Altimeter Watch Review
Altimeter Watches are extremely popular with people who enjoy the outdoors. Whether you a are a hiker, a skier, or just enjoy being outside – there is an altimeter watch to fit your needs. Altimeter watches work in one of two ways; by gps, or by barometric pressure. GPS altimeter watches are generally more accurate, but they cost more, are bulkier, and don’t work well in heavy cloud cover or deep in the woods. They also use up batteries much faster than altimeter watches that work off barometric pressure. Altimeter watches that don’t have gps have a barometric sensor. This sensor measures the air, or atmospheric pressure. The sensor then converts this air pressure into a elevation number. Changes in the weather cause a change in air temperature, which will skew your altimeter numbers slightly. Because of this, it’s best to make a habit of recalibrating your altimeter watch whenever you are at know elevations, such as a trailhead or a map reading.
We have been in the altimeter watch industry for over a decade. We have reviews below on some of our favorites. In no particular order, following are our three favorite altimeter watches that work according to barometric pressure.
Casio Pathfinder Altimeter Watch Review
Casio Pathfinder PAW-1100 Atomic Solar Watch
The Casio brand name has never really done it for us, not since the cheesy black calculator watches of the 80′s. But Casio has come a long way from that time. Hands down, for the money, this is currently the best altimeter watch in the industry. Standout features include: Solar atomic timekeeping, solar power, sunrise/sunset date, and a power saving function. It’s a shame companies like Suunto, who’s core business is altimeter watches, has to follow the lead of a brand like Casio. We have to give Casio credit, the have packed a ton of functionality into the pathfinder watch. If you are looking for the best value with the most functions, this is it. As far as style and looks, that is for you to determine. There are a staggering 24 different pathfinder watch models available. These models are broken into three main categories: Solar Atomic Triple Sensor, Solar Triple Sensor, and Triple Sensor. The Triple sensor is Casio’s term for 3 functions – Altimeter/Barometer, Compass and Thermometer. These functions will be found in every Casio Pathfinder watch. The Solar Triple Sensor is powered by solar technology. The battery is automatically charged by light, so you will never have to worry about buying or changing new batteries. The Solar Atomic Triple Sensor series has the Atomic timekeeping feature. This atomic feature will receive a time calibration signal automatically up to six times a day. In the United States, this signal is transmitted from Fort Collins. You will never have to worry about resetting, or having the exactly correct time when you have an atomic watch. Please see our Casio Watches page to see all of the Casio Altimeter watches available
Highgear Axio Max Altimeter Watch Review
HighGear Axio Max Altimeter Watch
We picked this altimeter watch based on price, and what you get for your money. Working off of barometric pressure, we give it high ratings for its size (not too big), great price, durability (it does not have a plastic face), and adjustable declination for orienteering. For less than $200, you get an altimeter, thermometer, and compass. Following are some of other features of the Axio Max:
- 2 Daily Alarms, and 2 Altitude Alarms
- Durable steel case and mineral glass crystal
- Water Resistant to 165 feet
- dual time zone and 12/24 hour time display
Please see our Highgear altimeter watches page to see all of the Highgear watches.
Suunto Observer Altimeter Watch Review
The Suunto Observer has the same technology as the slightly more popular Suunto Vector, but we chose this watch for its durability. It has a crystal glass face, and a stainless steel (or titanium) body, which is much more scratch resistant and and durable than the other Suunto plastic watches. Many complain about the band, but this is a great watch that will last for years (except for the bands). Attention to detail and accessories was never a strength for Suunto, and their user interface tends to be difficult to understand. But once you dial it in and use it a few times, it becomes easier to understand, and functions well with a data log. This is extremely beneficial for skiers, to see how many vertical feet you skied in a day or over a season. Waterproof to 100 feet, the Observer is designed for outdoor use with a rugged, shock-resistant body and backlit dial. Suunto has improved its altimeter to allow the Observer’s logbook to display and record at the same time. The altimeter allows you to view the current altitude with a range up to 29,500 feet and a resolution of 10 feet.
Suunto Observer with Stainless Steel Band
The Observer features 24 hours of logbook memory, and the improved logbook stores up to 40,000 feet of data. With the push of a button, you can measure ascent and descent rates between stages with altitude simultaneously. The barometer allows you to measure the temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit, measure absolute pressure, and follow changes in barometric pressure and temperature. The Observer’s compass shows directional bearing in degrees and cardinal or half-cardinal point. There is a north-south arrow, and a bearing tracking function displays locked bearing, actual bearing, and the difference between these declination adjustments. The compass’s bubble level ensures a reading accuracy to within 2 to 3 degrees. Watch functions include displays for day, time, and date with three programmable alarms plus a stopwatch and countdown timer. Please see the Suunto Observer page for more information or if you’re ready to get yours today.
