The new PRO TREK model, the PRW-7000, has been released in the PRO TREK series, a long-standing and highly reliable watch for mountaineering and other outdoor activities. While retaining the basic functionality of an outdoor watch, its durability to withstand harsh conditions, and the peace of mind of not having to worry about battery life, this new PRO TREK in the "Multi-Field Line" adds a newly developed compass and new functions useful for water activities. Its versatility and high level of perfection mean it could be said to have everything an outdoor user wants
I was recently kindly provided with a sample of this all-purpose outdoor watch from Casio along with a request for a review. Having admired it since my student days and now being a PRO TREK user for several years, this was a golden opportunity for me to write a review straight away (of course, I intend to be as serious as always). So, in this article, I'll share my first impressions before I've had a chance to use it thoroughly
table of contents
Appearance and fit
First of all, at first glance, compared to previous PRO TREK models, the letters and indices are less noticeable around the bezel, giving it a very clean and simple impression. The matte finish and carved-out black look are very cool. This may be a drawback for those looking for the ruggedness of a G-SHOCK, but personally I like this model, which has a more functional beauty and high-quality feel without unnecessary elements. I would have preferred if they had been more bold and used a monotone color scheme for the second hand and other indicators
The crystal is made of scratch-resistant sapphire glass, the dial features large luminous indexes, and large carbon fiber hour and minute hands. The screw-down crown on the right side is large and easy to grip, but it feels a bit stiff and not very easy to operate. This should be considered a trade-off for the watch's resistance to malfunctions and breakage
The LCD uses highly visible STN LCD, and the light uses a double LED light that illuminates both the LCD and the dial. So far, there have been no issues with visibility in the dark. Incidentally, the auto light function, which automatically turns on when the watch is tilted in a dark place, is convenient
The stainless steel back plate is very rigid, and the hairline-finished emblem gives it a luxurious feel. The carbon fiber insert band is stronger than traditional resin bands, but it has less elasticity, so it was a bit difficult to put on and take off at first, but once you get used to it and realize that it's okay to pull it hard, it's not much of a problem
As for how it feels when worn, it's not too heavy (95g) for a watch of this size, and it feels good against the skin. The body isn't too big and doesn't get caught on the wrist, so so far it feels quite natural
One thing that bothers me a little is the increasing thickness with each new model. While it may be unavoidable since recent models from other manufacturers are generally pretty thick, the 14.5mm thickness is frustrating because it gets caught on my clothes or backpack every time I take them off, and I always find myself wishing they'd go back to the slimmer model
Function/operability
High-level basic functionality, ideal for mountaineering
"PRO TREK" is an outdoor watch that utilizes sensor technology to measure various natural information such as direction, air pressure, altitude, and temperature, and the PRW-7000 is equipped with the latest sensor system, "Triple Sensor Ver. 3," which enables even higher-resolution . Furthermore, with a built-in solar panel that generates power even from fluorescent light, "Tough Solar" technology means you'll never have to worry about the battery running out a radio wave reception function that keeps accurate time , and low-temperature resistance (down to -10°C) , these highly reliable basic features make this a reliable choice for climbers seeking stability in harsh conditions.
Furthermore, the newly developed compass with automatic horizontal correction function allows for direction measurement in 1-degree increments even if the watch is not level , making it possible to measure direction without worrying about posture even outdoors, where it is difficult to keep the watch level.
Addition of functions suitable for water sports
Another major feature in terms of functionality is the addition of features convenient for water sports such as 20 ATM water resistance for use near water a Fishing Time function that tells you the best time of day to fish based , which affects fish activity. This makes the watch a truly all-around outdoor watch that's useful for a wide range of outdoor activities, from mountain climbing to fishing, kayaking, rafting, and more.
Personally, I haven't had a chance to actively use all of these functions yet, but if these functions can also be used for mountain stream fishing, I can't help but fantasize that there couldn't be a more powerful watch for a mountain stream climbing enthusiast .
Accurate and intuitive digital/analog hybrid display
The basic method of displaying information is to show the time using analog hour and minute hands, while sensor-based measurement information is reported as accurate numerical information using a digital screen and second hand
Although it doesn't have much to do with functionality, the smooth and snappy movement of the needle when switching between modes is extremely satisfying (click on the image to play)
In addition, the retrograde subdial at the bottom right displays supplementary or more complex information for each mode. It functions as a tide graph indicator, showing trends in barometric pressure, altitude difference from a reference point, the direction of a target (bearing memory), and current tide information. Equipped with a dual coil motor, it displays essential outdoor information in an emotional and intuitive manner. All of the various measurement information is displayed using a fan-shaped movement of the hands, which can be difficult to understand at first, and frankly, it takes some getting used to. While I don't use all of the functions right away, it's undeniable that trying to cram too many functions into such a small area inevitably results in a strained display
Main specifications
For more information, the official Casio website or Casio customer support .
| Model | PRW-7000 |
|---|---|
| Waterproof performance | 20 ATM water resistant |
| Environmental resistance performance | Low temperature resistant (-10°C) |
| Received radio waves | JJY (Japan): 40 kHz (Fukushima station) / 60 kHz (Kyushu station), WWVB (USA): 60 kHz, MSF (UK): 60 kHz, DCF77 (Germany): 77.5 kHz, BPC (China): 68.5 kHz |
| Radio wave reception method | Automatic reception (up to 6 times/day, up to 5 times/day for China only), manual reception |
| Compass measurement function | Measures 16 azimuths and azimuth angles (0° to 359°), continuous azimuth measurement (60 seconds), north direction pointer function, bearing memory (memorizes azimuth angle and one recorded direction), automatic horizontal correction function, magnetic declination correction function, azimuth correction function |
| Barometric pressure measurement function | Measurement range: 260hPa to 1,100hPa, pressure trend graph (measurements every 2 hours or 30 minutes), pressure difference indicator (±10hPa), pressure trend information (sound and visual alerts when significant pressure changes occur) |
| Altitude measurement function | Relative altimeter (measurement range: -700m to 10,000m), altitude memory (manual memory for up to 30 records of measurement date, time, and altitude), automatically recorded data (maximum/minimum altitude, cumulative (ascent/descent) memory), altitude trend graph, altitude difference indicator (±100m/±1,000m), measurement interval setting function (5 seconds/2 minutes, measurement every second for the first 3 minutes) |
| Temperature measurement function | Measurement range: -10℃ to 60℃, Measurement unit: 0.1℃ |
| Stopwatch | 1/100 second, 24 hour counter, split |
| World Time | Time display for 48 cities worldwide (31 time zones, daylight saving time setting function) + UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), UTC direct call function, home city swap function |
| timer | Set unit: 1 minute, Maximum set: 60 minutes, Measured in 1 second increments |
| alarm | 5 time alarms, hourly time signal |
| Tide Graph | Tide indicator |
| Moon Data | Moon phase display |
| Other Features | Sunrise and sunset times, Fishing time function, Battery indicator, Full auto calendar, 12/24 hour display switching function, Operation sound ON/OFF switching function, Double LED (Dial/Neon Illuminator, LCD/Super Illuminator, Full auto light, Afterglow function, Afterglow time switching function 1.5 seconds/3 seconds), Hand retraction function (Manual, Automatic: when measuring altitude, barometric pressure, temperature) |
| Power supply used | Tough Solar (solar charging system) |
| Continuous operating time | More than 18 months in power saving mode* * After a certain period of time has passed in a dark place, the display will turn off and the hands will stop moving to save power |
| Size | 58.7×52.3×14.5 mm |
| weight | Approximately 95g |
Summary: Who is this recommended for?
Although we have yet to reach a final conclusion, based on the specs and first impressions, we can imagine who this watch would be a perfect fit for
In reality, with so many outdoor activities now readily accessible, few people can say with confidence that they'll only be doing one type of activity for the next 10 years. What I and other crossover outdoor enthusiasts crave is a restaurant that serves one-star Japanese, Chinese, French, and Italian cuisine, rather than a three-star Italian restaurant. While such a place doesn't exist, the PRW-7000, which seems perfectly capable of handling any activity, regardless of the field, is a rare all-rounder . Its price of ¥82,000 plus tax is its only drawback, but as long as you're focused on the right thing, its high level of perfection—which should last you a decade or more—makes it well worth the price.
If I had to point out a downside, it would be that this gear is a legitimate evolution of a watch and measuring device, not a fitness activity tracker or activity recorder. The convenience and fun of today's so-called "smart" devices as motivators simply doesn't compare to smartwatches or fitness bands. So if you're someone who wants to bring an athletic mindset to the outdoors, this watch won't satisfy you at all, so be aware of that
By the way, it's a tough decision for me as I can't decide between them both, and I'm seriously considering wearing them on both the left and right sides for the time being... Anyway, next time, after a little while has passed, I'll be giving you a review after I've actually tried them out in the field, so please look forward to it!
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