Compass Watch

[Nikon Samurai]

I'm tentatively looking for a new outdoor watch, and am at a bit of a loss as to where to start. What I'm looking for is a clean, simple Analog watch with a compass.
I'd really not want to spend more than $100, preferably less than $50, but sometimes you've got to pay for quality.

Something like this is a good example, but I've read a lot of reviews saying that the compass isn't accurate or loses calibration frequently.

Suggestions?

 

[askeyey]

I've had several different compass watches, both low and high tech. In my experience you get what you pay for. If you really want it to be accurate you need to by a quality product. The Suunto I have has been through two deployments and five or six years of hiking and triathlon training. I love it and find it to be very accurate. The new garmin watches are nice also. I've had a couple of the fourunner gps watches. They are a little cumbersome though.

 

[EdsCruisin]

I have a Timex Expedition digital that was inexpensive from Target and is very easy to use. My only complaint is that the needle indicator is way too small and the outer bezel is stiff to move.

 

[RedEuro]

Suunto FTW!

 

[solidfrontaxle]

Can you actually do navigation with a compass watch? Adjust for declination? Shoot or plot bearings? It seems like it would be kind of awkward.

 

[carboncycles]

Suunto is also my recommendation, but there are limits on how much you want to depend on them. I find them acceptable for gross use, but I wouldn't trust them for absolutely critical tasks...YMMV

 

[e9999]

are we talking about 30 deg uncertainty or 5 deg?

 

[carboncycles]

are we talking about 30 deg uncertainty or 5 deg?

Let's say that I can get pretty drastic readings (+/-15) if I don't have my Suunto level (I have the Vector), and if I am near anything with an e-field it gets worse.

 

[solidfrontaxle]

What if you do have it level? Can you actually do land nav with it?

 

[Corbet]

I've got a Tissot Touch. The compass seems pretty accurate but I've never put it to the test. I consider it more of a toy that a tool in the field. Back up compass I guess. Definitely not under $100 but a nice watch never the less.

 

[Nikon Samurai]

Definitely nice

I think I'll probably have to go with a separate compass and watch... Anyone have good, solid compass suggestions?

 

[toy4xfun]

here is the compass watch i got,

not sure how accurate it is. so if i my life depended on it this is what i will use,

this one is my oldest sons they both have one of these, and so do i.

 

[Corbet]

I'd just get a compass and throw it in your glove box or pack. If you want something nice look at a Bruton on something similar like above. The watches are cool but hard to keep level and probably not practical to lay on top of a map of any kind. For what I spent on my Tissot I could have two nice handheld GPS units.

 

[toy4xfun]

just go to Cammenga :: Tactical Gear for Today's Enthusiasts :: i have three of these and they were not that bad in price.
i have two tritium and one phosphorous.and still they would not equal one good gps unit.

 

[FJ-Dave]

I have a Casio Fish 'n' Tide watch. not bad, its good for the rough estimate of the tides, and also has
what they call "Bearing mode: Display of solar azimuth"
never used that function.

Cheers - Dave

 

[mtnracer]

I've got a Tissot Touch. The compass seems pretty accurate but I've never put it to the test. I consider it more of a toy that a tool in the field. Back up compass I guess. Definitely not under $100 but a nice watch never the less.

If you just want a general idea of direction then the Tissot is AWESOME. I love mine. Long battery life too - have not changed it in over two years - maybe three. Plus you get temperature, barometer and other stuff.

If you need something for map navigation a real compass is really the only option.

 

[uberhahn]

Timex E-Tide

Just bought Timex E-Tide. I've had Timex watches for a long time and have had positive experiences with their durability.

It's an analog watch, which I like, and has what I consider, an accurate compass, after calibration.

Only drawback is that the Indiglo is not very bright. Look up Timex E-tide on youtube and you'll find several reviews. New about $110.

 

[yohavos]

Separate watch/compass will always be best, but I also highly recommend the Suunto Vector. You can program declination adjustment and it's a breeze to calibrate, though it is a bit cumbersome to hold over a map. The incorporated bubble level is enough to get good enough readings to shoot a panic azimuth if needed as long as you take your time and pay attention. The altimeter and barometer both have uses if you've got the patience to read the instruction manual. The vector allows barometric readings and ascent/descent readings to be logged for later calculation.

I've used mine to get narrow band UHF antennas locked on to satellites. Going on 6 years with my original Suunto, I'll never own a different watch.

For under $100, I'd suggest an Axis Desert:

Axis Desert

Got one of these as my backup, not a bad little watch. Certainly not as comfortable or rugged as my Vector, but I keep it tied off to my pack.

Also, another fun option is one of these bad boys:

Survival Watch Band Compass - Special Forces Gear

They can make any watch look "outdoorsy," though I don't think you'd want to rely on the little bugger for any search and rescue type stuff.

 

[bamakayak]

I have an Eddie Bauer watch that people have laughed at until it's used. It has a small compass on the outside..nothing fancy... led light and magnified flip lense to read maps. There has been a quite a few hunting trips where i forgot my light and luckily had the watch. I got it on sale for about 50$.

 

[1shot1kill]

here is the compass watch i got,

not sure how accurate it is. so if i my life depended on it this is what i will use,

this one is my oldest sons they both have one of these, and so do i.

My buddy got me Casio model 2271 for my birfday. I think it is the same watch, but the band on my dune color. It was fun playing with it.