The local SO here switched from S&W to Glock a few years ago. I asked why he didnt go with HK since that is what he carries as a back up. He told me he tried to get HK but they had a real attitude if you were not looking to purchase for military use. I have heard that from another Sheriff here so not sure if its an HK issue or just the regional salesperson here.

Getting this thread back on target, thanks for all the great info about timepieces.

I bought my first new watch in nearly 2 decades today. I picked up a Casio Pathfinder Solar Triple Sensor with a barometer, altimeter, compass and thermometer.

why ever would we want to do that? :D
no GPS, cell phone, or wireless internet? you wuz ripped off... ;)

Go with the Panerai.......I sold my Rolex when I retired, and replaced my Omega with the Panerai recently. Of course I still use my Suunto Observer for field work (I'm not stupid, the frickin Panerai cost more than my car).
DDD

Don't know if you will read this, but if you do I would recommend the Oakley Dartboards, I don't know if you have seen them yet, but they are my top choice, Own a pair right now and I put them through hell I use it for everything, daily use, ATV riding, went sailing with them and dropped them numerous times and there still in great shape. Its just a suggestion because many people haven't even heard of the dartboards.
Chris

Thanks Chris, but I ended up going with the Valve: http://akamai.backcountrystore.com.e.../OAKVASGRY.jpg

Similar to Hatchets (Not as nice), but for about $150 less.

Just got a Casio Pathfinder watch & I have a question about the Temperature Gauge.

Should I calibrate the temperature with the watch on my wrist? There seems to be a 10-12 Degree increase when I'm wearing the watch. I'm pretty certain that when I am more active (i.e., rucking, running) then that will increase the temperature even more. Or should I just deduct the 10-12 degree temperature difference (when I'm wearing the watch) to determine actual air temperature?

The instruction manual that came with mine says to take the temperature with the watch OFF your body - after allowing 20-30 minutes for the watch to stabilize with the ambient temperature. That makes it a lot less useful than the other sensors. My solution is a Kestrel 4000 at the range and a Zipper pull thermometer in the woods. Though personally I find it's usually better not to know how miserable you really are. :D FWIW - Peregrino

Sounds like a useless gimmick - a watch with a thermometer that only works if you don't wear the watch. Give the damn thing to your team medic and tell him to use it as a rectal thermometer.

The best watch I have ever had for field use was a $15 cheapo from K-mart. I've had it for years and still use it.

Marathon
 

Anyone ever use the Tridium watches? I personally think this is the best option on a watch. Sounds lazy..but I don't like to hit a button to see the time. I have the current US Marathon watch w/ tridium and scratch resistant bezel. I replaced the rubber wrist bands with the zulu nylon watch band. So far so good. The only thing I don't like about the tridium is the glow on certain missions. I like to be concealed as much as possible and the "glow" sometimes makes me paranoid. I am sure most of ya'll have had that feeling of being exposed. Other than that everything is fine. Later. www. marathonwatches.com

That's why you never explain TDY money to Osama Bin Mama....

That is why I quit wearing radioluminescent watches. Along with the fact that they lose their charge over time. If you cover the watch face to stop the glow, you are back to needing two hands to see what time it is.

My Casio has a feature where it will illuminate if I tilt my wrist in a certain angle. I can also turn that feature off if I do not want to be calling attention to myself.

TR

I'm kind of a watch junkie.
All through my SF time, I had a 1981 Seiko Diver - weighed about 3/4 lb and is indestructible, still have it, still keeps perfect time.
My TAG KV6500 is the watch, but I've spent less on a couple of cars.
I have a Citizen Eco Drive - nice watch, no batteries, keeps excellent time.
Suunto Regatta - too many bells and whistles for normal use, but great for sailing and working in the mountains.
In the Q course, my Seiko battery ran down, and I couldn't get it replaced expeditiously - so I was killing Casio G-Shocks every 2 weeks (could even get them at the Camp McK rolling PX) I did have one last a whole month.
Citizen Aviator - ok watrch, not what I expected.
A good, no nonsense, light durable, fairly inexpensive field watch is the Wenger Swiss Army Field Watch - love mine, need to replace thew battery.

There's my .14 on watches. Next week - pens.....

Thanks guys for the help! Now it is time for the decision making!:)

Love My Tag Heuer Professional. Great watch. If you have a decent budget take a look at the Tag Aquagraph