Casio has presented three more versions of their popular G-Shock Pathfinder range. Among enthusiasts, the Pathfinder is known for its rugged durability with functionality specifically designed for those spending their holidays not on a salty beach, but in forests and mountains. Available soon as refs. PAG240-1, PAG240B-2, and PAG240T-7, the three gadgets offer the same approach to an exterior design that is inspired by their highly successful G-Shock line but are targeted at persons leading an even more active lifestyle.
Initially introduced 27 years ago as a pretty much affordable extra-rugged, function-packed digital watch for extreme sports enthusiasts, the Casio G-Shock collection has soon transformed into a living legend and eventually became a brand of its own.
As the brand’s popularity grew, the legend was getting bigger, there were introduced numerous, more specified sub-brands, like the G-Shock Frogman, and the range was getting more and more expensive, turning from a sophisticated and reliable tool into a sophisticated and reliable fashion accessory. Just like SUVs…
However, while the traditional mud-pluggers of the 1980s have successfully transformed into feature-packed car-based crossover SUVs with questionable off-road capabilities (how about the new 2011 Nissan Patrol with the original body-on-frame architecture sacrificed for the sake of luxury and better handling on paved roads?) the G-Shock line is still one of the best (if not the only) choices for those enjoying hiking, biking, kayaking… you name it.
Although I am not the greatest fan of this sort of watch and am not particularly fond of hunting (I resent the concept of killing for the fun of it) or hiking (there is only one mountain here and it rises just 345 meters above the sea level,) I do have a G-Shock of my own, since it is the only watch I would dare to wear in a gym, where it is so easy to ruin a “normal” mechanical timepiece with a piece of heavy hardware.
There are already literally hundreds (if not thousands) of different sorts of G-Shocks present on the market. To make matters even worse, the new PAG240-1, PAG240B-2 and PAG240T-7 models were presented last week in New York, NY.
The new collection features Casio‘s “duplex” LCD display and the iconic triple sensor technology. The set of sensors allows this tiny wrist computer to monitor and measure changes in air pressure, elevation (between -2,300 feet and 32,800 feet), temperature, and the Earth’s magnetic field, the Pathfinder once again reasserts itself as an ultimate instrument for those who often find themselves deep in the taiga or on a peak of a high mountain.
Just as always, the list of features goes on forever and makes a car manual look like minutes from a meeting of the Deaf Society.
According to Casio’s press release, the Pathfinder is now available with a digital compass that is combined with the aforementioned duplex LCD. Its directional pointers seem to float over the main display and the rotating bezel with high-contrast “N” “E” “S” and “W” markings on it not only protects the glass from almost all kinds of abuse but also serves to align the compass with a map.
And it can count time, too! This tiny little gadget lets you set up to four daily alarms, displays world time in 48 cities, features a 1/100 second stopwatch, a countdown timer, hourly time notification, 12/24 hour formats, and even a snooze alarm.
All three models boast the same functionality but feature different finishes from quality resin and titan to high-grade leather and even cloth. Of course, the watches are not equipped with sapphire crystals, which, while scratch-resistant, are extremely fragile, but sport hardened mineral glass. The numerous push-pieces are also protected from accidental operation.
Offered within a price range of $250-$300, the new Pathfinder is in the range of the best “extremophile” gadgets on the market.
See also: Timex Expedition WS4
WWR Verdict
Originality 4/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Overall Legibility: 4/5
Nighttime Legibility: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Photos: Casio
Casio Pathfinder PAG240-1, PAG240B-2, and PAG240T-7 specification
Price range: $250-$300 (Retail)
Movement: Electronic, Tough Solar Power, Module 3246, Made in Japan
Functions: Date, day, chronograph, four daily alarms, world time (48 cities), 1/100 second stopwatch, countdown timer, hourly time notification, 12/24 hour formats, snooze alarm
Power reserve: Battery life is greatly enhanced with a tiny photovoltaic panel
Case: Plastic
Dimensions: 57.30 x 51.00 mm
Case height: 15.00 mm
Lugs: 18.00 mm
Dial: LCD
Numerals: Arabic
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Black resin (PAG240-1) or Black and blue two-tone leather and cloth (PAG240B-2) or Titanium (PAG240T-7)
Crystal: Mineral
Back: Steel