Casio has introduced the Casio Pro Trek PRG-340 line, a collection of three new adventure watches with an easy-to-read compass, barometer, and altimeter.
The watches feature Casio's Tough Solar charging technology and 10 ATM water resistance, are easy to read in sunlight, and are designed to help you navigate through the wilderness with old-school orienteering techniques. , rather than the GPS offered on the best smartwatches. .
Two of the three watches, the PRG-340-1 and PRG-340-3, have black and khaki cases, case backs, rotating bezels and straps made from Casio Biomass Plastic, a polymer made from renewable raw materials, castor and corn. The third model, PRG-340-7, has titanium alloy parts instead.
Metal watch lugs are the parts that connect the straps to the case. These are normally slightly raised to better fit the contours of a wrist, but these lugs are hinged to allow the watch to lay completely flat, making it ideal for placing on a map and using its compass function more effectively. .
The watch also contains dual-layer LCD displays, designed to be easy to read in sunlight. The bottom layer displays the time, date, barometer, and altimeter readings, while the top layer displays the compass. A rotating bezel allows you to record compass readings and align your destination with compass readings. Check out the announcement video below.
Analysis: old becomes new again
Obviously, we joke around a bit that this watch could replace
best garmin watches It may have the solar-charging capabilities of the Forerunner 955 Solar, but it won't track your runs, walks, swims or sleep in the same way, nor will it offer advanced GPS navigation.
However, there is no doubt that the move towards analog is gaining momentum in our increasingly connected world. Digital watches are making a comeback on the streetwear and fitness scene thanks to G-SHOCK and Casio's efforts to keep the trend alive and in style. But there's substance to this latest Pro Trek entry, not just style, and that's why digital watches enjoy this miraculous second life.
We constantly receive notifications and internet connections every day. If you're going on an adventure, there's no need to get lost: GPS is on our phones, in our cars, and on our wrists. Maybe it makes us lazy.
If you're really looking to get outdoors for a weekend of solid adventure, why not channel your inner explorer and unplug with an old-school digital watch designed to work in tandem with maps and the sun? You can always store your phone and keep it in your best backpack for emergencies.