I surveyed vast field of digital choices before getting the watch a month ago, and I'm well satisfied.Most digital watches (as opposed to analog with hour and minute hands) are ugly, IMO, so my surveying has mainly been frustrating.I found a nice line of digital Casio Edifices, with big digits and glimmering colorful faces, which served for a while, but has apparently been discontinued a year or two ago, and my last one quit working two months ago.
I bought this watch, grimacing at the price, just because it wasn't particularly ugly and had big digits, but it exceeded my meager expectations.The manual was a bit of a slog - it took about 20 minutes to read, but well worth it.
The features are outstanding - about 5 alarms, one of which can be set for snooze alarms, the expected stop watch, easy access to Greenwich Meridian Time, markers for noting times, a backlight, waterproof enough for scuba diving (not that I dive).
The special features include checking with a radio signal daily so the time is always correct (important for catching my buses and winning arguments about what time it really is), solar power (so run-down batteries should never be a problem), and backlighting that turns on when one turns one's wrist (surprisingly convenient).A nice touch is when one cycles back to the time, the watch gives a different unobtrusive beep.
There are other features available on other watches - tape recorders, flash drives, altimeters, compasses, but none that sound remotely useful in the long run.
I had to shorten the well-built wriststrap by 5 or 6 links, a little tricky, but any watch shop could do it in 5 minutes.
If you want a big, full-featured, easy-to-read and operate digital watch, this is the one, and I've surveyed most of them.
Post originally written mid-January, this added 2-25-07:I've found there might be problems with battery life, or maybe it is just the Seattle winter.I've had to leave my watch sometimes under a light when the power get low, and changing the battery can only be done by Casio, according to one watch shop.Also, the price on the watch is coming down quickly to more reasonable levels.I still like it a lot, despite having to juice it up from time to time.
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Casio Men's G-Shock MT-G Atomic Tough Solar Watch #MTG900DA-8VProduct Description: This Casio G-Shock digital watch offers a stylishly rugged look, world-savvy features ideal for business or adventure, and a durable design. The watch's atomic timekeeping calibrates the displayed time with radio signals to ensure a high level of accuracy, and the tough solar power offers a battery life of approximately 11 months on full charge without further exposure to light. The watch is built with a round stainless steel bezel, stainless steel case, and a stylish stainless steel band with a fold-over push-button clasp. The digital window shows the time in a bold central display, with world time settings for up to 29 time zones (30 cities), daylight savings option, and a city code display. The digital window also conveniently shows the day of the week above and the month and date below, automatically pre-programmed through 2099. The battery power level and calibration signal reception are indicated on the sides. This watch also offers four daily alarms and one snooze alarm, a time recorder, a 1/100 second stopwatch function, and a handy automatic EL backlight with afterglow. Specially designed for shock resistance and water resistant up to 660 feet, this digital quartz powered watch is backed by a 1-year limited manufacturer's warranty.
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The problem with replacement bands for Casio Watches is the high price. I bought a real good Casio Solar Atomic Watch (GW-500A) for $60, with the list price at $150. A few years later, when the band wore out, I find the price for the band is listed at $25, a little much considering what you are getting. There are no 3rd party suppliers for this specialized band. This seller is providing the original item, for a low price. I received it earlier than expected, in original package. I will save this seller, because if I ever need replacement watch parts, I will use them,out of appreciation and the fact that they will probably have the best price and availability.
