Customer Reviews

Casio Men's WVA430J-1 Waveceptor Solar Atomic Ana-Digi Sport Watch

5 star:		(118)
4 star:		(56)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(16)

 

 

I'm normally not one to write product reviews, but I cannot say enough good things about this watch. In the past, I was a watch collector and rotated among wearing several watches depending upon my activity (work, sports, etc.) and mood (dress, casual, quirky). Since I purchased this watch several years ago on Amazon, I've pretty much abandoned my other watches and wear this one exclusively. It's comfortable, easy-to-read, and looks great for both business and casual wear. It's also the lowest maintenance watch I've ever owned. Because it's solar-powered, I've never had to mess with replacing the battery. And with its atomic clock capability, I've never had to mess with adjusting the time, especially when Daylight Savings Time rolls around. When my wife and I spent two weeks in England last fall, I kept the analog set to our "home" time and used the digital inset for UK time (it is easy to toggle between different time zones in digital mode). Finally, even after wearing it daily for several years, it still looks almost new. I thought I'd be turned off by the plastic band, but it has also turned out to be the most durable watchband I've ever owned. I sure don't miss having to replace batteries and watchbands! If I had to list any cons about this watch, it can be a little tricky to set, but that's mostly because I never have to mess with it and then have to dig out the small print instructions. I also don't use any of the advanced functions like the alarm or stopwatch. Otherwise, I've enjoyed this watch so much that I'm tempted to get a spare in case my trusty original ever wears out.

If you are interested in purchasing a Solar Powered Atomic Watch, then this is the watch of your dreams. I simply love this watch!!

Over the course of time, I have owned many watches, but this one by far is a keeper. I love it so much, that I am going to purchase another one as a backup.

I hadn't worn a watch for quite some time, so when I received my new watch, I accidentially bumped into the door latch as I was turning and put a scratch on the black outer coating of my new watch. I was very upset with myself, but it was my own fault. Low and behold after a few days, the scratch disappeared and is no longer visible. Apparently the outer epoxy type material helps keep the watch semi indestructable.

The accuracy is amazing, and once I reached HIGH on the battery charge, any normal light exposure (indoors or out) will keep the battery charged. Here is a tip for you, if you have a compact flourescent desk lamp, let the watch soak up all that light for about one to two hours. Once it reaches it's HIGH battery state, then you have absolutely no worries about ever losing battery power. Just make certain that you fully charge up the battery with as much light as possible until it reads HI on the display.

As far as comfort goes, the watch is very lightweight, and it's a joy to wear. Casio definately did a great job when they engineered the size, shape, look, and feel of this watch.

Bottom line, if you want to purchase a Solar Powered Atomic Watch, AND you want it to definately be a keeper for a vey long time, then invest in this watch. It took me about a two months of research to finally decide on this particular model, and boy am I glad I pulled the trigger and bought it.

I would easily give this watch TEN STARS, but unfortunately I am limited to FIVE STARS in this review. If you are on the fence like I was, JUST DO IT. You will be so glad you did.

I purchased this watch as a birthday present for my son; after less than three months we noticed that there was a lot of moisture inside the case (the crystal was undamaged and the watch is supposed to be waterproof down to 330 feet). It was never even underwater, the moisture was noticed after a rainstorm in which the watch did get wet (but not underwater, much less 330+ feet). Sent watch along with Amazon receipt to Casio and they want $46.44 to repair it (it's supposedly under a 1-year warranty). Be advised!

This is an incredible watch. The face is large and very easy to read with the black background. When you set the time zone (by city) the watch updates everything including the date (amazing). The instruction book is well written and includes how to do everything. The watch has many functions and is a bit complex to set.

When you open the box the watch is in Tokyo time. The hands will move to set the time. Step one is to set the time zone. Hold down the A button and the left side of the digital window will flash with either US or --. US means that a zone is selected that can receive a time signal. The -- means a zone is selected that has no time signal update.

With the digital window flashing, push C button to flash city code use the B and D buttons to scroll through the city list. Press the A button twice to exit mode after city selection. The watch will update automatically to your time if you are in a time signal area. Read E-14/15. If you are not in a time signal area read the manual update section E-50.

When the weekday and date is in the digital window that is the timekeeping basic mode. When watch comes out of the box the weekday will be a Japanese symbol for the day. That can be changed to English. Read page E-50 on how to do it. You get into that mode by hold A button until flashing then press A button once more to 12 or 24 appears then use the C button to step through the menu. When the Japanese symbol appears press D to select English. Push A button twice to select.

The next item to set is the daylight Savings. If you are in DST then your are ok. The watch comes set in automatic DST. If you are not in DST then you must turn DST off. See page E-57. Instructions are easy to understand...

Read the book cover to cover. the watch has many features. The time signal receiver is on. Learn how to check receiver, (easy push D). Also, use the C button to step through regular features. The first feature tells how much power the watch has (important). Read up on how Power Saver feature works (PS is on). Watch will shut down some features like alarm beep to save power.

Important,, read pages E-43, E-44, and E-45 on power. Note: If power drops too low watch will automatically revert to Tokyo time and you have to reset watch when power comes up...Page E-46 is a good read.

The only thing I would add to the watch is the year in the digital window. I am kinda old and sometimes I loose track of the year. Heck, I loose track of the Century also. Sometimes I wake up dreading having to harness (not easy) our carriage horse for mama. Then I come fully awake and realize we got a new Scion XB in the barn, Wow! I love that car!!! AND, a new magic watch!!

Overall this is one fantastic watch. The band is comfortable and will probably last about 2 years (from past experience). I collect watches and this is a keeper... I would give it 10 stars if I could.

Of course Amazon service was excellent as usual. I highly recommend the Free shipping club....

Addendum: Four months later.. Still the best watch ever!! Worked all summer on daughter's farm, building and repairing cow fences. And building chicken coop. Spreading cow poop on the fields for fertilizer. Cooking and cleaning as the kids worked day jobs in town. The watch endured heavy abuse. The crystal didn't scratch (should have). The shock of trap shooting with shot guns didn't bother it. Covered with various chemicals didn't affect it. In short the watch took a licking and kept on ticking...
I am puzzled by how many are having trouble with setting it. Curious.... It was easy for me maybe because I am a retired engineer.

This watch is nice in concept and looks. However, it has the following problems:

1. Setup is a nightmare - The instruction manual and pictures do not tie exacly to what the actual watch is doing.

2. Composite watch band will require the factory or a watchmaker to replace. My other Casios will allow an easy replacement

This is a really good watch once you get past the setup. The manual provided is so small you need a magnifying glass to read it. Instead download and print the pdf from this URL http://www2.casio.co.jp/manual_pdf/wat/en/pdf_search.php?MODULE=3311.

The good news is once it is set up you almost do not have to touch it again.

Really like the dials (analog look) having digital accuracy.

I do recommend the product even with the complicated setup.

Pretty watch. One minor annoyance. I cannot change the Japanese character that shows the day. No matter how much I try, I cannot get it done. The manual is not easy to follow.

After viewing the manual online, I followed the instructions, and managed to change the date from Japanese to English. After pressing and holding button A, press C until you see flashing date in Japanese. Then, press D to change it. As I said before, the manual is not easy. But, after many failed attempts you can figure it out.

September 2009

After using this watch over a year, I decided to leave my impression for future buyers.
No scratches on the display although I use the watch every day. the strap is still in good shape. Alarm sound is very short, yet it wakes me up. After getting used to all 4 buttons, the watch is easy to use. the battery is still full.

One complaint though! Each night the watch calibrates itself. The digital display is always correct. ( I have 2 atomic clocks at home). Several months ago, I noticed that the second hand was 2 seconds slow. No big deal. I followed the instructions. The second hand moved to 12 and stopped. Then, at the right moment, it started moving. I was really impressed.
Well, it happened again. The delay was 4 seconds this time.Followed the instructions. The second hand would move to 56th minute marker and stop! Basically, I couldn't adjust it. several nights i left the watch by window. It calibrated itself, except the second hand! Now, the digital clock always show the correct second movement. But the second hand is still 4 seconds slow.

I used to brag about Casio's calibration to friends. I wonder calling Casio's help line would solve the problem.

I've had my watch about a week now and absolutely love it. What's greatest is that I'll never have to do anything now but put it on and take it off--everything else is automatic. I live a bit outside of the 600-mile radius for "best reception" but my watch still easily obtains the time signal from Colorado while on my bathroom countertop in a bathroom with no outside windows and at least two walls between the watch and outdoors.

Some have pointed out that the mineral crystal can be scratched. I just want to let you know that I covered the crystal with an (approximately 1.25" diameter) piece of Zagg Invisible Shield and it is almost truly invisible. If you have any fear of scratching the crystal, I recommend Invisible Shield for you, too. I bought the generic "Universal Screen Protector" size that comes with three 2.5x4" pieces, leaving you with lots of extra material for a cell phone and GPS cover, etc., too.

As others have pointed out, the setup for this watch is pretty complex. The watch defaults to Tokyo Time, with Japanese characters for days of the week--and all US folks will want to change this. Also, living in AZ, I had to turn off the auto-DST corrections, but few of you will have this issue.

In my opinion, the watch is beautiful and can be worn in both dress and casual circumstances. I see that some worry about the custom watch band but I have found replacement bands available for about $18 on the internet if one ever is needed. When this watch fails, I really think I'll look for something as close to this watch as I can find.

this is a great watch, once you set it up, no need to set or do anything.
had to call the 800 number for assistance to set proper city, customer service is great, talked me thru everything. watch keeps perfect time to the second. i put the watch in the window before retiring about every 7 or 10 days or so. ( to get atomic signal ) Solar power is no problem, works well, gets enough cloudy or sunshine. highly recommend !!

I got this watch with the discount by getting the Amazon rewards visa card and it only costs me 37 dollars. I can't ask anything better that. This watch looks great, very light weight compare to my other Casio. It was much easier to set up, especially the home city setting. It also has a stop watch and lit up in the dark. Overall, I would recommend this watch and with the atomic and solar feature, this would take lots of worry out of the owner.