Back in 1988 my parents got me a Timex for Christmas. I worked in a lumber yard . Later that winter I took off my coat and noticed my watch was gone. I looked for weeks and could not find it. 3 1/2 years later we were moving the last of a huge stack of railroad ties and there ,imbedded in the dirt under what was several tons of lumber was my watch. I picked it up and wound it it and the thing was still working!
The real problem with the Garmin is you can’t have a bluetooth watch in any secure area, or briefing, or anywhere that you can’t have a phone. It’s a big detractor for a lot of us in the military, but it’s an amazing watch for off duty and exercise. G-Shock is still king!
@@Matheus-ry8jl That doesn’t matter, lol. There’s no stipulation in DoD regs for “stealth mode” on a watch. If it has bluetooth capability, it’s not allowed.
I genuinely find this channel one of the most no-nonsense interesting tacti-y-shooting channels on CZcams. I only wear Solar Gshocks because for the features and lack of charging they can't be beat. Fully agree, Casio all the way.
Started with the original Timex Ironman. Then finally went to G-Shocks. Then I found Garmin. GPS feature and the ability to call out my location instantly is great.
G-Shock fan here! I wear a GWM5610-1, I love it. It’s the smaller G-Shock. I love it because it’s small and doesn’t snag on stuff, discrete and looks less expensive and functional than it really is.
For certain military members there's a lot of benefit to wearing a watch that can go in and out of secure facilities without needing to jump through hoops with security. I don't see myself switching away from my Casio Protrek, G Shock, or mechanical watches any time soon!
I have a GShock Tough Solar that I've been wearing since 2006 and it went through basic with me, deployed around the world, underwater on dives and I've never changed the battery. I have replace the band 3 times. I have many watches but this one just works and is no maintenance. I LOVE my GShocks
Another bummer about smart watches & what keeps me from embracing them is having to take it off when I enter many gov facility/any of the secure areas on military bases. I'm currently a DoD contractor and I just got tired of having to remove it all the time for briefings etc. They sure are handy in the field, though! Also, yea I'm a fellow Seiko-holic! My navy blue Seiko PADI edition solar diver is my current favorite "classic" style watch. Just a great grab & go watch that's good & accurate and super reliable! I just love that watch 👍🏼👍🏼
Today you can buy Casio G-Shock GW-9500 Mudman which is exactly the ProTrek in G-Shock clothes/style (Altimeter, barometer and compass, stoper, countdown timer, world time, tough solar, multiband 6, sunrise and sunsets, 200m water resistant, mud resistant).
Suunto Core is my everyday watch. Love it. I’ve had to for 7 years and it has never let me down. Only draw back is having to replace the battery every year but honestly that’s it. It’s seen a lot of abuse from time on the flight line, and training while I was in the military. Some scratching on the face, and the finish on the bezel ring has worn off a bit but all the functions still work perfectly fine. If it ever does some break I’ve already told myself I’m getting a new one right after.
I use actually the G-shock gulfman G-9100 , very good watch . I also have the mudman G-9000 but had to put it aside because the buttons became too stiff .
I love my G-Shock GWG1000 mudmaster, was my daily for 5 years, I also own a Garmin Fenix 5X Pro for heart rate and pulse oximeter. I have my Seiko SNKL23 as my cheap beater mechanical, and latest addition is a Mido Ocean Star GMT mechanical which I love because it has an 80hour power reserve and works as a mechanical compass. Thanks for a peak at your collection and your picks!!
Had a timex camper back in 97. It did it’s job telling time no matter the environment. I became a Casio fanboy. I run a tough solar 5610, 6900, G9000 for work
Started wearing a watch a few months ago with my Fenix 6 pro (my first smart watch). Really like it alot. I love the gps, timer, and the heartrate/sleeep/barometer sensors. All the little features are pretty incredible. Spent my life thinking smart watches were gimmicks, but boy its all very useful. Feel like its a appreciable upgrade to my daily life having it. I did have to warranty my watch because a button stopped working, but garmin sent me a whole new watch free of charge and its been great since. I do feel its not super tough though. Am diligent at keeping a screen cover on and a full watchface silicone cover to keep from banging on things. Can't go using it for a hammer haha, but it is rugged enough I think with the covers and protector.
Check out the G shock Rangeman/9400. Has the altimeter barometer thermometer and compass with a simple digital face and solar. Tons of colour patterns. Best every day watch I have ever tried
Love the watches. I was Active Duty Army from 82 to 2007 with a break for collage. Got into diving in the early 80's at Bragg and bought the original Seiko "Arnie" and more recently the rerelease of the solar powered Arnie. Got into mechanical watches in the 90's and Seikos were my go to watches. Used them through my deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and then about 13 years of overseas contracting in the same area. Yes, lets see more watches. Most of my military time was combat engineering. I enjoy your presentations.
Glad to see a watch video. I wore a blacked out Luminox on a NATO strap when I was in. Keeps great time because it's quartz and doesn't weigh anything because it has the carbon case. Was great for PT and duty use. Wore a solar Citizen for quite awhile before getting my Omega Seamaster which I daily wear now. I'll still get my Luminox out from time to time if I'm going camping or swimming. Plan on getting a Garmin eventually.
My daily watch alternates between my Seiko Marine Master 300 and my Tudor Pelagos LHD. I don't particularly like quartz/digital watches despite their accuracy, but I will now likely invest in the Casio Pro Trek because I'm leaving Florida and moving to the hills where I'll be doing plenty of trekking. Thanks for the heads-up review.
I’m a watch collector, own a vintage Panerai, an Audemar Piguet ROO Diver, a Squale 1521, Cartier and other high end Swiss watches. I also own two Seikos and three G-Shocks. The most durable watch, the one I take to my competition shooting matches and the very one I take with me into the mountains together with my HK45 when the alien space ships attack is the Mudmaster GWG-1000-1A3. It's totally self-sufficent, and with compass, altimeter, solar and 6-radio a watch that you can throw out of a helicopter and it will still run, 100 years from now. Put your Seiko Monster in a bag and drop it off at Goodwill, mate! That's not to say that there are no good Seikos out there. Far from it. The most durable Seiko is the Seiko Tuna. That's a Seiko worth owning for the long run. Btw, my other 2 G-Shocks cost thousands of dollars each, so you may not have been as exposed to the G-Shock world as you may think. What's the most expensive G-Shock? Do you know? Can you even guess? It's the G-D5000-9JR, and it sold for $70,000, if you were found worth of getting one . . .
I have a Pathfinder that’s going on 15 years old. I’ve replaced the band twice, but it’s still rolling despite all the abuse I give it as a chef. It has moon and tide phases (I fish) and updates to the atomic clock in Ft. Collins, CO almost every night. So it’s accurate. And because it’s solar, I never worry about battery life. You really can’t ask for more in a casual daily wear watch. I like this video, thanks for posting.
Fantastic video! I recently began watch making school here in Texas and I love hearing what watches are getting used and abused by service members. I will say a quick "tell" that you are an American and likely military when abroad is a G-shock. So for those that don't wish to be noticed when traveling a Seiko or a smart watch is optimal. I would definitely enjoy seeing more of your collection 👍
Which school? They have one in the DFW area near the airport. I tried to get into that school that was run by Richemont. I made it all the way to the in person testing but failed the test since I was out of school for so long.
@@keltecdan that would be the school I am attending. There is also a school at Paris Junior College that is essentially the same program. Also, you can attend a school sponsored by Swatch in Miami although their pass rate is really low. And keep your ear to the ground as Rolex is setting up a school at their Dallas repair facility 👍
Started in the Army with a Timex Ironman, worked in a Federal Prison with a G Shock, working armed school security with a Garmin. I do remember being in Iraq in 2003 and how the Garmin devices worked faster, more accurate, and more user friendly than the plugger! But I gotta give G Shock it’s credit. I have a G100 I wore almost everyday for twelve years, and it’s still on its original battery and going strong.
Your 6900 looks amazing! Its interesting how the resin on it still looks strong after 17 years of hard use! Earlier G-Shock could not last for more than 10 years due to the resin rot.
I own the Garmin and a ton of g shocks but I've always been a sucker for mechanical watches. I own everything from Rolex and omega to swatch and orient. My go to is the Citizen Ny0040-17le and the seiko Samurai and glycine combat sub
I wore the same casio watch I bought in boot camp from 90 to 00. Today I wear a garmin fenix 6 watch and samsung galaxy watch 6 and love the features on them both.
I’ve used my seiko dive watch since 1990…it’s mechanical motion based winding….it still keeps time spot on…it’s scratched..scuffed and dinged…and still works great…
Very cool, of course I do not have your MIL experience but as a watch guy and gun guy, I made a full video too about my thoughts about the best options for duty watches. My top suggestion will always be the marathon navigator for duty uses
As someone who reviews a lot of Casio watches but has zero experience using them in the field, it was cool to hear your real world experience with them. I'm curious if you ever considered a Rangeman. They give you the altimeter /compass /barometer functions as does the Protrek, but in a more rugged design (albeit with a few less frills).
I have not looked into the Rangeman only because I've switched to mechanical watches but a lot of people are commenting on it and I will have to give it a look.
Currently using a Mudmaster GWG1000, that's the step up from yours. Solar power and ABC sensors. 7 years in, and the solar battery is still going strong. Recently added a Garmin Instinct 2X Tactical - mostly for its heart rate and GPS bread crumb function as well as ABC sensors. It too is solar, but winter in Wisconsin finds it covered with coat sleeves too often to be purely solar, but it's still good for around 30 days between charges. Good video, thx.
Another awesome video! I recently picked up a Seiko King Turtle with the “grenade” dial. Absolutely in love with it and chose it specifically because of Seikos history in Vietnam with MAC-V SOG and other SF groups.
Yeah I think so too! I never take mine off now, it’s is the best bang for your buck and personally I think it looks great compared to a lot of other more expensive watches.
I'm a watch nut. I joined the New Zealand Army in 1981 through to 1993. I wore a Seiko Quartz 150m dive watch for the whole time I was in the army. I also wore it during many dives. I still wear it regularly.
From your time in the military I feel sure you have seen a Marathon GSAR, thanks for your service by the way. The Marathon are hands down 🎉 the best watches I have ever seen. They are a stainless tank of a watch with sapphire crystals, I replaced the bezel insert with a ceramic one this watch is tough as nails. The price is very fair for the quality you are getting. I have also owned several g shocks before I got into watches but now I can’t help but think most Casio g shocks are ugly. Still good watches though. Have a great day
I've had Garmin Instincts for a while. That's basically their version of the G-Shock. I've put it through hell and it kept on going. I found myself gravitating back to mechanical/quartz watches because I wanted less notifications, less reliance on tech and charging. Also, feels more...horologically true to have some classically sound mechanical watches, particularly all my Seiko. Going with the Pro Trek is a solid option, too. All the function, years of use. Awesome facts about the Rolex and them being a potential currency for negotiation!
Nice video! I like all the practical info, and the fun take on mechanical watches. I think Seiko has a practical take on mechanical watches. The movements can take abuse and keep running, but they won’t have Swiss accuracy or high level jewelry finish/appearance. If the movement does break, it’s cheap enough to replace. I agree it’s not a cheap hobby. Garmin watches provide useful fitness and health data, and I find this more useful than the GPS data. The exercise and recovery data alone helps me plan workouts and evaluate my health. Studying long term trends can even tell you when you might be getting sick from the flu or some other bug, or if there’s some other health issue.
Got a 6105 I bought in the ship's store when I was in the NAV, circa 1977. Paid about $75. I'm amazed what they are going for now. It's in rough shape but still works.
For those that don't know Panerai, Was made for Italian frogmen,& since have made a few Military models,also Hamilton did British,& a few more Mil ones,Seiko of course
G-shock has also been my go-to, namely because I know I'm reckless and careless I am with my gear. I work armored cash transit, my Px4 is beat to hell with how many times I've slammed it against the doors of armored trucks or the frame of our trucks. Same with my watch, I frequently accidentally slam my wrist against the walls of our truck reaching for stuff, and when all I need is the date and time for filling out logs, the G-Shock is more than enough for my needs.
You are a man of good taste sir. If I may just add to your watch addiction, you should look into "Sinn" watches. They are meticulously overbuilt, tough as brass watches, their "EZM" line of watches in particular.
Modern Casio G-Shock Triple Sensor. Period. Solar powered. A lot to choose from. These are great “dumb” watches that will survive anything. I try to avoid Bluetooth or any fancy USB port rechargeable watch. Yes, I know that it has more features but I don’t need them. They are nice to have, and cool to look at but unnecessary. Plus, I don’t want my watch putting out or receiving signals if I can avoid it. My watch must survive putting on and taking off an Army Ruck, putting on and taking off full loaded plate carrier, a Combat Equipment PLF at night, it must survive some Combatives or judo or rough horse play, it must be unremarkable until I need to see what time it is. If I absolutely need to I will use other functions of the watch like the compass or World Time or Stopwatch or whatever. I love watches don’t get me wrong, but for duty or demanding assignments I always choose the toughest Casio G-Shock I can find. I double watched with Suunto Core’s for years while overseas but now I’m more chill. Thanks for the video airborne.
Great video, Casio mix, many mudmaster solar, like mudmaster PRG-600YB-3CR PRO TREK with temperature in barometer also GWG-1000-1AJF which has barometer temperature in Compass and it’s an automatic
All good choices. My EDC watch is a G-shock rangeman gw9400. I love it. Tough, simple, loaded with features. Barometer, altimeter, compass, thermometer, tough solar, tripple sensor.
If you need a solid tactical watch that will take abuse , yet won't cost the same as an AR . Luminox or G-shocks. G'S Havd been around forever, for a reason. Luminox is my favorite tactical watch , the carbonox bezels take so much abuse and hardly scuff. The tritium is always a nice feature. So many choices but even the base Luminox's are tanks.
I used a g.shock in my time with the king of the battlefield (13b). Really beat the crap out of it with my natural clumsiness around big things made of steel. Never missed a beat. I rock a doxa sub300 professional now. A little garish with orange dial but really retro cool.
A bit sad you missed out on the Suunto Core because in my honest opinion they are the best compromise between a G-Shock and the Garmin, with their alti-/barometer, compass and a battery that lasts a year and can easily be replaced in 30 seconds.Cheers!
I feel while we’ve had different life experiences, judging from your content, I think we have very similar opinions and thought processes when it comes to gear. I too value Casio. I started with the Timex Ironman watches in my youth just backpacking and similar outdoor endeavors and eventually upgraded to the G-Shock GW9400-3. The only criticism I have is the display is that muted reverse polarity which makes it difficult to see in certain lighting conditions which is alleviated by using the backlight but is inconvenient. The GW9400-1 is the same watch with normal display and different color. I’m thinking about upgrading to one of the new Garmin watches because of exactly the features you listed. I’m also looking to branch into high end automatics like Tudor and Breitling soon. In other words, cool choices man. I’d love to see content from you regarding some of your automatics or those your considering. I cracked up about the always broke comment, cause I too like nice watches, guns, and off road stuff. 😂
I work in a heavy duty ICU and the gshock is still a watch brand that gets most wear from me. Accurate and reliable. And when im in a isolation enviorment, i just throw it in disinfectant without a worry in the world
Hell ya my g-shock has served me for 8 years now. Buttons hardly work (due to concrete) and tail end retaining strap broke (replaced with a ranger band) but it keeps kickin. Spent 13 years in the service and wish I had this watch from the beginning.
You can fix it yourself. Is very easy, the plastic bezel is removable, so you can take out the watch and clean it. Also Casio sell bezel for your watch, so you can replace it and have new watch. I own two casio and one of them.that what I did and now have a brand new watch which I bought almost 20 years ago
I really like my Garmin Insinct 2 Solar Tactical. I got it for my 10th anniversary mostly for the extra land nav features over the Garmin Instinct I'd been running for a couple of years before. Good stuff. (but I'm not an operator, but am a civilian SAR guy which drove my purchasing choice on these)
Sir, while deployed to Afghanistan I wore a G Shock King GX-56 and a Seiko SKA-371. I wish I would have discovered my newest everyday watch back then, MWC P656, titanium, sapphire, tritium analog with a 10 year battery.
sir if you miss pathfinder and all its functions check out north edge gavia 2 its ana-digi watch with same functions but its made out of stainless steele and is kinda heavy
G Shocks we’re the watch you bought after you tried to not use a g shock. I did find a cheap Walmart watch for hunters at one point. It had the vibrate alarm feature so it was better for in the field. In Iraq we were given these marathon watches. I was in charge of handing them out. No one would take them. So I had all these watches that we ended up giving out as gifts to Random Iraqis. I got the urge to get another one. Yeah they want 400 dollars for them now they were 300 dollars during Iraq.
I still go for G Shocks with solar features for the simple reason that they can practically last forever without the hassle of connecting to computers or charging. Solar Pro Treks are equally awesome.
I also went down that same rabbit hole after leaving the British Army re guns, camera's (film) and watches. Also add vintage DE razors to complete! Still have my old Seiko SKX (7S26-0020) and a seiko Chrono I bought in the eighties (7T32). Love Casio's and used them from the beginning in-service. The cheaper the better. If I remember correctly the F5?? (now the F91W) and DW9052. Never tried to sign out a CWC on a G1037, way past my pay scale if I broke it. Now into mechanicals too. Try looking at the "Pagani Design" Homage watches. They are very good quality and use Seiko NH35A automatic mechanical winders. I have had several for about 3 years now and they are still going great and don't put my bank balance in the red. Best wishes (we spoke on the phone a few months ago re the Paras).
Consider the Seiko SNJ series, an analog/digital solar quartz diver also known as the Arnie reissue, as it’s based on a watch he wore in the Commando and Predator movies. For barometer I use my iPhone (which Strelok Pro can use directly), same with GPS altimeter and compass. For thermometer I have a separate one on my backpack, they need to be away from the body and out of the sun to be accurate.
More like security guard forces. Dressed for the part. Couldn't make the start. I wore Casio G Shock in December 1989. As did some of fellow invasion force buddies. I bought mine in 86
The Casio pro trek… avoid the model with atomic clock synching. The G shocks seem to synch to the atomic clock just fine, but some of the pro treks, especially the one that looks like the model shown at 7:40 have issues with atomic synch and can be rendered useless.
I have a range master that I stopped wearing when I got an Apple Watch however I will never get rid of my range master because it was purchased for me by my grandmother that passed away this year
My Dad was a Green Beret, I'm looking to find the watch he was issued in the 80s ,he locked out a submarine in Grenada with, really interesting story by the way
Back in 1988 my parents got me a Timex for Christmas. I worked in a lumber yard . Later that winter I took off my coat and noticed my watch was gone. I looked for weeks and could not find it. 3 1/2 years later we were moving the last of a huge stack of railroad ties and there ,imbedded in the dirt under what was several tons of lumber was my watch. I picked it up and wound it it and the thing was still working!
Just like their old adverts used to say - they "take a licking & keep on ticking!" 😂
The real problem with the Garmin is you can’t have a bluetooth watch in any secure area, or briefing, or anywhere that you can’t have a phone. It’s a big detractor for a lot of us in the military, but it’s an amazing watch for off duty and exercise. G-Shock is still king!
The instinct 2 have a “stealth mode” just for that.
@@Matheus-ry8jl That doesn’t matter, lol. There’s no stipulation in DoD regs for “stealth mode” on a watch. If it has bluetooth capability, it’s not allowed.
My G shock battery is still not dead it has been 5 years
Don't forget the Casio GW-9400 Rangeman. Really a best value in the G-Shock line. Once you have Solar and Atomic Timekeeping, it's hard to go back.
I genuinely find this channel one of the most no-nonsense interesting tacti-y-shooting channels on CZcams. I only wear Solar Gshocks because for the features and lack of charging they can't be beat. Fully agree, Casio all the way.
Thanks!
Started with the original Timex Ironman. Then finally went to G-Shocks. Then I found Garmin. GPS feature and the ability to call out my location instantly is great.
The natural evolution
HAD MY TIMEX STOLEN IN JAMAICA. NO MORE TIMEX. I OWN 15 CASIOS. AT MANY LEVELS OF QUALITY AND PRICE
G-Shock fan here! I wear a GWM5610-1, I love it. It’s the smaller G-Shock. I love it because it’s small and doesn’t snag on stuff, discrete and looks less expensive and functional than it really is.
For certain military members there's a lot of benefit to wearing a watch that can go in and out of secure facilities without needing to jump through hoops with security. I don't see myself switching away from my Casio Protrek, G Shock, or mechanical watches any time soon!
I was thinking about this point because I had to leave my phone and iWatch in a locker when I was delivering for FedEx on the base here.
I have a GShock Tough Solar that I've been wearing since 2006 and it went through basic with me, deployed around the world, underwater on dives and I've never changed the battery. I have replace the band 3 times. I have many watches but this one just works and is no maintenance. I LOVE my GShocks
What’s the name of it sir
How can I afford it here in Africa
The Protrek module is also in a proper G-Shock protective case and is called the GW-9500 Mudman.
Another bummer about smart watches & what keeps me from embracing them is having to take it off when I enter many gov facility/any of the secure areas on military bases. I'm currently a DoD contractor and I just got tired of having to remove it all the time for briefings etc. They sure are handy in the field, though!
Also, yea I'm a fellow Seiko-holic! My navy blue Seiko PADI edition solar diver is my current favorite "classic" style watch. Just a great grab & go watch that's good & accurate and super reliable! I just love that watch 👍🏼👍🏼
Today you can buy Casio G-Shock GW-9500 Mudman which is exactly the ProTrek in G-Shock clothes/style (Altimeter, barometer and compass, stoper, countdown timer, world time, tough solar, multiband 6, sunrise and sunsets, 200m water resistant, mud resistant).
Suunto Core is my everyday watch. Love it. I’ve had to for 7 years and it has never let me down. Only draw back is having to replace the battery every year but honestly that’s it. It’s seen a lot of abuse from time on the flight line, and training while I was in the military. Some scratching on the face, and the finish on the bezel ring has worn off a bit but all the functions still work perfectly fine. If it ever does some break I’ve already told myself I’m getting a new one right after.
They make it super easy on that watch right? Something Casio should look into.
I use actually the G-shock gulfman G-9100 , very good watch . I also have the mudman G-9000 but had to put it aside because the buttons became too stiff .
I love my G-Shock GWG1000 mudmaster, was my daily for 5 years, I also own a Garmin Fenix 5X Pro for heart rate and pulse oximeter. I have my Seiko SNKL23 as my cheap beater mechanical, and latest addition is a Mido Ocean Star GMT mechanical which I love because it has an 80hour power reserve and works as a mechanical compass. Thanks for a peak at your collection and your picks!!
Had a timex camper back in 97. It did it’s job telling time no matter the environment. I became a Casio fanboy. I run a tough solar 5610, 6900, G9000 for work
I love my Garmin Tactix 7 Pro, I can imagine how many operators wear it as it has a great feature set for them.
Which features?
Started wearing a watch a few months ago with my Fenix 6 pro (my first smart watch). Really like it alot. I love the gps, timer, and the heartrate/sleeep/barometer sensors. All the little features are pretty incredible. Spent my life thinking smart watches were gimmicks, but boy its all very useful.
Feel like its a appreciable upgrade to my daily life having it. I did have to warranty my watch because a button stopped working, but garmin sent me a whole new watch free of charge and its been great since.
I do feel its not super tough though. Am diligent at keeping a screen cover on and a full watchface silicone cover to keep from banging on things. Can't go using it for a hammer haha, but it is rugged enough I think with the covers and protector.
Check out the G shock Rangeman/9400. Has the altimeter barometer thermometer and compass with a simple digital face and solar. Tons of colour patterns. Best every day watch I have ever tried
Love the GA-100 especially with aftermarket NATO strap adapters. Really neat (and cheap!) upgrade.
Love the watches. I was Active Duty Army from 82 to 2007 with a break for collage. Got into diving in the early 80's at Bragg and bought the original Seiko "Arnie" and more recently the rerelease of the solar powered Arnie. Got into mechanical watches in the 90's and Seikos were my go to watches. Used them through my deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and then about 13 years of overseas contracting in the same area. Yes, lets see more watches. Most of my military time was combat engineering. I enjoy your presentations.
I wish I got into mechanical a lot earlier
The best everyday watch I have is the steel dive "CPT Willard" no kidding, its runs better then Seiko's at 5 x the price. Its great! no kidding.
I just purchased the Marathon GSAR. Really nice looking mechanical watch.
Glad to see a watch video. I wore a blacked out Luminox on a NATO strap when I was in. Keeps great time because it's quartz and doesn't weigh anything because it has the carbon case. Was great for PT and duty use.
Wore a solar Citizen for quite awhile before getting my Omega Seamaster which I daily wear now. I'll still get my Luminox out from time to time if I'm going camping or swimming.
Plan on getting a Garmin eventually.
My daily watch alternates between my Seiko Marine Master 300 and my Tudor Pelagos LHD. I don't particularly like quartz/digital watches despite their accuracy, but I will now likely invest in the Casio Pro Trek because I'm leaving Florida and moving to the hills where I'll be doing plenty of trekking. Thanks for the heads-up review.
I’m a watch collector, own a vintage Panerai, an Audemar Piguet ROO Diver, a Squale 1521, Cartier and other high end Swiss watches. I also own two Seikos and three G-Shocks.
The most durable watch, the one I take to my competition shooting matches and the very one I take with me into the mountains together with my HK45 when the alien space ships attack is the Mudmaster GWG-1000-1A3. It's totally self-sufficent, and with compass, altimeter, solar and 6-radio a watch that you can throw out of a helicopter and it will still run, 100 years from now.
Put your Seiko Monster in a bag and drop it off at Goodwill, mate! That's not to say that there are no good Seikos out there. Far from it. The most durable Seiko is the Seiko Tuna. That's a Seiko worth owning for the long run.
Btw, my other 2 G-Shocks cost thousands of dollars each, so you may not have been as exposed to the G-Shock world as you may think. What's the most expensive G-Shock? Do you know? Can you even guess?
It's the G-D5000-9JR, and it sold for $70,000, if you were found worth of getting one . . .
I have a Pathfinder that’s going on 15 years old. I’ve replaced the band twice, but it’s still rolling despite all the abuse I give it as a chef. It has moon and tide phases (I fish) and updates to the atomic clock in Ft. Collins, CO almost every night. So it’s accurate. And because it’s solar, I never worry about battery life. You really can’t ask for more in a casual daily wear watch. I like this video, thanks for posting.
I definitely have a Garmin on my to-get list. Thanks for this type of content.
Fantastic video! I recently began watch making school here in Texas and I love hearing what watches are getting used and abused by service members. I will say a quick "tell" that you are an American and likely military when abroad is a G-shock. So for those that don't wish to be noticed when traveling a Seiko or a smart watch is optimal. I would definitely enjoy seeing more of your collection 👍
100% giant G-Shocks and now Garmins give one away
Which school? They have one in the DFW area near the airport. I tried to get into that school that was run by Richemont. I made it all the way to the in person testing but failed the test since I was out of school for so long.
@@keltecdan that would be the school I am attending. There is also a school at Paris Junior College that is essentially the same program. Also, you can attend a school sponsored by Swatch in Miami although their pass rate is really low. And keep your ear to the ground as Rolex is setting up a school at their Dallas repair facility 👍
Started in the Army with a Timex Ironman, worked in a Federal Prison with a G Shock, working armed school security with a Garmin. I do remember being in Iraq in 2003 and how the Garmin devices worked faster, more accurate, and more user friendly than the plugger! But I gotta give G Shock it’s credit. I have a G100 I wore almost everyday for twelve years, and it’s still on its original battery and going strong.
Really enjoyed, I have a g-shock since late 80s, my wife bought me the seiko 1990. Thanks
I'm also pretty big into watches. Other than guntubers, watch channels are my biggest time spent on CZcams
Mine too
Your 6900 looks amazing! Its interesting how the resin on it still looks strong after 17 years of hard use! Earlier G-Shock could not last for more than 10 years due to the resin rot.
Thanks for watching. I get it, good one.😊
I own the Garmin and a ton of g shocks but I've always been a sucker for mechanical watches. I own everything from Rolex and omega to swatch and orient. My go to is the Citizen Ny0040-17le and the seiko Samurai and glycine combat sub
I wore the same casio watch I bought in boot camp from 90 to 00. Today I wear a garmin fenix 6 watch and samsung galaxy watch 6 and love the features on them both.
I’ve used my seiko dive watch since 1990…it’s mechanical motion based winding….it still keeps time spot on…it’s scratched..scuffed and dinged…and still works great…
Very cool, of course I do not have your MIL experience but as a watch guy and gun guy, I made a full video too about my thoughts about the best options for duty watches. My top suggestion will always be the marathon navigator for duty uses
As someone who reviews a lot of Casio watches but has zero experience using them in the field, it was cool to hear your real world experience with them. I'm curious if you ever considered a Rangeman. They give you the altimeter /compass /barometer functions as does the Protrek, but in a more rugged design (albeit with a few less frills).
I have not looked into the Rangeman only because I've switched to mechanical watches but a lot of people are commenting on it and I will have to give it a look.
Currently using a Mudmaster GWG1000, that's the step up from yours. Solar power and ABC sensors. 7 years in, and the solar battery is still going strong. Recently added a Garmin Instinct 2X Tactical - mostly for its heart rate and GPS bread crumb function as well as ABC sensors. It too is solar, but winter in Wisconsin finds it covered with coat sleeves too often to be purely solar, but it's still good for around 30 days between charges. Good video, thx.
Another awesome video! I recently picked up a Seiko King Turtle with the “grenade” dial. Absolutely in love with it and chose it specifically because of Seikos history in Vietnam with MAC-V SOG and other SF groups.
I think the king turtle is one the best Seiko's for the money, especially since you get a ceramic bezel.
Yeah I think so too! I never take mine off now, it’s is the best bang for your buck and personally I think it looks great compared to a lot of other more expensive watches.
I'd definitely like to see a video on your mechanical watch collection! Wearing a Marathon MSAR as I type this out.
I'm a watch nut.
I joined the New Zealand Army in 1981 through to 1993.
I wore a Seiko Quartz 150m dive watch for the whole time I was in the army. I also wore it during many dives. I still wear it regularly.
From your time in the military I feel sure you have seen a Marathon GSAR, thanks for your service by the way. The Marathon are hands down 🎉 the best watches I have ever seen. They are a stainless tank of a watch with sapphire crystals, I replaced the bezel insert with a ceramic one this watch is tough as nails. The price is very fair for the quality you are getting. I have also owned several g shocks before I got into watches but now I can’t help but think most Casio g shocks are ugly. Still good watches though. Have a great day
I am a watch collector, I just saw a marathon and they look amazing but a little pricey
Love my Instinct 2!
I've had Garmin Instincts for a while. That's basically their version of the G-Shock. I've put it through hell and it kept on going. I found myself gravitating back to mechanical/quartz watches because I wanted less notifications, less reliance on tech and charging. Also, feels more...horologically true to have some classically sound mechanical watches, particularly all my Seiko. Going with the Pro Trek is a solid option, too. All the function, years of use.
Awesome facts about the Rolex and them being a potential currency for negotiation!
Got a Pro Trek last year and love the thing it even runs Wear OS.
Just wish I could change the strap!
I like how with any analog you can use the hands as a compass at certain times of the day for each side of the hemisphere.
Nice video! I like all the practical info, and the fun take on mechanical watches. I think Seiko has a practical take on mechanical watches. The movements can take abuse and keep running, but they won’t have Swiss accuracy or high level jewelry finish/appearance. If the movement does break, it’s cheap enough to replace. I agree it’s not a cheap hobby.
Garmin watches provide useful fitness and health data, and I find this more useful than the GPS data. The exercise and recovery data alone helps me plan workouts and evaluate my health. Studying long term trends can even tell you when you might be getting sick from the flu or some other bug, or if there’s some other health issue.
Got a 6105 I bought in the ship's store when I was in the NAV, circa 1977. Paid about $75. I'm amazed what they are going for now. It's in rough shape but still works.
For those that don't know Panerai,
Was made for Italian frogmen,& since have made a few Military models,also Hamilton did British,& a few more Mil ones,Seiko of course
G-shock has also been my go-to, namely because I know I'm reckless and careless I am with my gear. I work armored cash transit, my Px4 is beat to hell with how many times I've slammed it against the doors of armored trucks or the frame of our trucks. Same with my watch, I frequently accidentally slam my wrist against the walls of our truck reaching for stuff, and when all I need is the date and time for filling out logs, the G-Shock is more than enough for my needs.
You are a man of good taste sir. If I may just add to your watch addiction, you should look into "Sinn" watches. They are meticulously overbuilt, tough as brass watches, their "EZM" line of watches in particular.
I'd love to see your Tudor, great video!
I loved my Casio Pathfinder, wore it in A-stan and Iraq.
I have one again, a viewer sent me his!
I love this video and your perspectives on watches, shotguns, etc.!
Stumbled into you videos and subscribed, great content. I would suggest a Seiko Arnie. Its an Ani/digi dive watch thats solar-powered.
Great to see watch content from you! Very underrated piece of kit that gets overlooked.
Modern Casio G-Shock Triple Sensor. Period. Solar powered. A lot to choose from. These are great “dumb” watches that will survive anything.
I try to avoid Bluetooth or any fancy USB port rechargeable watch. Yes, I know that it has more features but I don’t need them. They are nice to have, and cool to look at but unnecessary.
Plus, I don’t want my watch putting out or receiving signals if I can avoid it.
My watch must survive putting on and taking off an Army Ruck, putting on and taking off full loaded plate carrier, a Combat Equipment PLF at night, it must survive some Combatives or judo or rough horse play, it must be unremarkable until I need to see what time it is. If I absolutely need to I will use other functions of the watch like the compass or World Time or Stopwatch or whatever.
I love watches don’t get me wrong, but for duty or demanding assignments I always choose the toughest Casio G-Shock I can find. I double watched with Suunto Core’s for years while overseas but now I’m more chill.
Thanks for the video airborne.
Great video, Casio mix, many mudmaster solar, like mudmaster PRG-600YB-3CR PRO TREK with temperature in barometer also GWG-1000-1AJF which has barometer temperature in Compass and it’s an automatic
All good choices.
My EDC watch is a G-shock rangeman gw9400. I love it. Tough, simple, loaded with features.
Barometer, altimeter, compass, thermometer, tough solar, tripple sensor.
Take a look at the Casio Mudmaster GWG-1000. Has solar, altimeter, barometer, etc. Have one and love it.
That's the smart from casio?
Your video on the Praesidus A-11 Tom Rice got me into the watch hobby 😂 I'm really interested in this topic. Thanks for the upload
Now that you're into the hobby, be prepared to be broke!
No kidding, it's about as expensive as the gun hobby!
If you need a solid tactical watch that will take abuse , yet won't cost the same as an AR . Luminox or G-shocks.
G'S Havd been around forever, for a reason.
Luminox is my favorite tactical watch , the carbonox bezels take so much abuse and hardly scuff. The tritium is always a nice feature. So many choices but even the base Luminox's are tanks.
Guy's look at Aragon watches, really cool, great quality for price,& they come out with a lot of models,I believe alot have Seiko movements
This was a cool video. I came here for guns and history and this synopsis of what watches you wore and why was great. Thanks 👍
I have a few Casio including a Pathfinder, a few Timex i like,but my dad gave me a dive watch from Aragon really nice
I used a g.shock in my time with the king of the battlefield (13b). Really beat the crap out of it with my natural clumsiness around big things made of steel. Never missed a beat. I rock a doxa sub300 professional now. A little garish with orange dial but really retro cool.
A bit sad you missed out on the Suunto Core because in my honest opinion they are the best compromise between a G-Shock and the Garmin, with their alti-/barometer, compass and a battery that lasts a year and can easily be replaced in 30 seconds.Cheers!
Casio Gulfmaster.....has solor, temp, baro, comp, and alt....great watch.
thank you for your service sir!
I feel while we’ve had different life experiences, judging from your content, I think we have very similar opinions and thought processes when it comes to gear. I too value Casio. I started with the Timex Ironman watches in my youth just backpacking and similar outdoor endeavors and eventually upgraded to the G-Shock GW9400-3. The only criticism I have is the display is that muted reverse polarity which makes it difficult to see in certain lighting conditions which is alleviated by using the backlight but is inconvenient. The GW9400-1 is the same watch with normal display and different color. I’m thinking about upgrading to one of the new Garmin watches because of exactly the features you listed. I’m also looking to branch into high end automatics like Tudor and Breitling soon. In other words, cool choices man. I’d love to see content from you regarding some of your automatics or those your considering. I cracked up about the always broke comment, cause I too like nice watches, guns, and off road stuff. 😂
Love G shock, I own a GA-100 BW a bit complicated for me 🤦a lotta do dads
I work in a heavy duty ICU and the gshock is still a watch brand that gets most wear from me. Accurate and reliable.
And when im in a isolation enviorment, i just throw it in disinfectant without a worry in the world
If you want to read your garmin with NV on. You need the tactical model.
My daily wear is a Timex Expedition with NATO strap. My tactical watch is a Casio G Shock Rangeman in green.
Suunto Spartan…can punch in MGRS 10 digit. Used it contracting super useful. Con: Proprietary charger.
Hell ya my g-shock has served me for 8 years now. Buttons hardly work (due to concrete) and tail end retaining strap broke (replaced with a ranger band) but it keeps kickin. Spent 13 years in the service and wish I had this watch from the beginning.
You can fix it yourself. Is very easy, the plastic bezel is removable, so you can take out the watch and clean it. Also Casio sell bezel for your watch, so you can replace it and have new watch. I own two casio and one of them.that what I did and now have a brand new watch which I bought almost 20 years ago
Excellent!
Do a video on the rest of your collection please 👍🏻
Steeldive has a good captain Willard looking watch for 100$. And the lume on that is insanely bright
I was looking to get one steeldive but not sure how well build are they? Do you think worth the money ?
@@yoyex2009 they're pretty good
I really like my Garmin Insinct 2 Solar Tactical. I got it for my 10th anniversary mostly for the extra land nav features over the Garmin Instinct I'd been running for a couple of years before. Good stuff. (but I'm not an operator, but am a civilian SAR guy which drove my purchasing choice on these)
Sir, while deployed to Afghanistan I wore a G Shock King GX-56 and a Seiko SKA-371. I wish I would have discovered my newest everyday watch back then, MWC P656, titanium, sapphire, tritium analog with a 10 year battery.
I like my g-shock watch. I’ve had it since the day I graduate boot camp on August 9, 2013.
sir if you miss pathfinder and all its functions check out north edge gavia 2 its ana-digi watch with same functions but its made out of stainless steele and is kinda heavy
Yes, let’s have a video on your watch collection. When I start watching a channel one of the first things I look at is the watches the host wears.
G Shocks we’re the watch you bought after you tried to not use a g shock. I did find a cheap Walmart watch for hunters at one point. It had the vibrate alarm feature so it was better for in the field.
In Iraq we were given these marathon watches. I was in charge of handing them out. No one would take them. So I had all these watches that we ended up giving out as gifts to Random Iraqis. I got the urge to get another one. Yeah they want 400 dollars for them now they were 300 dollars during Iraq.
I have a lot of watches, but since I bought my Garmin Instinct 2 it’s all I ever really wear, in and outside of work.
Not sure what Casio I've been rocking for 15 years now but it's lasted through 3 combat tours and 2 marriages and keeps on ticking.
I knew guys in the oil patch who wore rolex and a gold chain as their funds reserve in case things went sideways in far away places
I still go for G Shocks with solar features for the simple reason that they can practically last forever without the hassle of connecting to computers or charging. Solar Pro Treks are equally awesome.
Stoked to watch this one!
Another wonderful vid! Thanks, Jeff.
I also went down that same rabbit hole after leaving the British Army re guns, camera's (film) and watches. Also add vintage DE razors to complete! Still have my old Seiko SKX (7S26-0020) and a seiko Chrono I bought in the eighties (7T32). Love Casio's and used them from the beginning in-service. The cheaper the better. If I remember correctly the F5?? (now the F91W) and DW9052. Never tried to sign out a CWC on a G1037, way past my pay scale if I broke it. Now into mechanicals too. Try looking at the "Pagani Design" Homage watches. They are very good quality and use Seiko NH35A automatic mechanical winders. I have had several for about 3 years now and they are still going great and don't put my bank balance in the red. Best wishes (we spoke on the phone a few months ago re the Paras).
Consider the Seiko SNJ series, an analog/digital solar quartz diver also known as the Arnie reissue, as it’s based on a watch he wore in the Commando and Predator movies.
For barometer I use my iPhone (which Strelok Pro can use directly), same with GPS altimeter and compass. For thermometer I have a separate one on my backpack, they need to be away from the body and out of the sun to be accurate.
I know the Arnie...Great option!
I'm interested to see you other tier watches that you mentioned. That will be fun!
More like security guard forces. Dressed for the part. Couldn't make the start. I wore Casio G Shock in December 1989. As did some of fellow invasion force buddies. I bought mine in 86
The Casio pro trek… avoid the model with atomic clock synching. The G shocks seem to synch to the atomic clock just fine, but some of the pro treks, especially the one that looks like the model shown at 7:40 have issues with atomic synch and can be rendered useless.
I have a range master that I stopped wearing when I got an Apple Watch however I will never get rid of my range master because it was purchased for me by my grandmother that passed away this year
Wore the lightweight Timex Ironman on my deployments to Afghanistan. PX special. Of course, sadly, I have no idea where that watch is now.
I WANNA SEE THE WHOLE COLLECTION MR G!
My Dad was a Green Beret, I'm looking to find the watch he was issued in the 80s ,he locked out a submarine in Grenada with, really interesting story by the way