Customer Reviews

Casio Men's GW700A-9V G-Shock Solar Atomic Watch

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Casio Men's G-Shock Atomic Solar Watch #GW700A-9V

With so many fine Casio choices, and after reading numerous reviews of all the Casio Atomic Solar and Pathfinder watches, it was difficult to come down to a final decision. I had originally thought I would get a Pathfinder model, but the significantly higher cost and likely bulkier size steered me to the G-Shock models, and I could not be more pleased.

Since this is, after all, a watch, the most important feature to me was accuracy. Casio's website (http://www.casio.com/products/Timepiece/G-Shock/GW700_Series/product/GW700A-9V/)indicates +/-15 seconds per month. I think that is probably conservative, but certainly acceptable, even without Atomic Timekeeping. Based on my relative short term use, I'm guessing it will probably end up being closer to 5 seconds per month, again without atomic updating.

Atomic Timekeeping:

In viewing many of the Casio watches which have this feature, the reviews seemed to be mixed, with a significant number saying the feature (or lack thereof) was very disappointing. Living in Mayberry (Mount Airy, NC,) a pretty good distance from Fort Collins, I had to assume that I would probably not be able to get the signal. So did I still want the watch, at a price that certainly included such a sophisticated feature ? Sure, why not. I could always return it.

The first night after I got the watch, I followed the directions and placed it in a window, facing southwest, which was the best that I could do. And wonder of all wonders, the next morning it had synced with the radio signal!! Notice the small circular dial on the lower right corner of the watch face. That now has the letter "G" in the circle, indicating a strong signal was received. Pressing the receive button in the lower right corner shows the time of the sync. The next night, I left the watch on the night table next to my bed. Again a successful sync. The next night, I left it in another room on a bedside table, not near a window. Again, the sync was successful. I kept the watch "stand" that came with the watch. It seems just right for synching purposes.

Solar Power:

Casio says this watch has "Tough Solar Power." I'm not sure how that differs from regular solar power, but when I got the watch, it was already set to the proper time, day of the week, and date. The small solar strength arrow on the left side of the watch face indicated that the battery had a "middle charge." I placed the watch face up under an incandescent lamp for a couple of hours. The arrow moved up to "high" and has stayed there since.

Watch face:

The picture of the watch face is accurate except that the day of the week and date and month are actually darker than in the picture. There is plenty of contrast in normal lighting, and a brief touch of the "G" button below the watch face on the band quickly lightens the screen. The regular time screen shows exactly what I wanted: time, day of week, date, battery level. Other options are shown in the upper left and right of the watch face.

Watch band:

The resin band is very comfortable and has 12 holes for adjustment. I am slender and the 4th hole down from the watch is just the right size for me. So it has plenty of slots for expansion, especially in the larger direction.

Watch size and weight:

Even on my wirey arms, the watch is not too large, nor too heavy. In fact it is smaller than my old Timex Ironman, but heavier. The casio specs say it weighs slightly less than 2.4 onces. I weighed mine on a set of postal scales and it came out at just short of 2.6 onces. Again, not an issue.

I have not tested the other features of the watch, but I do not expect any surprises.

All in all this is the best watch I have ever owned, solidly built, and with the major features that I wanted, all of which perform flawlessly.

Exactly what I wanted. Lots of cool features, looks great. A tad bulky, but it' s a G-Shock after all, and compared to other G-shocks it's actually not quite as big. When I got the instruction manual, I was a little nervous about all the directions for sitting the watch on a windowsill every night to get the perfectly accurate time from a satellite--there were all these tips about how to get good reception. (I'm in PA, by the way.) Well, the windowsill was a little iffy, and seemed annoying anyway, but it was completely unnecessary for me. The reception works perfectly every night on my wrist in bed. My other concern was the solar power--the instructions list all sorts of time requirements to keep it charged. I had to charge it when I first got it, but the charge has stayed on "high" ever since without me doing anything special to keep it that way--just normal wear. I love the multiple alarms. Fantastic watch, and the Amazon price is almost half of the price I found for the exact same watch in a mall watch store.

An atomic watch was a must for me because I needed the accuracy. I also prefer a watch that is easy to use and keeps itself set. The solar recharging feature for the battery is a bonus. I rated this watch 4-stars instead of 5-stars only because of the small numbers on its face which aren't offset with enough contrast. (I'm nearing 50 and my eyesight for this kind of reading is marginal). Otherwise, awesome watch!

I keep it on a window sill in the daytime for charging when not in use, and on my night table next to another atomic (alarm) clock at night for time setting and ready to go in the morning. Its a pleasure having a watch that doesn't need setting and won't need routine battery replacement. I expected it to be somewhat bulky in thickness and it is, but mostly because of the protective ring around the crystal and not a problem. My main issue is that the LCD face is more drab green than champagne as described. The contrast leaves something to be desired. A standard lighter background with black characters be better.

Wish the display was a bit bigger, but that's my only gripe. Fantastic features and great styling. Plus, I've yet to notice any delays whatsoever in receiving the atomic clock signal, even in buildings where there should definitely be one.

I live in NJ - and the watch catches the update from Ft. Collins without fail each morning. I love having an exceptionally accurate watch, that looks virtually indestructable too. Highly recommended.

I have had this watch for a little more than two weeks now. It has successfully set itself each night to the signal from WWV in Colorado (I am in Louisiana) This is in spite of the fact that it has been on my wrist while I was sleeping! (The owners manual suggests that you place it on a windowsill overnight to get a good signal from WWV).

I do suggest that you read the owners manual, especially the part about the solar recharge times necessary to recover from usage of alarms, backlight, etc. I rarely use the backlight and have not noticed any decline of the "battery" due to normal usage, but your mileage may vary if you use the alarm or backlight often.

I highly recommend this watch!

I purchased this watch as a replacement for a previous purchased Atomic Solar G-Shock (slightly different model)that was put in the trash by my 1 1/2 year old. I am again completely satisfied with the durability, funtions(alarm), & price value. I surf alot with this watch always on. This watch can handle abuse!

I ordered this watch for my first G-Shock. I have always wanted one, but wasnt in the Army, so i had no need for one of the huge mudman style watches. This one is sleek and slim, compared to the others. Atomic time was a must have and solar is very nice, living in FLA. Overall, very easy to use. Nice big display. comfortable band.

worth every penny!

I like this watch alot. Atomic, Solar, what do you need more than that. Casio quality. alarm could be little louder. I am very satisfied.