We pitted two titans of the timepiece market in a head-to-head battle royale to see simply how a lot abuse these sub-$35 tickers can take.
The Timex T497139J Camper ($33) and Casio FT500WC-3BV Forester ($25) aren’t fairly watches. Their plastic circumstances, Velcro straps, and easy layouts don’t precisely scream “rugged” or “all-terrain endurance” like a Victorinox or G-Shock.
And but, each of those timepieces have one thing of a cult following. The Forester, which I’ve seen worn unironically by each outside fanatics and building employees alike, is taken into account to be one thing of a sleeper amongst connoisseurs of ugly wrist sweet.
This, alongside my ardour for beating the snot out of funds gear, bought me pondering: Simply how a lot abuse may these two hiking-themed watches take? I endeavored to seek out out, over a number of days within the woods and trails of northern Wisconsin.
Low-cost Watch Torture Check
Specs and Options
The Casio is the bigger of the 2, with a width of 43.9 mm. However due to its comparatively small face, it reads virtually identically to the Timex’s 38mm dial. The Forester can be a bit taller, rising 12.6 mm from the wrist versus the Camper’s 10.55 mm.
Each include Velcro bands affixed to their 20mm lugs, mated to resin circumstances and mineral crystals. Water resistance is nice for 100 m throughout the board, with multiyear batteries and quartz actions.
Every watch comes with a button-activated LED mild. The Timex’s crown pulls double obligation because the activation level for its Indiglo, whereas Casio opted for a big, separate button on the 3 o’clock place.
As soon as lit, there are some refined variations in operate. The Forester’s orange LED stays on for 3 seconds earlier than fading out, whereas the Camper lights up the dial itself. Timex additionally included luminous compound on the hour and minute arms, so you will get a basic concept of the time with out urgent the button in any respect.
All advised, these watches are fairly comparable when it comes to supplies, construct, and performance. However we’re not right here for a easy comparability. Simply hours after the pair landed in my mailbox, it was time to depart for the woods.
Match
The primary day began with a 6-mile hike. I strapped a watch to every wrist and set off down the path. This was extra of a feeling-out course of, to assist me get an concept of which had the extra comfy experience.
Surprisingly, the outcomes had been roughly a wash. Each watches had been completely civil climbing companions, although the band on the Timex is certainly shorter. When you have bigger forearms, there might not be sufficient canvas to present you an sufficient match.
Verdict: Tie (Casio higher for bigger wrists)
Water-Resistance
Issues bought extra critical as soon as I made camp. The watches and I had been slathered in bug spray and sunscreen, so a rinse was undoubtedly wanted.
As soon as I’d performed somewhat pre-wash (in order to maintain these chemical compounds out of the lake), into the water we went.
This wasn’t a easy dunk, nevertheless. I swirled these watches via the waves and stepped on them with my full weight, driving them down into the sand. Sooner or later (and I didn’t notice this till later), the crown on the Timex popped into the date-set place, and all of the motion spun its wheel two weeks forward.
Usually, this poses an elevated danger of water coming into the case. However one way or the other, the Camper’s integrity held.
Verdict: Tie
Flame-Resistance
Then it was again to the tent for my favourite a part of any journey — the fireplace. And whereas some of us prefer to roast marshmallows or scorching canines over the flames, I had a barely completely different concept.
That’s proper. I let the pair dry off for round 2 minutes, to the purpose the place the steel case-backs had been noticeably scorching to the contact.
However after permitting them to chill, I used to be shocked to seek out not a single hint of soften or discoloration on the case and crystals.
Verdict: Tie
Affect
The following day, it was time for one more hike. Solely this time, the watches rode someplace aside from my wrists.
I strapped every to the underside of a trekking pole, with their glass dealing with down towards the path. The aim of this (past making me appear to be a loopy particular person) was to check the shock resistance of the motion and the sturdiness of their supplies.
And after a number of miles of rocks, mud, filth, and roots, each emerged with their justifiable share of battle scars.
However you understand what? Regardless of my greatest efforts to carry them down, the Forester and Camper had been nonetheless ticking by the point we reached the top.
Verdict: Tie
Closing Ideas
So, what did I be taught from this train? From my earlier testing with the model, I used to be pretty positive the Casio would survive. They’re the funds king for a cause, and their non-G-Shock timepieces have confirmed to be extremely dependable.
What I didn’t anticipate was for the Camper to compete with the Forester, neck and neck. The final time these two rivals squared off, the Timex possibility failed quite miserably in my wicked testing.
However the Camper, with its barely extra compact packaging and spectacular evening mild, proved to be each bit as rugged because the Casio. Its band is a bit shorter, the worth is somewhat larger, and the motion has a way more audible tick, however the clear face and traditional form have a allure all their very own.
In conclusion, both of those would make a implausible tenting watch. In case you’re searching for a fairly priced, watertight, twilight-ready timepiece with an offbeat/outside theme, each the Camper and the Forester would make a rock-solid addition to your assortment.
Verify Camper’s Worth at AmazonVerify Forester’s Worth at Amazon
