Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Equipment Reviews
Equipment Reviews Post YOUR REVIEWS of ANY Motorcycle, Camping or Travel Equipment and accessories. Tell us what worked and didn't work for you!
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 28 Nov 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Oslo, Norway/ Provence, France
Posts: 99
Whats your favorite watch

I,ve always been very interested in watches. Got quiet a few. Some cheap some expensive. I really love my watches. Most of my adventure travels are in Africa. In order not to become to much of a temptation for a weak soul, I always use a cheap Timex Ironmaster. Cost ca $50 and dosent look very impressive or expensive. Neither does it have any interesting features except telling the time.

So..... I know the general answer to my question.... cheap is best, dress down, why do you want to know what time it is when you are on an adventure etc..

Besides from this..... what is your favorite?
What kind of watch do you prefer or would you prefer?
Does it have any exiting features?

My favorite is Breitling Emergency :-)
__________________
Dizzie
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 28 Nov 2006
Smellybiker's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Missing, presumed fed
Posts: 295
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dizzie
So..... I know the general answer to my question.... cheap is best, dress down, why do you want to know what time it is when you are on an adventure etc..
I'm somewhat clumbsy & watches dont last long with me, if 'Tonka' made an indestructible one I'd give it a try.

So when I'm travelling.....
- when you go to sleep and the sun is coming up, its 'obscene-o-clock'
- when you wake up and its still dark, its 'stupid-o-clock'
- when the bike is parked for the night, its '-o-clock'

By my reckoning its -o-clock so I'm off to the pub - the Turtles Head in Quito ;-)
__________________
Missing, presumed fed.
https://youtube.com/@ChileBob
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 28 Nov 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Requirements:
On the one display - without pressing buttons-
Time
Day
Date - including the month. On long trips you can lose touch.

Buttons must be recessed so they are less likely to be activated by wrist movements.

Water resistant - at least shower proof.


Presently - Casio ? F58? misses on the month display. Retails hese less than $70aud. On the back it says W57, made in Maliasa. It is many years old .. think the battery is going flat .. might get a new one .. or simply wait for it to fail and buy one then.
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Nov 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: montana usa
Posts: 547
Which watch is which?

I have a Casio F-105 illuminator. It has time day, week and date. It also has a plastic band that doesn't conduct electricity(did I ever tell you about the leaking Guzzi gas line and bare wires watch band almost inferno?) It has enough illumination that it shines enough on a really dark night to perform needed repairs. It also is only US $15.00 in the discount stores here.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Nov 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: location, location.
Posts: 89
Tissot T-Touch Titanium

Had it for about three years now, best watch I've ever had. Tells the time quite nicely, date, alarm etc. It also packs in a stopwatch, altimeter, air pressure gauge, temperature (take it off your arm for an accurate reading) and the most useful bit I've found... a compass. Surprisingly accurate too.

No buttons to worry about accidentally activating either, it's all touch sensitive on the face of the watch.

To top it all off I've not had to change the battery yet, it's waterproof and damn sturdy to boot. It's been bashed into rocks, kayaks and many other hard things, taken for impromptu swims without even flinching.

Only problem is it could do with better night-time illumination, something other than the current glow-in-the-dark numerals really.

A bit pricey, but it's probably the only watch I'll ever own.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Nov 2006
Fletch's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: South Coast, UK
Posts: 51
Watch

With you here Dizzi, I love a good watch...

Always been a bit of a 'Tag' fan myself... I know, well overpriced, but I wear one everyday and no matter what I do, Bike maint, anything, I still haven't found a way to break or scratch them!

But... If your out and about doing a bit of hardcore adventuring a Suunto has to be hard to beat... (I know, no GPS in it but hey ;o) )

http://www.sporttek.co.uk/Suunto_observer_titan.html

Go on... You know you want one
__________________
Ciao Ciao
Fletch


“Life is not about how Fast you ride, or how Far you travel, but about how well you Bounce. ” ;o)

I BLOG There4 I Am
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Nov 2006
-
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,342
Thumbs up Suunto

I'm with Fletch on this one- discreet and does the job well-
Just remember to calibrate the compass.......
Tag is super but too pricey

http://www.sporttek.co.uk/Suunto_observer_titan.html
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Nov 2006
Stephano's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Abu Dhabi
Posts: 887
Suunto

Quote:
Originally Posted by bert333
I'm with Fletch on this one
Me too. Suunto X6. Only complaint is the weedy night illumination.
Stephan
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 28 Nov 2006
Riq Riq is offline
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Edmonton, Canada
Posts: 246
Citizen

I personally use a citizen eco-drive perpetual calendar model. Never worry about the battery going flat. Not flashy and with the titanium case and strap it is absolutley non descript.

Rick
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 28 Nov 2006
Ekke's Avatar
HU CanWest Meeting Organiser
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Redwood Meadows, AB, Canada
Posts: 358
Smile Timex Expedition

While I also like watches, for travelling I go the Timex route. Two key functions that a traveller's watch needs are: dual time zones (for when you phone home) and a good loud alarm that'll get you out of bed at 3:30 AM to catch that stupid ferry. The Timex provides that and is durable to boot. As a bonus, the customer service is also very good. The strap on my Expedition had worn out (worn every day for a year while travelling and then on and off while at home) and my local repair shop couldn't get a new strap. So I sent it to Timex Canada to have a new strap installed. When I got the watch back I thought it looked awfully new and sure enough the stickers were still on the back!

Those who like the Suunto watches might consider getting them at the Mountain Equipment Co-op in Canada though. The Observer mentioned above (but with a Stainless Steel case instead of Titanium) is only $330 Canadian. The Vector has a similar function set to the Observer (altimeter, barometer, temperature, compass) and sells for $220 Canadian. Check it out here:

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1164744670693
__________________
Ekke Kok

'84 R100RT 141,000 km (Dad's!)
'89 R100GS 250,000 km (and ready for another continent)
'07 R1200GS Adventure 100,000 km (just finished Circumnavigating Asia)
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

www.ekke-audrey.ca
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 29 Nov 2006
Gipper's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
My wife uses a Suunto X6 and I have to say that the altimeter, barometer and compass are very innacurate - even with fairly regular calibrations (that I have to do! )

I also find the way the pages and inputs work, slow and non intuative

- my Casio Protrek PRG 40 (3 years old) on the other hand costs a third as much and is a lot more accurate, Im not joking - the altimeter is much more accurate, as is the barometer - they need calibrating less, the compass is bang on and the thermometer is good.

(I normally carry a GPS 60cs in the Mountains and calibrate it and the watches regularly from Environment Canada Data)

The Suunto was the watch I wanted - but Im happier with the Casio - and as mentioned a dark colour casio doesnt get 'flash shiny gear' looks when you are on the road

Cheers
Grif
__________________
Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 29 Nov 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Pennsylvania,USA
Posts: 107
Timex

I usually use a Timex watch. As said above, one that has the capabiity to enter different time zones and has a decent alarm on it. Something that can take a dunk in the water is a must. I also carry a spare in my tank bag and a spare battery. I have used the Timex Expedition for years. I also use a Suunto with altimeter when climbing. I prefer the analog display to the digital display. www.campmor.com usually has a decent collection of Timex and Casio watches at discount prices. Also, for what it's worth, for analog watches, if you point the hour hand towards the sun, while keeping it somewhat level, then follow the numerals clockwise towards the twelve o'clock position, halfway between these two positions will point south. If your watch is set for daylight savings time, use the one o'clock position instead of the twelve o'clock position.

Last edited by ct_miller13; 30 Nov 2006 at 22:40.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 29 Nov 2006
Laromonster's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Stavanger,Norway
Posts: 112
Another vote for the humble timex expedition
I have worn mine for 7 years, probably on the 4th strap now ( visa sport velcro cheapie)

very accurate and easy to read in the dark with the indiglo face


and still on the original battery
__________________
Laromo \ '02 KTM 300 EXC "Jake"
'05 KTM 640 ADV "Fatman"
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 29 Nov 2006
ArcticHarleyMan's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Yukon, Canada
Posts: 29
Quote:
Originally Posted by Happy Hacker
I'm somewhat clumbsy & watches dont last long with me, if 'Tonka' made an indestructible one I'd give it a try.

So when I'm travelling.....
- when you go to sleep and the sun is coming up, its 'obscene-o-clock'
- when you wake up and its still dark, its 'stupid-o-clock'
- when the bike is parked for the night, its '-o-clock'

By my reckoning its -o-clock so I'm off to the pub - the Turtles Head in Quito ;-)
I totally agree. I've been using that kind for about 18 months now, since I retired.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 3 Dec 2006
MarkLG's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 226
Casio DW5600

The original and the best Casio G-shock, before they went all trendy. I've had one of these for years and it refuses to stop working. I used to wear it caving on a regular basis and although it looks pretty scruffy it still keeps perfect time, and is still on it's original strap.

Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
What are your favorite places in Europe flashy_cj Route Planning 17 12 Sep 2008 17:43
Where to watch the World Cup in London - All nations guide Iain Europe 0 9 Jun 2006 16:45
what to watch out for martync Which Bike? 0 2 Sep 2003 23:48

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:13.