Customer Reviews

Casio Men's WL500-1A Tough Solar Digital Sports Watch

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

This is worth the price! It really does run by the sun, and the solar panel also charges the rechargeable battery at the same time, so you will never need to replace the battery. If your'e tired of replacing batteries, but want something cheap, then this is the perfect match! VERY easy to use! The one issue I have is that When going to different menus (alarms, Countdown timer, then timer) it will make a small beep sound, which can be very hard to use that at school, or some place quit. I also do really like the feature where you tilt the watch 45 Degrees and the light can auto come on (if you set it).

I have had casio watches for decades. As a swim coach the stopwatch function is a must. This watch is very visible with a large time AND day and date function. In the past I have had Casio watches where the day and date was difficult to see. I also like the FLICK YOUR WRIST finction that lights up the watch at night. This is a solar watch and I have had the watch for about three weeks and have noticed no difference from a pure battery powered Casio. We will check future reviews to test the duration of the solar power. I love this watch so far and give it a five out of five star rating.

This watch competently keeps and measures time. The stopwatch,elapsed time and second time zone functions are much easier to use and read than the tiny dials on, for example, a Citizen EcoDrive. I cannot report on the alarm functions, because the watch, after weeks in the sun, is still charging. The manual is clearly written and illustrated, but physically tiny. However, the functions are easily learned and intuitive, so constant reference to the manual is not required. If the watch ever charges fully, I expect the alarm to be as capable as the rest of the watch. If it does not fully charge, I will give it away or toss it.

Got it for a golf piece and wear it everyday now. The quality is more than expected and the price is more than right.

This watch oozes value. Casio's "Tough Solar" technology doesnt' disappoint. I've left it to charge in full sunlight only once, when I first received it. It's been smooth sailing without any hint of an issue whatsoever. The face is large, but not obnoxiously so. The strap is comfortable and highly adjustable. Since the watch is of relatively low-profile height, it easily fits under a dress shirt without any issues.

5 alarms are more than most people need, albeit a little finicky to set up. That's the only minor nit that I have.

I'd buy another one without batting an eye. I don't need another "beater watch" but I might pick up another just because

Realizing that this is beyond Amazon's control, I still feel the need to share what I just received via e-mail from Casio's Elite Service System.

My wife bought a Casio men's WL500-1A Tough Solar Digital Sports watch on December 2, 2010, as a Christmas gift for me. I like the watch and everything about it. I did replace the band, as it was uncomfortable and awkward to fasten. However, 2 or 3 months ago it began to reset itself intermittently. I would put it on and notice that the date was set to January 1st, 2000. This happened at least 3 times.

I contacted Casio and received an authorization to ship it to them for repair. Today I received an e-mail, stating they had received it and the cost to repair would be $25.00, shipping and handling $8.95, and sales tax $2.71, for a total of $36.66. This for a watch less than a year old and costing less than $30.00, and available at some online merchants for even less.

I'm not going to have them to repair it and have requested they return it, postage paid. I've owned several Casio watches but this puts a bitter taste in my mouth. I have reservations about buying another Casio product, and may, on principal, throw away the one I still have.

Thank you very much,
Billy Mixon


June 6, 2011

As a followup to the above review:

This morning I called Casio customer service to see if they had returned my watch, and why they wouldn't repair it under warranty.

I was told that since it was a gift and I don't have the receipt, I would have to send them a notarized letter stating that it was a gift, and then, and only then, would they repair it under warranty. They agreed to waive shipping charges on the watch and return it un-repaired. Maybe this will help someone who finds themselves in a similar situation. I do know that before I purchase anything else online I'm going to fully understand the warranty and return policies of both Amazon.com and the manufacturer. I don't expect it to be a Casio product.


June 15, 2011

I think it's time to cut my losses, pack it in, whatever, and forget about getting my watch back.

When I talked to the service representative at Casio on June 6th, 2011, she agreed to waive the return postage charges and told me I would get it in 2 to 3 business days. On June 11 I received a "do not reply" e-mail from the Casio Elite Service System informing me that it had been 15 days since they sent me the summary of charges to repair and return the watch. Apparently they don't communicate very well at Casio, or they changed their mind about returning it postage paid.

In either case, I give up. They won. It has been 8 business days, not 2 or 3, and I realize I'm not getting anywhere.

Good luck to you if you have to deal with Casio.

July 13, 2011
they finally sent my watch back about 2 weeks ago. According to the invoice they may have replaced a chip. Regardless, a week ago the watch froze up on the stop watch function and I was unable to get it cleared and running. It is now in a landfill somewhere. I have a brand new Timex Expedition. It keeps good time.

Bought this as my dad's birthday gift. He's a runner and he loved it, especially the lightweight and the stopwatch function. Wish the strap material was not plain rubber but "breathed" better though.

We'll see how long the watch lasts but so far it seems pretty cool. I've had it in the water for 40 minutes straight and no problems. The only thing I don't like about this watch is the wrist band. It's difficult to get off.

If you are looking for a digital watch that has lots of functions you might consider this watch. Plus, since it's a solar watch (you may never even need to change the battery).

The main reason I got this watch is because it has a stopwatch that goes up to 23 hours, 59 mins and 59 seconds. I have another watch with a stopwatch that only timed up to 60 minutes, but I'd find myself forgetting how many hours had elasped.

Along with a stopwatch, other functions include a countdown timer (as long as 23 hours, 59 mins and 59 seconds), 5 different alarms (1 daily alarm plus snooze, and 4 other alarms). Additionally, this watch also has one dual time zone display.

On the main time display, all at once the face shows hour, minutes, seconds, day of week, and month-date.

An added bonus is this watch solar, so with it, there may never be a need replace the battery.

Setting up the watch is pretty straight-forward. The four buttons on the watch are marked (adjust, light, mode and start).

One note: I think the watch color is actually more of a dark navy blue. The image displayed at Amazon shows a brighter blue color.

What I like:
-- loaded with functions (approx 24hr stopwatch, countdown timers)
-- 5 alarms (though I may not use this as I rely on my cell phone as my alarm clock)
-- all relevant info (hrs, mins, seconds, day/date) on main display
-- solar operated (means no battery changes)
-- great value for all these functions
-- dual time zone (great if you travel often)

What I dislike:
-- backlight is adequate, but could be brighter

Overall, if you are looking for a sports watch with long stopwatch/countdown timers, and want to enjoy the freedom of no battery changes. This solar sportswatch from Casio may be your ticket.

The Casio Men's WL500-1A Tough Solar Digital Sports Watch is a great time piece! I have owned a number of Casio Watches through the years and have always loved them. This Watch has the Standard Timer, Stopwatch, Dual Time, 5 Alarms, and Day - Month - Date features.

This Watch however is Solar Powered! The First Casio that I have owned with this power source. There is a battery power indicator on the watch so you'll know if you'll need to expose it to a light source. It has a Power save feature that you can activate that turns off the time display to conserve energy when the watch is left in darkness not being used.

Also it has another great feature that allows the light to come on in darkness to read the display just by turning your wrist to look at the watch. This feature is easy to turn on or off. The Price point for this watch is great as well! Definitely a excellent watch at a excellent price!