Casio introduced the Casio Pro Trek PRG-340 line, a collection of three new adventure watches with easy-to-read compass, barometric and altimeter charts.
The watches are equipped with Casio’s Tough Solar charging technology and 10ATM water resistance, are easy to read in sunlight, and are designed to help you navigate the desert with ancient guidance techniques rather than the GPS offered. on the best smartwatches.
Two of the three watches, the PRG-340-1 and the PRG-340-3, have black and khaki cases, backs, rotating bezels and bracelets made from Casio biomass plastic, a polymer made from renewable raw materials, castor and corn. The third model, PRG-340-7, has titanium alloy parts.
The watch’s metal straps are the parts that connect the bracelets to the case. They are typically raised slightly to better fit the contours of a wrist, but these terminals are hinged to allow the watch to lie completely flat, making it great for placing on a map and using its compass function more efficiently.
The watch also contains dual-layer LCD screens, designed for easy reading in sunlight. The bottom layer displays the time, date, barometer and altimeter measurements, while the top layer shows the compass. A rotating bezel allows you to record compass measurements and align your destination with the compass readings. Check out the announcement video below.
Analysis: What is old is new again
The Casio Pro Trek may have the solar charging capabilities of some of the best Garmin watches, but it won’t log your runs, rides, swims or sleep in the same way, nor will it offer advanced GPS navigation.
However, there is no doubt that the movement to go analogue is gaining traction in our increasingly connected world. Digital watches are making a comeback in the streetwear and fitness scenes thanks to efforts by G-SHOCK and Casio to keep the trend alive and stylish. But there’s substance to this latest Pro Trek entry, not just the style, and it represents the whole reason digital watches are enjoying this miraculous second life.
We constantly receive notifications and internet connections every day. If you’re out on an adventure, there’s no need to get lost: there’s GPS in our phones, our cars, and on our wrists. Maybe it’s making us lazy.
If you really want to go outdoors for a weekend of solid adventures, why not channel your inner explorer and unplug with an old-school digital clock designed to work in tandem with maps and the sun? You can always store your phone and keep it in your best backpack for emergencies.