Customer Reviews

Casio Men's PAW1500Y-1 Pathfinder Multi-Band Solar Atomic Digital Watch

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I ordered this watch while deployed to Haiti (I'm in the Army). When I got back to the U.S. I couldn't wait to open the package and try out my new watch. I loved everything about it except, the bezel ring. It was loose and rattled slightly, making a tapping sound. Even though the watch was only minutes out of the package, I was outside the 30 day Amazon return window. I had to send the watch to Casio for repair/replacement under the manufacture's warranty. Casio contacted me (3 weeks later)to inform me the watch could not be repaired; and they would replace it with another watch of equal value. The reason they could not replace it with the same watch is that this watch (PAW1500Y-1) is made exclusively for Amazon. Casio does not have any in stock, all of them where shipped to Amazon. Now I'm being forced to accept one of the older models that I have no desire to own.

If you decide to buy one of these beauties, keep in mind that Casio does not have the ability to replace it, should something go wrong. Had I known this in advance I would have went with another watch. I hope this helps!!

UPDATE: Good news for me, turns out Casio is a stand up company. They sent me a refund due to the defect in my original purchase. They included s/h charges as well. It took 8 weeks to receive but, the end result is a full refund. Now the problem is Amazon is all out of the watch and I will have to wait until it is available again...


JW

I've had this watch for about 3 days now and I am liking it more each day.

When I first received the watch I was a bit worried about the ability to easily read the reverse LCD display, though after a while and testing it out in bright sunlight, it is very easy to read. The features on this watch are fantastic. The manual is quite large but there is great information in there and it makes you appreciate the watch even more. Synching the watch works great, it hasn't failed yet when it auto-synchs during the night. I am very happy with this watch and have no regrets with this purchase.

Pros: 1. Tons of useful features. Compass, moon phase, altitude, Baro Pres, and tide are very nice to have.
2. Looks great with the reverse LCD screen.
3. Very comfortable and not too big like one would think.
4. All around great watch.

Cons: 1. Temperature is only accurate after taking the watch off your wrist and letting it aclimate for 15- 20 minutes (per instruction manual).
2. Bezel turns much to easily. When worn under a sweatshirt or jacket, it turns from the simple pressure
of your clothes.

These cons though are minor in my opinion and I am happy with the purchase. Enjoy the watch if you choose to buy it.

I really love watches and was looking for a sporty/outdoor/weekend watch. I had a few requirements:

1. Does lots of neat stuff
2. The BIGGER the BETTER
3. Head turning awesome looks
4. Unique
5. Under $300
6. Metal band

I determined Casio was the way to go pretty quickly. I found this watch and it pegged the 5 star meter on my first 5 requirements. If you can find a watch that crams more functions into a watch let me know. Navigation of the functions is made simple by offering lots of different buttons to press (more fun)! This watch is seriously black on black...way too cool! The reverse lcd is soooooo unique that it's the only way to go. Make no mistake...this is a large watch, but is is so light weight and designed (aesthetically) so well that it doesn't look or feel obnoxious. You can actually wear this thing for casual functions...not just hiking mountains. Thanks to AMAZON's sale price ($285) it met requirement #5. As for my obsession with metal bands, well, this strap/watch combination made me forget about all that. In fact this watch would be ruined by a metal band. The strap matches and syncs perfectly with the watch. This one is a keeper. I will mention a few small negatives for a complete review. The reverse lcd works extremely well outside and in well lit areas, but is pretty hard to see in low light (just means you get to press another button to light the display with a neat blue/green color). The bezel ring does rotate way too easily (just means you get to touch the watch some more). There is so much info crammed on the face that it is so small that you need good eyesight or readers if your over 40 like me (just means you get to stare at the watch even longer). Buy this watch...you won't regret it!

UPDATE 5/24/2011: I have now owned both this reverse display 1500 and the original, and I have an important note to add for those who are interested in this watch. I have noticed that this watch requires more consistent light to keep a charge than the standard Pathfinder does. In fact, I have never lost a charge on my original Pathfinder (and I frequently keep it in my basement with no light, sometimes for weeks). It makes sense to me that with this negative display watch, more power is required to keep it operational. I simply want to make folks aware that you will likely lose a charge if you are not careful to expose it to direct sunlight whenever possible. The negative display requires much more power to operate. Due to the difficulties with running out of battery life, I am downgrading my review of this product from 5 stars to 4 stars. I maintain that the original version of this watch would get 5 stars for its extra reliability.

Well, I've finally purchased this watch from Amazon. For months, I have been sporadically viewing this item online and wanting so badly to purchase it, but I was held back only by the fact that I already owned a Casio Pathfinder 1500-1V. My watch was the exact same in function, but the color scheme was different and it certainly was not on a reverse display. Since I have owned essentially the same watch for months, I feel that my review of the functionality of this watch should be fairly well informed.

I have worn the Pathfinder as a daily wear watch for some time now, occasionally endeavoring out into the wilderness with it. As I'm not deeply invested in mountain climbing or serious hiking, the functions of this watch are more than I really need. However, on any occasion I have used the ABC functions, they were all very accurate against any reliable sources of the same information that were available to me for comparison. The tide and moon functions are also great, but I personally have little need for them. I normally wear an analog watch, and I own quite an assortment, but none of them have the type of features this watch has. I'm normally quite opposed to wearing a digital watch on a daily basis because I feel most of them look cheaper and I like to look a little more classy than that guy who wears a cheap digital watch every day. However, I feel that the Pathfinder 1500 series has a look to it that suggests both class and function. Most watches with this array of functions look more like tools than time pieces, but I feel the Pathfinder maintains a pretty decent balance between its looks and functionality. Specifically, this all black Pathfinder has a very clean look to it. It looks stealthy and tactical, and in my opinion much better than any of the other Pathfinders.

It's true that the negative display is harder to read than the positive equivalent, but not so much that you'll be squinting to see it at any point. I'll try to take some side by side pictures for comparison, as when I was shopping for this watch there were none available. Mostly, it's just slightly more difficult to read at an offset angle. Straight on, there's never any problem. Also, the illumination on this watch is better in comparison to the positive display Pathfinders. The digits light up while the background becomes a dark blue-green, and it looks very slick. With the positive display Pathfinder, the background lights up. This produces a circle of bright light while the digits stay the same, so they're both easy to read but I think the Y-1 is actually a bit easier in this case.

In case you're not sold on the Pathfinder series, and you're looking at other watches such as Suunto, there are a few reasons you should avoid those other brands. I will say that I was once an owner of a Suunto Vector, not too long ago while I was in the military. The watch featured a negative display also, which I was quite fond of, but there was one huge downside and several smaller issues that make it pale in comparison to the Casio Pathfinder. First and foremost, the lack of solar power is a much bigger deal than you think. There is no way you can tell when your battery is going to die with a Suunto, and trust me it will die quickly. With the Pathfinder, I'll never have to worry about it dying when I need it most. Also, the atomic updating is such a fantastic feature as I'll never have to worry about an inaccurate time with this watch. Although Suunto watches look nice in the pictures, they all have the cheapest looking/feeling bands you could possibly imagine. The watches are overly bulky and look and feel cheap up close. Trust me, there's no better ABC watch to buy than the Casio Pathfinder, and the 1500Y-1 is perfect for those who prefer a stealthy tactical look.

If I had to try and identify one downside to this watch, the only thing I could think of is the band. It doesn't look or feel cheap like the Suunto does, but the small rectangular piece that slides along the excess band hanging out past the clasp does so a little too freely after a few weeks or months of use. At least that was the case with my first Pathfinder 1500. It actually seems tighter on the 1500Y-1, so perhaps they improved that feature. Also, my old Pathfinder 1500 had a fairly loose bezel that rotated a little too freely, but this watch has a clearly improved bezel that has a very solid click with each movement. It doesn't come out of place unless I move it intentionally.

I will say that the pictures of this watch, available online through Amazon or image search on any search engine, just don't do it justice. It looks much more sleek and sexy in person, and I was truly impressed with its aesthetic appeal the moment I took it out of the box (coming from a guy who had the same exact watch with only a different color scheme on his wrist at that very moment).

This watch has it all. Functionality is exceptional, it looks great, atomic timekeeping will keep you accurate forever, solar power will ensure you never have to worry about your batteries, and best of all the thing is like a tank on your wrist. I have banged up against every surface possible and there's literally not a scratch on my first Pathfinder 1500, so you don't have to worry about babying this pretty little thing on your wrist. Whether you're in the market for a feature packed daily wear digital watch, or a serious ABC watch to take with you on your outdoor adventures, you will not be disappointed with this watch. Buy it!

To this point, I've had two Casios - both G-shocks (great watches). I had always wanted a Pathfinder, and when I saw this black-on-black model, I had to have it! For nearly any guy, the 2 best things about this watch are: 1) the style ('stealth' look); and 2) the functionality. The all-black look is very popular today in watches, and this one pulls it off very well. As for functions, how many watches have a built-in compass, barometer, altimeter, thermometer, AND moon phase and tide graphs, along with multiple alarms, a count-down timer, a stopwatch, world-time functions, 200m water resistance, plus solar power and 5-band atomic time capability?!! Amazing!! And this one also features the 'reverse LCD' - with numerals and letters in white against a black background, instead of the normal dark numerals against a light background. It's fun just to play with all of the functions that this watch has. (yes, even at my age - 46!)

Aside from the cool looks and fantastic features, this watch is extremely comfortable to wear. It's very light, and you easily forget that it's even on your wrist. The strap is long and appears that it would fit up to about a 9 inch wrist. The case size is on the large side, about 52mm, but it's not very tall - about 14mm. The overall size is very nice, and I think it looks great on my 7.25 inch wrist.

Contrary to some comments others have made, I think it is VERY easy to read the time, even in low light. (remember, the numerals are light-colored) And if it's too dark, all you have to do is hit the 'light' button, OR use the "auto-EL" feature which turns on the light automatically when your wrist is parallel to the ground and you tilt your wrist toward you to read the time.

I am a serious watch collector. I have watches in my collection that cost far more than this one does, yet none have the functionality of this watch, and few others can match the "coolness" factor of this Pathfinder. It's a great value, and perfect for the active guy who loves the outdoors!

I was in the market for a while looking for a good trekking watch to use on my many outdoor adventures. For the longest time, I wanted the Tissot T-Touch Trekking watch, and when I found a great deal on one I picked it up. First of all the watch was nice, I liked the cool functions of the watch, but it was kinda small and seemed fragile. I wore it for a few months, had to baby it after reading the problems with water that the Tissot has. Then one day I came across this beauty, this is a man's watch if I ever saw one. 50mm lots of cool buttons and functions, and to top it off, its ALL black, with the reverse LCD display. This watch looks rugged, and it is. It's not a poser like the Tissot. Sold the Tissot and ordered this one right away. The watch was everything I thought it would be, based on the pictures and reviews that I had seen. This watch serves me in two area's. One, its tactical and that meets my job requirements, and two it has all the features I need for my backpacking, camping and water adventures. Reverse LCD display is easy to read during the day and has a cool light to see it at night. 15 mins after looking through the manual, I had all the features and buttons figured out. This baby is water resistant to over 600 ft, no worries about getting this one wet. On top of everything, I have had more complements on this watch in a short period of time than my Submariner. Even inspired a few friends to pick up a pathfinder for themselves. If your on the fence, jump off and grab one of these suckers, you won't be dissapointed!

I am so far really pleased with my Pathfinder , its very well made and easy to use . I was looking for a while for a reliable ABC watch , sunnto, tissot etc ,and after much reading of customer reviews on Amazon and other sites i decided on this model. There always seemed to be little snags with some of the others , battery life , letting in water, and as i had had a g shock years ago which was really good ( unfortunately lost in the sea !! ) i went for this one . The compass, barometer, and altitude seem really accurate , the temperature is fine but you have to have it off your wrist for a few minutes for it to work, you have to do this with all the makes of this type of watch,as obviously your body heat will distort the reading otherwise . I cant really see any way around that problem , unless you wear it on a chain round your neck , which would just look silly! also the atomic time keeping is great , every night it resets itself automatically , even if its not on a window ledge ( which is what they recommend ) The moon and the tide reading seem very accurate although admittedly i have not really used that function much and the final thing that made up my mind was the solar recharging of the battery , instead of fiddling with a screw driver and changing the battery every two years, i just make sure it gets some sunlight , admittedly in England that can be a bit tricky !.

Rather than narrate my opinions I will get right down to brass tacks.

Pros:
Watch can light up when tilted 40 degrees towards you.
Light weight yet very solidly built.
The tide level, altimeter and barometric displays are great.
There is nothing on the watch or the band to scratch or catch on arm hair.
The price is about right, I am glad it came down because I do not see it worth the first price posted.
the time can be viewed at about any angle.
Buttons are large and sure. Not cheap and tiny.
The reverse coloring is what makes this watch what it is.
Almost all the text is useful. CASIO, MULTI BAND 5 and WATER RESIST 20BAR are the only things not directly related to a function of sort. Nice.
Perfect size for me but I am 6'4". Very big watch but not overblown for show.

Cons:
The crystal is very reflective, I'd have liked to have non-reflective material used.
Battery level is show by a H or M which is way small. The letters look the same at this size. I'd rather had seen a 1 and a 2 or something else to not get mistaken.
If you have bad eyes this watch will really be a challenge for more than the time, date and day. I am still trying to figure out what the bezel says.
The alarm is too quiet. Way too quiet.
The inner ring has a purple tinge that I don't like.

Biggest plus: Altimeter and barometer.
Biggest minus: Reflective crystal.

I love this watch! I am a frequent traveler and the built-in compass is very useful, as is the barometer and altimeter. Knowing when the weather is about to change is a very welcome thing when you find yourself in backwater places as I do. I love the multiple alarms (up to 5) which have some scheduling capabilities. And I especially love the wrist-strap; it's synthetic, which means it's better with water.

The radio-atomic auto-setting feature is an amazing idea, but be warned: in the Middle East and central/south Africa, there isn't adequate reception to operate this feature. You will need to also make sure you set your time zone correctly, which is easy but requires consulting the manual. This is definitely a watch you need to read the book with; trust me, you will be rewarded.

The display is also very easy to read, which surprised me! I was a little apprehensive with the inverted display but with backlighting and in direct sunlight I've found it to be easier to read then a normal display. Your mileage will vary, but I'm never buying a digital watch without this feature again! The crystal is solid and I have not managed to scratch it yet, and I am a pretty effective destroyer of watches. And the solar charger works even better than advertised. I just leave the watch in the windowsill (or wherever) and it remains at high power constantly. I did notice the watch would drop down into medium if it's left to charge with indoor lighting. However, that is also assuming prolonged exposure to darkness, and even with that, it never dropped into low.

Some minor quibbles: The compass bezel spins freely, which is not a problem for me but some may prefer a more satisfying "click." It is a large watch, so this watch may look goofy on a slight watch or on a very small person. Myself, I'm tall, wide and fat so that isn't a problem for me! But the more petite amongst us should consider carefully.

All in all, an excellent product! I highly recommend this watch to frequent travelers, and/or those of us who work in outdoor/extreme climates. Definitely money well-spent.

I was uncertain about this watch after reading comments on review sites about the visibility of the reverse display. After owning one now for a week I can say I have no problem with the display and truly love the watch.
The display is not always readable in dimmer lighting (indoors in a tv room or room with curtains closed and little direct light) but the Full Auto EL backlight feature makes this irrelevant for me. This feature when enabled, turns on the backlight anytime the watch is tilted from parallel to the ground to more than 40 degrees towards you. The light remains on for about a second and can also be activated with the manual button. The auto light feature is very cool and it works reliably and well. I do wish the light had a longer backlight on setting.
Still, even in dim light I find I can easily see the display simply by tilting the watch a bit towards available light and it's just not a problem.

Some display indicators on the display are very tiny - such as battery level indicator. I have perfect vision but I have to work a bit to see the H, M, or L indicators. This is also true for other secondary status functions such as the auto light enabled indicator but reading all of the various primary functions is easy and clear. Also I do not find the glass too reflective at all, in any light.

The appearance, size and weight of the watch are all excellent. My wrists are not big but the watch looks and feels good and is not over the top or tacky at all. It does not look subtle in the picture but it is more so than it appears. You'd be comfortable wearing it in most situations other than suit and tie - I like it so much I probably will wear it anyway.
It's very, very light but retains a solid, well-constructed feel and appearance. It still surprises me how comfortable it is to wear. I have always been aware of whatever watch is on my wrist and generally take them off at home but I forget I'm wearing this one. It's there when I need it but not obtrusive or heavy when just on your wrist, if that makes sense.

Comparing the accuracy of the altimeter - I did not have great expectations for this - to my Garmin GPS and another GPS, the altimeter is pretty accurate. It has been within a few feet of the GPS readings so far. Note I have not tested it much at changing altitudes yet but on a few dog walks here in the mountains it appears to be pretty quick and concurs with my GPS.
Have not compared barometer or compass yet but the barometer graphing is a great feature and I like the compass operation.

The tide and moon functions are also nice features. Chronograph, timer and all setting menus are easy to use and intuitive.
Tha manual is outstanding! Even if not technically inclined or having little knowledge of compass use, chronograph etc you should have no problem using all the features of this Casio in little time. It's actually fun to learn the functions.

Atomic sync works well here in a mountain "bowl" in California. There are pretty high mountains all around my house but the watch has been able to manually sync and auto sync overnight without problem.

It comes in it's own wooden box and is very well packaged. I suggest having a look through the manual before setting or making many changes. Even skimming the manual is enough to get you going for just basic use.

Before buying this watch I was deciding between the Suunto X-Lander Military black and this Casio. After reading reviews and watching various YouTube video of other Suunto models, I just felt the solar recharge feature and overall appearance of the Casio was better for me. My sense is that the Suunto may be a bit "smarter" in temp, barometer and altitude but pretty difficult to read as far as the reverse display. (I only found one low-res video of this watch and it had so much glare it wasn't very useful.)

In all ways I am very happy with this purchase and may still consider the Suunto in the future. The Casio is really a pleasure to wear and use.