Casio Pathfinder PAW1300-1V Multifunction Watch

Comments about Casio Pathfinder PAW1300-1V Multifunction Watch:

I just bought this watch because I needed a watch that would fit my lifestyle. Something that can take a beating in the outdoors, but nice enough to wear to a dinner party. Out of the box, it is kind of intimidating because of all the features, but after about 2 days of referencing the user manual, you will find it very easy to use. I spend a lot of time in the outdoors either bouldering, hiking, backpacking and exploring and so far this watch has stood up to its name. I love the altimeter and barometer functions. The altimeter has been fairly accurate, but the thermometer does tend to get thrown off by 3-4 degrees if you check it while you are wearing the watch. 5 alarm function is cool too, but I usually use 1 - 2 alarms on average. The alarm sounds a little weak, but I don't mind, I usually hear it go off unless I'm super burnt out tired! The barometer is pretty cool too. It is very easy to read and pretty accurate. The solar atomic time keeping is awesome. You never have to change the battery and the time is always on point! The watch has an internal memory function that tracks data by setting reference points. The watch does a lot! If you are looking for a multifunction watch that is tough, compact, easy to use and stylish, this is definitely a great choice.

Comments about Casio Pathfinder PAW1300-1V Multifunction Watch:

I was reluctant to spend alot of money on a watch, but after reading reviews and specs on this Casio Pathfinder, I decided I'd give it a try, and I've been very impressed and happy with this watch. I've been impressed with the accuracy of the compass for a watch, (after you set the magnetic declination for your location). The altimeter is fairly accurate too (usually within 200 ft) but it is key to set a reference altitude at a trailhead or summit of a known location. The barometer also gives a fairly accurate representation of the changing weather, but I've found that sometimes the barometric pressure falls outside the range of the watch's measuring capabilities making "gaps" in the barometric pressure graph. I've not really used the thermometer because you have to take it off for a few minutes to get an accurate reading (without body temp) but when I have, its been very close to a real thermometer.
The solar power cell of the watch works great, mine has never dropped below full strength (high) and I've never had issues getting the atomic calibration signal in Denver, all over Colorado, and Montana, but motion disrupts the signal when your up past midnight. I also sleep with mine on and it always successfully receives the signal. The watch is super durable and highly water-resistant - I wear mine waterskiing and climbing - and never have any issues. The ability to track trip and lifetime vertical gain and lost works great. All 29 time zones is another cool feature and having 5 alarms is great - my previous watch only had 1 so having 5 is a great improvement.
One downside is that there is so much technology packed into this watch, it took me alot of referencing the owners manual in order to memorize all of the controls. Overall, this a good watch that I'm very happy with and given its high quality and construction, I know it will last me for many years to come, which makes the price easier to swallow.

Comments about Casio Pathfinder PAW1300-1V Multifunction Watch:

Watch does have all the functions described and easy to maneuver around but not as accurate as I hoped for. The temperature function works great as long as your not wearing the watch. Skin temperature affects the reading.
Also altitude readings fluctuate as much as 400 ft at sea level due to changing barometric pressure. Just make sure to set the trail head elevation before you start.
I also can't get an atomic signal out here in the east coast.

Comments about Casio Pathfinder PAW1300-1V Multifunction Watch:

I'm wondering why this watch is substantially cheaper everywhere else. [...]

Comments about Casio Pathfinder PAW1300-1V Multifunction Watch:

As the other reviewers said, this is a pretty good watch. I have had it about 2 years now and it hasnt failed in any way. The one thing that bugs me is the backlight. If you push the light button, the entire screen will glow green (good), but it only lasts 2 seconds...and you cant hold the button down to make it stay on longer. So if you are trying to look at something longer than that, you have to keep pushing the button...its a pain. Other than that, its a good watch. Oh, the wrist band...this is UNLIKE any other wrist band out there, so if you dont like this one, you cant get a different type to replace it...the design is backwards from most every other watch ever made. I wanted a velcro band...nope, cant do it. Look closely at the pic, you will see its opposite from any other watch you have.

Comments about Casio Pathfinder PAW1300-1V Multifunction Watch:

First let me tell you, I do not use this watch for any hikes and runs i do ( i use the Garmin GPS). But this watch is the best travel buddy. Most used functions by me: Alarm, Altitude ( is approx. right in normal weathers), Temperature (you will have remove it and check after couple of minutes otherwise it will show your skin temperature.... which is also useful if you keep a track), the Auto-illumination is great, controls are easy ( have not read the manual yet), world time (i have family all over the world) , and timer.

Comments about Casio Pathfinder PAW1300-1V Multifunction Watch:

I found this watch to be alright in the looks department, but not so great at all when it comes down to accurate readings for anything but the time and perhaps the compass. Even the user's manual suggests you take the watch off your wrist for approximately a half hour for it to provide more accurate readings.

The altimeter, barometer, and temperature controls are virtually useless; the temp seems to run ten or more degrees off when left at the window, and as much as thirty degrees when worn (but supposedly you're not supposed to wear the watch if you want proper readings). This doesn't make any sense to me, and the more I think about it, the more aggravated I become. Then again, I should have figured as much, since all these types of wrist-mounted computers tend to be mediocre at best in reading accuracy.

While the watch band is cheap and uncomfortable, this watch is good to go for the simple fact that it is solar powered, and you don't have to worry about opening the back up and changing the batteries -- for anyone that knows, once you open up a waterproof watch, you let the air in, and for some reason always get the moisture under the face from then on out. This does damage to the watch's internals. You don't have to worry about that with these solar pathfinders.

Comments about Casio Pathfinder PAW1300-1V Multifunction Watch:

This watch is nearly perfect. It does all of what the spec sheet says. You can select from several modes for the normal display and some of the button functions. Getting the time signal is not a problem in Albuquerque, but I didn't get it in Virginia. The watch is relatively thin and light for this type of multifunction watch. The watch band is large enough to fit my relatively-fat wrist.
The watch has five alarms, and I generally use several of them when on my adventures. However, the alarm sound is relatively weak, compared with the many other Casios I have used. The alarm lasts only ten seconds. I sometimes don't hear these weak and short alarms even when I'm awake. If you don't care about the alarms, you will find this a great watch.

Comments about Casio Pathfinder PAW1300-1V Multifunction Watch:

This watch was given to me as a gift. Within a short time it started having problems synching with the satellite. I contacted Casio repair within the warranty period, and was told that the call concerning the warranty issue was registered as of this date. I specifically asked Casio repair if I needed to return the watch as my contact was within the warranty period. I was told that a case had been opened under my phone number and it was not necessary. It was explained that often the issues can be cleared up without a major repair. I was directed to the help line to determine if a remedy could be arrived at over the phone. It did not. Subsequent to the synching issue, the altimeter, barometer, compass and temperature functions began to perform erratically and ultimately failed. When I returned from an extensive trip I contacted Casio and returned the watch for repair. I was told that "…The extended period of time between first contact and sending in the product would make it out of warranty." and that I would be charged approximately $106.52 for repair. Casio is able to track the date of manufacture and determine if the watch falls into the proper time frame for warranty. Casio is aware of the issues with this watch. In online searches, there are numerous other complaints from people regarding the performance of this particular watch. As someone who has been in business for over 35 years, we have always honored warranty issues based on the intended use and expected life of a particular application. If we build a house with a 1- year guarantee, and the cabinets fell off the wall 1 day after the expiration of the warranty, it is reasonable to assume that the standard of care for the industry for a proper application would be much longer than 1 year. The simple application in this case is what is the expected useful life of a $250 -$300 watch? Was the watch damaged through misuse? If this is not the case, then it appears that Casio is not willing to stand by their products.

Comments about Casio Pathfinder PAW1300-1V Multifunction Watch:

A very useful watch! Accurate, atomic clock calibration automatically adjusts at midnight which will work in the U.S., Japan, and Germany. Thermometer works best with the watch off, otherwise it will read your body temp. Compass is accurate, but needs to be kept in a horizontal position. Solar battery lasts about 5 months, is rechargeable, and there is an indicator for low battery. I kept this watch in my purse and the alarm was audible from 15 feet away. Although bulky for my thin wrist (5" around), the straps were adjustable for a comfortable and snug fit. Too bad Casio doesn't make a women's watch with these same features.