Although the annual trade fair in Basel is usually associated with fine (and often impressively expensive) mechanical watches, there is always a number of lower-priced models made by Japanese watchmaking giants that, while not looking particularly dressy or refined, bring to your wrist those cutting-edge technologies that often turn a modest quartz timekeeper into a miniature computer. The new all-analog Casio ProTrek PRX-7000T is one of these few.
Powered by a new incarnation of Casio’s famous “Tough Movement” collection of highly durable quartz calibers, the new ProTrek All-Analog PRX-7000T brings to you a whole lot of useful functions, those including digital compass that lets you know where North is; barometer; altimeter that will work from -700 meters to as high as 10 kilometers; thermometer, which is accurate to 0.1°C; and even a daily alarm!
Well, in fact, there is plenty of electronic watches in this price segment that can do just that and more, however, this particular model PRX-7000T shows all this information using an old-school analog interface: all sensor values are indicated solely by use of hours, minutes and seconds hands!
Perhaps, except for the date, which is displayed using a good old calendar wheel, which is visible through a small window at 3 o’clock.
All these functions are intuitively operated using Casio’s proprietary Smart Access system that includes a number of push-pieces on both sides of the body, as well as an electronic crown switch that allows you to toggle between functions by simply pulling or turning the rubberized part.
The whole assembly is protected from water, air, and dust inside a massive steel body treated with a thin, but durable titanium carbide coating. The treatment makes the watch as resistant to scratches as it was crafted from pure ceramic (I am not sure about dents, though.)
By the way, the bracelet is treated with the same ceramic coating, while the bezel uses the Japanese traditional Zaratsu polishing (although it’s probably done using CNC machines, not by a skillful hand of a master.)
Of course, Casio ProTrek watches never used to be particularly compact and this model is no exception. The body measures 57.00 x 50.10 millimeters and is almost 14 millimeters thick: pretty impressive for a timekeeper that is powered by a quartz movement.
Although the main elements of the dial are covered with an unspecified luminous substance, there is also a “high-brightness” white LED element that illuminates the face of the watch it is especially easy to read the values of numerous indicators.
The Casio ProTrek All-Analog PRX-7000T will soon go on sale in Europe and other international markets. The price is yet to be announced, but I do expect something close to the $1000 mark.
See also: Casio Sea Pathfinder in Titanium SPF-60D-7AVER Hands-On Review
Photos: Casio
Casio ProTrek PRX-7000T specification
Price: $1000 (MSRP)
Movement: Casio Tough Movement, Module 5241, solar-powered, radio-controlled, Made in Japan
Functions: Hours, minutes, date, compass, barometer, thermometer, altimeter, daily alarm, stopwatch, LED illumination, Multi-Band 6 technology
Power reserve: Years
Case: Stainless steel, coated with titanium carbide
Bezel: Steel, Zaratsu polishing
Crown material: Rubber
Shape: Round
Dimensions: 57.00 mm x 50.10 mm
Case height: 13.95 mm
Lug width: 22 mm
Dial: Black
Numerals: Arabic
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Bracelet treated with scratch-resistant titanium carbide coating
Crystal: Sapphire
Back: Engraved