I have had a Casio G Shock with solar and atomic time for several years.  Never has that watch gave me a problem.  Now I wanted a watch that was a little different.  Since we live in an area that has tornadoes watches and warnings, and the fun and excitement of a twister close by at least twice a year, I thought that I would get a little "bug out", survival kit ready.  So, I purchased this watch for the solar power, atomic time keeping and the digital compass.

I did not know about the "Strap" that the watch had.  I was a little disappointed at first till I noticed that the strap comes on and off with no special tools.  You simply push the strap through.  it is really neat.  These straps are called "NATO Straps".  These watchbands are for sale all over the internet and Amazon actually has some decent ones on their web site, but I wanted something a little custom some I got some let over leather strips (you need to work leather for this one) Strained the leather a dark brown, pressed a design on it, some simple stamping and sewing, and bingo, I have a very expensive watch band that did't even cost five dollars to make.

Some people complain about the black band pulling hair out of the arm, and they are correct.  After awhile you loose the hair and there is no more pulling, but the strap that comes with the watch does not do that, and the watch band lets your wrist "breath" because the band goes between your skin and the metal on the back of the watch.

The compass is OK.  I would want to shoot an azimuth with it as I did in the army, but in a pinch (which will more than likely not happen) it will work fine.  The Barometer works pretty well in predicting weather up coming.  And the temp is pretty good if the watch is off your wrist.

The tide indicator is completely worthless.  It is a 9 hour drive to get to the ocean, but the animation looks cool. Like we men really need a good reason to purchase something.

The manual that the watch comes with is rather extensive, large and written in tiny letters and different languages, so if you purchase this watch, go to Casio dot come and down load the user manual in PDF format.  Your eyes will thank you that you did.

I am very happy that I accidentally ordered a strap and not the plastic band.