Digital Watch Suggestions for Nerd/Geek/Engineers - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 05:33:01 pm
content: Hi everyone,I thought I'd ask members here what they would suggest, as I've been looking around for an inexpensive DIGITAL (or combo DIGITAL/ANALOG) watch (*not* a smartwatch) that will last 5 years on a battery that I can use as my DAILY BEATER. Currently I use an old Casio and Timex (photos below) as my "DIGITAL" options.I am looking only for any ideas regarding a new DIGITAL (or DIGITAL/ANALOG) watch to replace my old vintage Casio/Timex watches that I use as my "daily beater". I want it to be something the nerd in me will enjoy.... some kind of scientific, weather, atomic clock, calculator, database or programmable features would be nice. My current DIGITAL watches are both over 20 years old and working fine, but they don't look very "professional". Although I like them a lot... they are too childish.It needs to meet the following requirements (ideally):1. available in stainless steel case/band2. waterproof3. round face preferable (although a nice rectangle might do)4. multi-function time/lap/stopwatch/multi-alarms/date5. illuminate night6. run on 1 coin cell for ~5 years7. reliable brand8. cheap/affordableDIGITAL Watches I currently use (they are old but work fine):1. Casio DataBank Telememo 30 (vintage one - circa late 80's) all black plastic case and black strap2. Timex Atlantis 100 (old vintage one circa late 80's) (alternative daily beater)As mentioned previously, I am looking for a new DIGITAL watch to replace using my Casio #1 and Timex #2 for every-day job watch.I'd like to update the DIGITAL side of my watch collection. I've seen some newer Casio and Timex, as I trust those brands. Citizen and Seiko digitals seem to price higher, and Shark watches are very cheap but I've heard they are crap. So I'm not really sure which way to go.... Except I'd like something that the nerd in me will like.... Ideally something I could even PROGRAM or HACK!Thoughts anyone?Somehow it seems there is *NO* way to make a DIGITAL WATCH elegant or fancy.... and most don't even try to use a round face. At least the stainless steel case/band will make it look more professional. And the G-Shocks are just too bulky.I'd like to see something with e-Ink or Dot-matrix display as well, with a larger face available. Unfortunately the cost starts to get prohibitive. The Pebble is nice but I don't need any pairing to a smartphone and I don't want to charge it at all... It should run on a Lithium coin cell and years.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 05:46:08 pm
content: I've yet to see anything on the market this millennium with an all stainless case that is even 50m water resistant. You certainly wont get change from $100 USD if you do find anything suitable.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 06:13:36 pm
content: Quote from: Ian.M on December 01, 2015, 05:46:08 pmCitizen Hyper Aqualand. i've taken mine several times beyond 50m. they are built for that. can be found for 100$ on ebay

author: rqsall
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 07:22:24 pm
content: I have this one:and I love it. DCF time synchronization, solar charged battery, displays a separate timezone on the digital readout if you want, which I use a lot, because satellite data that I work with is all timestamped that way and my Edifice is dead on timeall the time. Too bad it's discontinued though, but I'd still look at Casio Edifice models.

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 07:54:08 pm
content: Thanks for the suggestions, especially regarding the Casio Edifice models!I never saw them before! I think I'll stick with Casio though... seems like there is a good selection and they are reliable build quality. I'm finding them quite nice on eBay and liking the look, feature set and price! They are around $60-70 which is in my budget for a digital.Especially liking these ones.... they are nice enough to wear in more professional meetings yet still can beat them around all day working:Casio EFA120D-1AVCasio EFA119BK-1AVCasio EFA-116D-1A1JFI see a few other models around the $100 range... maybe I'll check those as well. Given my history with digital watches and hanging on to them for 20 years I guess I'm willing to spend the extra $30-40 for a nicer one.