Casio Solar Pathfinder Watch

The Casio Pathfinder PAW1500 series is the very best Pathfinder yet. The watches go way beyond the basics of timekeeper, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, and compass with all the functions you can imagine. Besides that, it's water resistant to 200 meters.

The most popular of the series is the Pathfinder PAW1500T-7V. Its altimeter measures elevations in 5-meter increments, and it will add up your cumulative ascent and descent data. You can set it to sound an alarm at a certain altitude -- handy to use in conjunction with a topo map to help you pinpoint your progress up a mountain.

The altimeter is just the beginning of the long list of functions on this Pathfinder. Some of the less technical features that users like are:

• Titanium case and wrist band -- corrosion resistant, hypo-allergenic, and stronger than steel at 50% of the weight
• Time calibration -- automatic, or set it to manually update from the atomic clock
• Solar charged -- battery life up to 5 months on a full charge
• Lighted face with power saver -- when tilted at the correct angle to read the display, the face automatically lights up

Many of the functions of the PAW1500 must be initially calibrated for your particular location. Users highly recommend spending some time with the owner's manual so that you can get full enjoyment from the instrument. Read about all the technical functions of the Pathfinder PAW1500T-7V and see how useful it can be, whether you're climbing high into the clouds or spelunking in the deepest caves.

What sets the Casio Pathfinder PAW1300Y-1VCR apart from the other Pathfinders are its reverse LCD display and its slim design. The data is displayed in large numbers -- light gray on a black face that is easy on the eyes. The slimmest design of the series, it fits comfortably on narrower wrists, which makes it a good choice for women.

The stainless steel case with black resin bezel and wrist band contains the most useful features of all the Pathfinders. You'll never be late with the five alarm settings, 29 time zones, daylight saving function, and automatic calendar. The time is automatically updated with atomic calibration. And you can't blame a dead battery; the PAW1300Y uses solar technology to keep charged by both indoor and outdoor light.

Keep an eye on the weather and stay safe outdoors with the automatically updated readings from the thermometer and barometer. The altimeter helps you keep track of where you are on the mountain and, combined with the weather reporting functions, will let you make informed decisions on whether to keep going or turn back to base.

Study the specific technical details of the Casio Pathfinder PAW1300Y-1VCR, and you'll find it can handle the job on your next outdoor expedition.

More than just a timepiece, the Casio Pathfinder PAW1100T-7V is a highly functional tool for all outdoors. The watch itself is automatically updated to the atomic clock, so it's always accurate. Easily set it for anywhere in the world with its 29 time zone settings. No worries about batteries, either. The solar-powered battery is good for five months on a full charge.

Be confident on your outdoor adventures with the barometric and temperature functions to let you know of developing changes in weather. Are you climbing mountains or crawling through underground passages? The digital compass and altimeter help you keep track of your location. Maybe you're into water sports; this Pathfinder is water resistant to 330 feet.

The PAW1100T-7V display is easy to read wherever you are because of the automatic backlight. Intuitive-to-program alarms, countdown timer, stopwatch, and hourly time signals help you keep your pace. The watch has a titanium case, bezel, and band for lightweight durability, and carries a 1-year limited warranty.

You may need to adjust the size of your Pathfinder wristband. With the right tool, you can adjust your watch band yourself and save money. The Tech Swiss pin remover adjusts watch bands up to 7/8" wide. Easy to operate, with spring-loaded height adjustment, this tool can be used for all watch bands with push pin links.

The first step in adjusting the size of your watch band is to remove one of the spring-loaded pins at the watch case or at the clasp. This will allow you to work with a flat band rather than a circular one, and it will be much easier.

Next, find the arrows on the inside of the watch band link. They show the direction in which the pin should be pushed out.

Place the link on the spring-loaded platform and gently push down to vertically align the pin hole with the tool's push-pin. Be sure to hold it steadily at the right height.

Now align the link side-to-side so that the push-pin will be pressing right on the pin you want to remove. Very slowly turn the knob until the pin is pushed out. The key here is patience. Go slowly so if you feel any strong resistance, you can back off and realign. Going too fast and trying to force the pin will lead to broken pins.

Why wait for the jeweler to adjust your watch bands? With this tool, you can do it quickly yourself, and it will pay for itself the first time or two you use it.