Casio

Casio PRX-2000T

On April 1 2009, Casio will start selling the newest Protrek model: the PRX-2000T. It’s an evolution of the ABC watch (Altimeter/Barometer/Compass) reduced in size and upgraded in terms of build materials.

• List price is 99,750 JPY, or about $1,030 US as of Feb 2009. Yes, it's expensive.
• "World's thinnest" ABC watch at 11.3mm by 47.7mm by 57mm.
• Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating - excellent, I have been looking forward to this.
• Titanium case and band, carbide hardened.
• Waterproof to 100m (330ft).
• Low-temperature resistant down to -10C (14F).
• Six-band atomic set up to six times per day.
• 24-hour stopwatch.
• 24-hour countdown timer.
• Dual-layer LCD: one layer for compass and another for the rest. LCD segments are fixed in shape, so this makes sense.
• Five alarms.
• World time with 31 time zones and 48 cities. Not clear if this includes fractional hour offsets.
• Automatic EL backlight.
• Tough solar power, 23 month power reserve.
• The compass claims "16 azimuth angle of orientation" and "orientation correction function," which I would guess means it's more accurate when not held perfectly level.
• Lots and lots of measurements and modes for the altimeter/barometer, graphing and so on.
• Basic temperature measurement, but unless they've invented something new it mostly measures the temperature of your wrist and is therefore almost useless while worn. (This is a problem with all ABC watches.)

Safe Gaurding Your Luxury Watch

Did anyone read in the news today about the $45,000 luxury Rolex watch that was stolen at a mall in I believe Florida. Check out the article http://www.orlandosentinel.com . That’s why I’m cautious about owning a luxury watch, especially a Rolex, they are worth so much and so small it makes them easy to steal.

This watch was described as “The Rolex is a self-winding Swiss watch that is waterproof to a depth of 330 feet. The special edition model features a diamond-encrusted bezel and bracelet, according to Rolex’s Web site. Sates tax on the watch would add about $3,000 to its price.” Isn’t that crazy? If your’re going to own a luxury watch such as this you better make sure you get some serious insurance.