and for each hour.  The tritium gas glows in the dark 
without having to charge it up like the more traditional painted watch 
markings.  This makes it real nice for paddling at night.  They make a 
number of different models.  Mine cost either $200 or $300.  Cannot 
remember which.  Hope this helps.

Jan Mason

Joyce, Thomas F. wrote:
> I wear a diving watch for all outdoor purposes.  When I come down from a hike at altitude (anything above 8,000 ft), a small amount of condensation accumulates under the glass.  It eventually disperses (perhaps after weeks), with no apparent effect on accuracy.  Does anyone have a recommendation for a good watch that does not do this?  Being able to submerge in shallow water 20 - 30 ft) is essential.  What I'm really looking for in addition is the ability to withstand the altitude change (say, up to 15,000) without that condensation.  
> 
> P.S.  The cost of the watch should be less than the cost of my last kayak.
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From: <jfarrelly5_at_comcast.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Watches
Date: Fri, 09 May 2003 19:02:48 -0400
Mine quit working after two yrs.  Campmor or Sierra Outpost has them on
clearance.  Cant remember which.  I really liked that watch.  Bummer.

Jim et al
----- Original Message -----
From: "td376" <td376_at_mail.anonymizer.com>
> I have been using a LUMINOX Navy Seals watch for the last five years
> with no problem.  I have it in the water all the time.  It has a
> rotating bezel.  It has tritium gas in the hour hand, minute hand,
> second hand, and for each hour.  The tritium gas glows in the dark
> without having to charge it up like the more traditional painted watch
> markings.  This makes it real nice for paddling at night.  They make a
> number of different models.


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From: Will Jennings <will_at_bigwoodenradio.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Watches
Date: Fri, 9 May 2003 13:30:46 -0500
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I use a Suunto X6.  The altimeter/barometer functions are very  
accurate, can be locked to avoid drift, allow log tracking,
and can be set to alarm when rise or drop exceeds set interval amount.

There have been some reports that earlier versions of this watch had  
display glitches,
and that battery replacement has caused a few units to lock and require  
returning.
Suunto handles these via their Carlsbad, CA facility, though many  
retailers (EMS, REI,
others, will usually replace the units under warranty with new...your  
mileage may vary).

The less expensive Vector model has the same accuracy, though the ease
of operation, intuitive display, etc. of the X6 make it worth the money.
If you're into the gear geek thing, you can download logs from the  
watch to
PC (via supplied cable and software/Macs can use a usb to serial  
adapter and
Virtual PC),  adjust watch settings and prefs all at once, and link to  
Suunto's
website to other users...

Mostly, I find the X6 reliable, well thought out, and unfailingly  
accurate;
a recent issue of Backpacker magazine reviewed and rated an array
of these watches...and many were not as accurate or as handy as one
might hope or assume. The Suunto watch reviewed was not the X6, but
the Altimeter functions are the same.

(no commercial affiliation with Suunto or retailers of this product).

-Will

On Friday, May 9, 2003, at 10:53 AM, Joyce, Thomas F. wrote:

> I wear a diving watch for all outdoor purposes.  When I come down from  
> a hike at altitude (anything above 8,000 ft), a small amount of  
> condensation accumulates under the glass.  It eventually disperses  
> (perhaps after weeks), with no apparent effect on accuracy.  Does  
> anyone have a recommendation for a good watch that does not do this?   
> Being able to submerge in shallow water 20 - 30 ft) is essential.   
> What I'm really looking for in addition is the ability to withstand  
> the altitude change (say, up to 15,000) without that condensation.
>
> Thanks.
>
> P.S.  The cost of the watch should be less than the cost of my last  
> kayak.
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From: Kees van der Meij <keesvdm_at_xs4all.nl>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Watches
Date: Sat, 10 May 2003 07:50:53 +0200
Hi all,
>
> For paddling it's hard to find better bang-for-the-buck value than Timex.
> Regular Timex Ironman from superstore for $ 20-30 with rating 100m
protects
> from a short-time shallow immersion - from my experience.  I am not sure
how
> it will work for divers, though.

AFAIK, the depth ratings as used by the watch industry are greatly
exaggerated. 50m is barely suitable to get wet at all, 100m will stand an
average swim, and only 200m+ are suitable for a moderate dive.

Kees
who wears a Casio Geotrail model rated at 100m when paddling.

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From: Reinhold Weber <r.weber_at_sulb.uni-saarland.de>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Watches
Date: Mon, 12 May 2003 16:03:50 +0200
On Sat, 10 May 2003, Kees van der Meij wrote:

> Date: Sat, 10 May 2003 07:50:53 +0200
> From: Kees van der Meij <keesvdm_at_xs4all.nl>
> To: PW <paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net>
> Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Watches
> 
> Hi all,
> 
> AFAIK, the depth ratings as used by the watch industry are greatly
> exaggerated. 50m is barely suitable to get wet at all, 100m will stand an
> average swim, and only 200m+ are suitable for a moderate dive.
> 

You won't have any problems if you respect these ratings. But depending
on the manufacturer, a 100m watch may well do for a shallow dive ...
Water resistance standards are applied unequally by the manufacturers.
And they guarantee water resistance for just one year, afterwards the
rubber joints should be changed! Of course in real life the watches
remain water resistant for two to three years, depending on the use.
Watch shops offer tests of water resistance (at least here in Germany).
Such a test may spare you unpleasant surprises ...

Reinhold Weber
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From: Michael Daly <michaeldaly_at_rogers.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Watches
Date: Sat, 10 May 2003 09:04:40 -0400
alex wrote:

> For paddling it's hard to find better bang-for-the-buck value than
> Timex. Regular Timex Ironman from superstore for $ 20-30 with rating
> 100m protects from a short-time shallow immersion - from my
> experience.  I am not sure how it will work for divers, though.

I've taken a Timex Ironman rated at 200m to 40m on a dive (that's
the maximum sport diving depth).  It didn't leak, but it didn't
work either.  Specifically, if you get below something like
25m, the water pressure locks down the buttons and the timers
and stuff cease to function.  Only the clock part works.
Divers need dive watches.  For kayaking, the Timex is fine.
These fading eyes should switch to an analog face, though - 
much easier to read especially in low light as others have
noted.

Mike


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From: Bob Volin <bobvolin_at_optonline.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Watches
Date: Sat, 10 May 2003 21:44:13 -0400
FWIW, I've been wearing Timex Ironman watches for paddling and daily use for
5 years or more.  I've had to replace them from time to time (I'm rough on
things), but never because of immersion problems. Incidentally, they keep
excellent time.

Bob V


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From: PeterO <rebyl_kayak_at_iprimus.com.au>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Watches
Date: Sun, 11 May 2003 14:44:50 +1000
G'day,

I have a "Swatch" watches at Aus$60 Aprox(US$30). It claims to be water
resistant and has the battery case exposed at the back for easy removal,
while everything else is well sealed. Its stood up to a fair bit of water
immersion and general bashing around very well.

All the best, PeterO


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From: Caroline Roth <carolineroth_at_yahoo.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Watches
Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 10:53:36 -0700 (PDT)
--- Evan Dallas <Evan_Dallas_at_notes.ntrs.com> wrote:
I
> generally get two years
> or more per $10 watch, which works out to something
> like 40 cents per month
> -- not bad!


Neither my husband nor I have had a watch last more
than about 1 year before the case breaks along the
section where the pin goes to hold the band. 
Sometimes the watch just falls off into the water and
the owner realizes it when checking the time.  A few
times the watch has fallen into a bag or on the floor
and we can use it as a "pocket watch".

Last year my husband paid more money for a watch with
a metal case (Timex, waterproof).  We'll learn if that
makes a difference.  

We don't know of anyone else who has had such bad
luck.  What has been the experience of paddlewisers? 
No one has mentioned this problem.  I'd love to get 2
years out of a watch.  

Caroline


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From: PeterO <rebyl_kayak_at_iprimus.com.au>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Watches
Date: Wed, 14 May 2003 20:13:19 +1000
Caroline wrote:-
>What has been the experience of paddlewisers?
>No one has mentioned this problem.  I'd love
>to get 2 years out of a watch.

G'day Caroline,

I've been wearing a cheap digital watch with a moulded plastic strap for
three years - no sign of wearing out and a trip doesn't go by without it
being totally submerged. Recently changed it for a Swatch watch which has a
similar moulded strap and is 'non digital' with hour and minute hands. I'ld
like to claim this is so it can be used as a compass, but actually its
because age and eyesight are catching up!!:~)

All the best, PeterO


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From: Liam <biobill_at_capital.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Watches
Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 21:14:29 -0400
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There's been alot of info about watches lately, so, I would like to share a
website with all of you.  I have ordered from this company and will again in
the future. If you need a watch this company probably has it and at
discounted prices!  (no affiliation)
http://www.wristwatch.com/
I myself have worn a Casio watch for the last 20 to 25 years. I 've owned a
GShock and 2 multi sensor watches. I gave the Gshock to a friend after
wearing it about 7 to 8 years, I replaced the battery and band once.  I
purchased a Casio 2 sensor watch with temp,altimeter and barometer. I have
purchased one battery and one strap for that also.  The original battery
lasted about 5 or 6 years.
2 years ago I was given  a Casio 3 sensor watch, temp,altimeter,barometer
and compass.( I know there's four but they call it a Triple sensor) The
barometer I use all the time which is useful in watching the weather.
These watches are water resistant to 100 meters.  I have worn them
diving,swimming/snorkeling and paddling.  I have never seen one leak or
condensate under the crystal. I have never broken a pin but I have replaced
the strap.(They sell watch bands also) All have ripped just above the hole
where the band is clasped. This maybe caused because I keep my band tight on
my wrist.
They are not $10.00 watches though, the link below is similar to the watch I
have now, priced at $117.00.
http://www.wristwatch.com/depot.asp,,sku,,cas-prt40c1v,,idx,,2467,,slt,,37753.6719560185
Hopefully, I have offered some worthwhile info.
Happy paddling
Bill
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From: Michael Daly <michaeldaly_at_rogers.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Watches
Date: Wed, 14 May 2003 19:49:52 -0400
Liam wrote:
> When replacing a battery in my watch(Casio) I put vasoline on the
> oring 
> before remounting the back.  I have never seen condensation form
> under the 
> crystral after doing so.

Vasoline, being a petroleum product, can cause an O-ring to degrade
rather quickly.   You'd have to make sure the O-ring is resistant
to petroleum products.  There are silicone and nitrile O-rings,
but I rather doubt you'd find them in a watch.  

It's easier and better to use a silicone grease designed for the job.

Mike

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