An unlikely gear complaint-my new G-Shock

[Eagle5US]

I have always loved, and sworn by, my G-Shock watches for going to the field. They are nearly indestructable, relatively inexpensive and did what I needed it to do-keep the time.

At the end of previous deployments to various armpits of the world, I would leave my G-shock behind as a gift or momento to some LBG. I would generally choose someone who had done right by me or the team, done something extra-ordinary, or who I felt it would mean a great deal to either personally or professionally.

That being said-for this deployment I went out and bought myself a "new and improved" G-shock for $100:eek: as well as a back-up; one of the "old" models for $40.

NEW Watch:
1.Set by SATELLITE:eek: : correct time, all the time. No fiddleing, but can be adjusted and set to whatever time you want it if you need an excuse for being late someplace.
2.SOLAR POWERED!: Never again will you have to worry about losing your battery in your time of need.
3.AUTO INDIGLO:Turn your wrist toward your body and you can set the indiglo to come on for 3 seconds. Nifty

My problem has CONSISTANTLY been with item number 2-the friggin SOLAR BATTERY. At least twice a month now I have looked at my watch and seen a blank screen, save for the flashing "batt low" block. At first it was a bit inconvenient, but this morning working with a trauma, I looked down to time my drug administration and there it was-the blank screen-again:rolleyes:

The solar battery thing is a good idea until you consider the equipment we are working with in this environment.
-LONG SLEEVES all the time-covering the watch and preventing the Solar battery from re-charging.
-Gloves; usually ones that extend over the wrist (and the watch) if performing any operations off the FOB.

So, as my hundred dollar watch sits hidden (yet again) outside on the top of a T-barrier charging, I am wearing my trusty OLD manually set, battery run G-Shock, which will undoubtedly run for about the next 3-5 years without a hitch, burp or glitch.

Sometimes the latest ain't the greatest, and bells and whistles can be annoying lttle noise makers.

PA

[TF Kilo]

If you like it, just mount it on one of the molle attachment straps up high on your kit. look down, there you are.

[Eagle5US]

If you like it, just mount it on one of the molle attachment straps up high on your kit. look down, there you are.
Thank you Mr. Obvious. I do have just a wee bit of time doing "stuff" and do indeed have a timepiece dedicated to my MOLLE gear.

Suffice it to say that much of what I am currently doing (and my primary mission here) isn't / doesn't involve being in MOLLE gear while on my trauma bed.

Eagle

[Pete]

As a G-Shock wearer for many years I feel your pain.

Solar power is nice but, as you say, under "working conditions" something with solar power may come up short during operations.

Like 24hr, dual time and alarm the best. Anything else is gravy.

Pete

Who's G-Shock worked just fine this morning.

[TF Kilo]

Thank you Mr. Obvious. I do have just a wee bit of time doing "stuff" and do indeed have a timepiece dedicated to my MOLLE gear.

Suffice it to say that much of what I am currently doing (and my primary mission here) isn't / doesn't involve being in MOLLE gear while on my trauma bed.

Eagle


Ow, it stings Doc, it stings.

I'd offer help now, but you're already doing what I did. Perhaps that handy-dandy sat-time reception has something to do with it.

Your mileage may vary.

[x SF med]

Thank you Mr. Obvious. I do have just a wee bit of time doing "stuff" and do indeed have a timepiece dedicated to my MOLLE gear.

Suffice it to say that much of what I am currently doing (and my primary mission here) isn't / doesn't involve being in MOLLE gear while on my trauma bed.

Eagle

Oh, spank! That's gonna leave a mark.

[The Reaper]

The latest version of the Casio Pathfinder that I bought has the same solar power function.

At first, I was worried that the sleeves and indoor time would do it in, but in the year that I have had it, I have never seen it below full charge since the first week.

I agree the satellite function may suck down some juice.

I also find the tilt Indiglo function annoying and tactically unsound (as well as a battery killer), so I keep mine off.

TR

[Jgood]

.

I also find the tilt Indiglo function annoying and tactically unsound (as well as a battery killer), so I keep mine off.

TR
agreed with the battery killer part

also from the casio web site

it suggest 5 mins of direct sunlight or 50 mins of fluorescent light a day
I had the same problem so I would take my watch off when I shaved and sit it next to the light worked great for me.. just my .02

[Joe-Boo]

Eagle5US

I have the Metal-G (all the features you mentioned).

Turn the auto-light off. Put watch in direct sunlight for 30 minutes. You should not have anymore issues.

Had mine for 3 years no issues...always full charge unless the auto light feature is on.

Suposedly, 6 minutes of direct sunlight is to keep the watch running 6 months if you don't press any buttons.

stay safe,
Joey

[Eagle5US]

I never use the light thingy-after it woke me up the first night I disabled it.
Man...I'm beginning to think I got a bad watch...it takes 2 hours in direct to get "medium" on the charge indicator. Then it lasts about a month of "regular wear" before it dies again.

Maybe I'll send it back and see what the Casio gurus have to say.

Eagle

[Bill Harsey]

Eagle,
Maybe someone will come up with sleeves and gloves that have clear "skylights" sewn in that fit over the watch.


Just trying to help. :lifter

[Eagle5US]

BWAAAAHAHAHAHAAA

Thanks Bill-I needed that chuckle. Y'know, if I suggest it to the uniform board and they think it is a good idea, I'll split the money with you they give me as a reward:D

BTW-no problems with either of the TOOLS you provided me:lifter

Eagle

[TF Kilo]

The latest version of the Casio Pathfinder that I bought has the same solar power function.

At first, I was worried that the sleeves and indoor time would do it in, but in the year that I have had it, I have never seen it below full charge since the first week.

I agree the satellite function may suck down some juice.

I also find the tilt Indiglo function annoying and tactically unsound (as well as a battery killer), so I keep mine off.

TR

The only thing I use the tilt sensor for is for wakeup out of sleep mode. Off, give'er a shake and wow, i have time.

*Kilo reading manual "Automatically senses arm position and enables light.. Yeah, that's a great idea" ^DISABLE^*

btw: Don't ever, ever break that watchband, if it's the same design as the old one... casio's the only supplier, and at least here they are hard to find in stores. I still have mine on my wrist, gunwired together because the pins gave out during an impromptu combatives demonstration.

[hoepoe]

Hello all

I have had a g-shock for close to 7 years now, changed the battery once.

However on day 1 when i got it i went frolicking in the sea and watch in horror as my new watch filled with sea water and sand etc.

The folks at the factory apparently neglected to put the gasket in when closing :confused: once built.

Needless to say Casio changed it for a new watch no problem.

I also have a nice fancy to do Swiss watch, but simplu love wearing my G-shock, I saw some G's (Pathfinders) at ridiculously low prices at Bankok duty free...been kicking myself that i never got one, but i don't really need one anymore.

Hoepoe

[Eagle5US]

Well...mine has been sitting in the sunlight for daylight hours of 2 days now....still shows only a medium charge.

Me thinks I got a bad apple...:(

Eagle

[Team Sergeant]

Well...mine has been sitting in the sunlight for daylight hours of 2 days now....still shows only a medium charge.

Me thinks I got a bad apple...:(

Eagle

Doc,

I've had the same G-Shock for about 7 years, battery is fine.

Unless you're fixin to become stranded on a deserted island don't worry about batteries in watches. Get rid of the solar watch. TS

[swatsurgeon]

What, no self winding watch?? Wouldn't that make more sense than a battery watch?

[Eagle5US]

What, no self winding watch?? Wouldn't that make more sense than a battery watch?
Good point-guys used "regular" watches for YEARS...some still do! A couple of things to consider with most self winding watches on the market today...
-FEW are shock resistant...until you get into the thousands of dollars for quality Swiss timepieces. Standard watches aren't made to be beat up with many of the riggors of training and actual combat. The watch hands get knocked off the post rather routinely in previous Casios and Timexs I have owned. One or two good bumps are OK....a hundred is a bit much to ask for $30.
-concussion / shock waves from explosions can alter the self winding mechanism in watches that have "less than quality" watch innerds. The cog latchkeep junction can be momentarily stretched / deformed and slow the watch's movement so it no longer keeps accurate time. This is one reason that self winding aerospace watches like Omega and Breitling have patented mechanisms and cost thousands of dollars. They work irrespective of both absolute gravity and g-forces on the timepiece. Not to mention all those fancy numbers printed around the inner bezel:D .
-missing the conveniences: countdown timers and chronographs on non digital watches are difficult to both see and operate. It is much more convenient to be able to see a large number display than it is to count the number of times the little hand went around while waiting for something to go boom.
-cost: Much rather forever lose a $30-$100 digital than a $300 (basic Seiko)-$5000 (basic Rolex) self winding quality timepiece.

This is pretty much the extent of my basic research-so if you need anymore info-I would have to defer to someone smart like TS or TR:D

Eagle

[chuterigger]

Eagle5,

You may have a bad watch, my G solar works fine, even when stowed away for awile.

Is it still under warrantee? If so you may want to send it back while you can. Electronic shit don't get better!

My biggest gripe is the damn 16mm band, as you can't mount a good (zulu) band on it.