Review of the Rogue Warrior Avenger Chronograph

 

    

 In the past few years, there has been a noticeable trend for watches to be ultra-rugged, apparently designed for tougher, more demanding people. Watches have always been made to certain rigorous standars -- thus Sir Edmund Hillary was able to wear a Rolex explorer to the top of Mount Everest. Today we look at a different breed of tough watches from a company whose leadership is firmly rooted at "the edge".
Rogue Warrior Watches is the wrist-borne brain child of one Richard Marckino who has an extensive history in the American military and special ops. Marcinko is the "Rogue Warrior" and has extended this brand into video games, books, knives, and now his own watch company. Rogue Warrior Watches make three models available with your choice of finish and strap. Today, we will be taking a look at their quartz chronograph: the Avenger Silver.

• Stainless steel case.
• 45mm wide and 18mm thick.
• Japanese quartz chronograph.
• Screwdown pushers.
• 4mm sapphire crystal.
• KRYPTOLITE luminous makers and hands.
• Krypton gas filled case.
• Shock-resistant case.
• Digital camo style leather strap.               

The Avenger is powered by a Japanese Quartz movement which handles timekeeping and chronograph duties. While the Avenger is not labelled with any water resistance, all Rogue Warrior watches that feature double gaskets on the crowns and pushers have been tested to 20ATM (660ft or 200m).
The Avenger is a large but very legible chronograph. It sits well on the wrist and the matte black dial is stealthy enough to keep this large watch from feeling flashy. Being a quartz movement, timekeeping is accurate. The chronograph is standard fare: the pushers unscrew to allow for stop and split on the top pusher, and reset on the lower pusher. In the couple of weeks I wore the watch, the chronograph worked without issue and the dial tones and layout make for easy reading.
The level of finish on the crown and pushers is good. The buttons click when pressed and the screw-down sleeve fits flush against the top of the pusher when unscrewed. While this seems incidental, finish and attention to detail can easily set a watch ahead of its competition.
  
The hands on the Avenger are excellent; the hour hand is a shorter style with an arrow head tip which makes telling time at a glace much easier. The case is wide, almost cushion style with large pronounced lugs. It sits comfortably and while it is heavy it also feels very solid, almost like a single piece. The bezel is internal in a reflector style and shows a traditional diver countdown timer.
The watch came fitted to a digital camo style leather strap and included a tactical wrist cover for the watch. The tac-cover is included in case you are running a black-op and the reflection from the crystal could blow your cover (literally).
The case is filled with Krypton gas to minimize the effects of rapid temperature change during anything from swimming in hot climates to parachuting into humid ones. Rogue Warrior claims the gas should prevent condensation from forming inside the case which can lead to rust in the movement and a cloudy crystal.
The watch uses a luminous system called Kryptolite which seems to act much like high quality Superluminova, and Rogue Warrior claims it will not degrade over time. Unfortunately, I do not have years for the review in order to verify this, although I can say that it is very bright and visually equal to Superluminova; it also seems to charge faster, but not last quite as long. As is always the case in the world of watches, it's a tradeoff.
The main calling card for the avenger is its tough demeanor, but does it live up? After receiving the watch I promptly moved it from the included strap as I'm not much for camo. I fitted a nice aged leather strap with some spring bars I had floating around in a parts bin. Later that week, one of those cheap springbars snapped and the watch was flung from my wrist face down onto a tile floor. I expected the watch to be destroyed as it was literally whipped from my wrist while I was swinging my arm. Surprisingly, the only problem was a small piece of luminous paint had dislodged from the center of the second hand and apparently turned to dust (there are some small specs on the dial). This could have been far worse. Not a mark on the crystal or case, and all the hands and functions were still intact. Additionally, it has kept time without issue since the fall. Impressive.
The Rogue Warrior Avenger comes in stainless (silver) or PVD (black) finishes and can be fitted with a bracelet, velcro, rubber, or leather strap with a starting prices of $400 US. That seems expensive given that any number of Citizen and Seiko watches have the same practical features (timekeeping and chronograph). What sets the Avenger apart is its underlying technologies, the krypton gas filled case, bright and enduring luminous paint, and the shock absorbing system that kept it alive despite this reviewer's cheap spring bars.
The Avenger is very nice to look at, easy to read, tough, and shines as an alternative to more expensive military and paramilitary style watches. We would like to thank Rogue Warrior watches for the review sample.

             Casio GA100A-7A

If you like your watches big, bold, and durable, then the new GA100 line of G-Shocks will make your day. Available in white, yellow, and black, you get the "basic" G-Shock feature set in a new, larger case for a list price of only $99:

• Water resistant to 200m (660ft).
• Resin case, mineral crystal.
• Anti-magnetic case structure.
• Servo controlled hour and minute hands with 4-LCD digital displays.
• 1/1000th of a second stopwatch with unique "Speed" dial (tachometer).
• 48 city world time, stopwatch, countdown timer, five alarms.
• Casio module 5081 (PDF) with a 2 year battery life.
• LED dial illumination, automatic or manual with adjustable time duration.
• 51mm across by 17mm thick, 65g, 22mm strap. (A bit larger than most G-Shocks, but quite light in weight.)

Casio has been introducing bolder colors of late, and the X-Large series (as the GA100s are known) continues the trend. Look at the closeup here and notice that the hands and markers are actually purple! It's not something that jumps out on the wrist, but you can see it up close. The white of the case and dial is bright and polished, yielding stormtrooper jokes from my friends. This is not a watch that goes unnoticed! The white does, however, look great on a tanned arm and is a very inexpensive way to make a statement.
At $99, the GA-100 line is less expensive than many G-Shocks, and I'd be hard pressed to find any others for that price that included the more complex analog-digital functionality. Obviously missing are solar power and atomic timekeeping (radio setting), though for the price, I'm still impressed.
Case construction is that of most G-Shocks: resin case, screwed stainless steel caseback, inset crosshatched buttons, integral raised bezel. The strap is an integrated, dual-tang thorn buckle, and is quite comfortable.
One new feature on the GA-100s is the "speed" dial at 12 o'clock. You set a distance, then use the stopwatch to measure times. Once you've done so, the dial indicates speed. Basically a tachometer, though digital and on a subdial instead of the bezel as normally seen. Might be useful for racing fans, coaches and the like.

Also of note is the fact that the stopwatch is unusual, measuring the ludicrously precise 1/1000th of a second up to 100 hours. Given human reflexes, I'm dubious as to how much of that precision is useful, but it's certainly quite cool and not commonly seen.
On the wrist, the GA-100 is very comfortable. The light weight is spread across a larger area, reducing the already-light weight. The hands are easy to read at a glance, though the LCD panels are a bit more reflective than I'd like and take a bit more effort to read.
Two overall comments: First, it's a G-Shock, meaning that functionally, it's impeccable. Bulletproof, inexpensive, functional, and reliable. Secondly, the size and bold colors will either appeal to your, or they won't, so make your decision based on whether you like it or not.

        The New Rolex Explorer

Rolex's second announcement this year at BaselWorld 2010 was a redesigned Explorer. I've always loved the Explorer for its unparalleled simplicity and stark elegance, but at only 36 millimeters, it was a tad bit diminutive by today's standards. Not anymore. The size of the new Explorer is much more in line with modern expectations.
Below is a list of everything that's new in the new Rolex Explorer:

• 39 millimeters rather than 36. That's only one millimeter smaller than their other tool watches (like the new Rolex Submariner Date).
• The movement now uses the new Parachrom Blue hairspring which we discussed previously in the context of the Rolex Milgauss.
• The now-standard signed chapter ring   not my favorite new feature, but believe me, I wouldn't let it stop me from wearing one.
• Slightly redesigned dial: the word "EXPLORER" has been moved from the top where it used to be down to the bottom.

Features that haven't changed:

• COCS certified.
• Solid steel case and bracelet.
• Sapphire crystal.
• Screwdown crown.
• Water-resistant to 100 meters or 330 feet.
• No date (part of what it makes it so simple and beautiful).

Not sure yet on pricing or availability. I'll update when I know more.

New Casio Pathfinder PAG-110C-3

Announced today is the new Casio Pathfinder, model PAG-110C-3. Emphasis on this one is "Go Green," showcasing the environmentally friendly features of solar power, recycled packaging, and of course the vivid green color, introduced in conjunction with Earth Day.
Feature set is typical Pathfinder:

• Compass.
• Barometer/altimeter.
• Thermometer.
• Five alarms, stopwatch, 30-city world time.
• Water resistant to 100m (330ft).
• Tough solar power.
• Low temperature resistant.

List price is $250

Casio Pathfinder PAW-5000-1

 

As big Pathfinder fans here at WatchReport, we're happy to report that the new PAW-5000-1 will ship this April for $450. Departing somewhat from the dominant style of "mostly digital face", the new model sports a reduced-size digital screen and more dive-watch-style face. Somehow, it works for us. Casio PR has promised to try and get us a review unit, so keep an eye out for a full review. Here's a list of specifications to pique your interest in the meantime:

• Tough solar power.
• Six-band radio set timekeeping.
• Water resistant to 100m (330ft).
• Plastic case, urethane band.
• Triple sensor (temperature, altimeter/barometer, compass).
• Resistant to low temperatures.
• New tough movement, as seen in the GS-1200 and the MTG-1500, where it can check and correct the position of the hands. A very cool piece of engineering.
• The second hand doubles as a compass needle. Clever, huh?

Casio Lady-G LWA-M140-7ACF

  A review today of a women's watch from Casio's Baby-G series that does it all. The LWA-M140-7ACF is quite the powerhouse, packed into a casually-styled look that belies its inner geek:

• Tough solar power (the dial is a solar panel).
• 5-band atomic timekeeping (US, UK, Japan, Germany).
• Water resistant (depth not specified).
• Mineral crystal.
• 34.6mm by 11.5mm, 25g.
• LED backlight.
• World time: 29 time zones, 48 cities.
• Alarm.
• 60 minute countdown timer.
• 1 hour stopwatch.
• 12 month power reserve with low-power modes and low-battery warning.
• Casio module 4739 (PDF of manual).

The watch is cased and banded in matte-finished white plastic with a stainless steel cover for the watch and buttons, and another steel plate for the caseback. The steel is brushed finish, with a polished bezel and edges. Quite nice, and should increase the durability of the watch quite a bit.
Seen here is the LED illumination, provided by an orange-yellow diode at six o'clock. Works well for the hands, and you can read the LCD, too.
The dial is the thing I like most about this Casio. It's a subtle speckled grey, with sunburst finish in the center section and applied markers. The minutes are indicated on the chapter ring, and the dial text is minimal for a clean, elegant look. If you look closely, there's also a bit of burnt-orange paint in the center of each marker -- almost invisible. Also note how the markers on the bezel compliment the hour markers; this is the sort of in-depth beauty you don't expect to find on an inexpensive sport watch. Very well done.

I can easily imagine this being an excellent watch for an active woman, as long as she doensn't require an ultra-formal dress look. In almost any other setting, this watch excels, and with the solar power and radio-set, it defines zero-maintenance. I like how the primarily analog look of the dial understates all of the functions packed into the LCD: timer, alarm, world time, stopwatch.
About the only possible nit is that the LCD is quite small for using while in motion. It's hard to read on the run, so it's not optimal for a race if you need to see your lap splits at a glance. Not a big deal, though. If you're a serious runner, chances are you own a dedicated running watch.
Interestingly, this appears to use standard springbars and strap, so you could change the strap for something else. That's unusual for Gs, which normally have a custom strap on them. This change is a plus in my mind.
Overall, I think this would make a great gift for the active woman/girl who just wants a no-fuss watch that works for any situation. It's great to see Casio managing to fit atomic timekeeping and solar power into the smaller cases.
List price on the LWA-M140-7ACF appears to be $160, which is a reasonable premium for the addition of solar power and atomic synchronization.

Rolex Submariner 50th Anniversary Edition

I can't tell you how many reviews of the Rolex Submariner can be found today on the internet. Indeed, there are dozens. So how does one write yet another review of such a classic and iconic watch? It's unlikely that I can provide any new information that can't already be found elsewhere online, but there is one thing I can relate that you won't find anywhere else: my personal experience with buying and owning a Rolex.
I'm an electrical engineer by trade. Because of my training, I've always been fascinated by Rolex watches. They represent an incredibly high standard in mechanical precision and accuracy. Many consider Rolex products to be among the finest in the world. Admittedly, just about any good quartz watch is going to be more accurate, but the same can be said for any mechanical watch. And the appeal of a fine watch isn't about accuracy, of course, but rather the combination of elegance, style, and engineering achievement. To some, a Rolex is merely a status symbol, but in my world, it represents all of the professional values to which I aspire: accuracy, precision, craftsmanship, and excellence.
For many years, I'd been planning this purchase. I wanted to buy a Submariner, but initially couldn't decide whether to buy one with the standard black bezel, or the Anniversary edition with the green bezel. I ultimately went with the green knowing that Submariner bezels are available in other colors color, so I later swapped the green bezel out for a black one.

• 40 millimeter stainless steel case.
• Screwdown "triplock" crown for some of the best water-resistance in the industry.
• Stainless steel Oyster bracelet with solid end links and safety clasp.
• Guaranteed water resistant to 300 meters, or 1,000 feet.
• Rolex in-house 3135 automatic movement: 28,800 bph, hand-winding, and hacking.
• Unidirectional ratcheting bezel: 120 positions, green anodized aluminum, luminous "pearl".
• Deep black bezel with luminous markers and hands.
• Iconic date "cyclops".
• Scratch-proof synthetic sapphire crystal.

The Rolex Submariner is one of the most recognizable and sought-after watches in the world. Of course, iconic status is not without consequences. Due to the unfortunate proliferation of forgeries, Rolex watches are now manufactured with additional markings intended to discourage unauthorized copies and help identify an authentic product (more on this below). The new markings include laser-etched logos on the crystal and serial numbers on the case. The serial number etched between the lugs of my Submariner indicates that it was manufactured in late 2008.

The New Timex Lap Brights Collection

 Timex announced a new collection of Ironman watches called "Lap Brights." Similar to the profusion of competitor G-Shocks, the Lap Brights have a competitive list of features:

• 30-lap memory.
• 100-hour stopwatch.
• Countdown timer.
• Alarm.
• Dual time zones.
• 200m (660ft) water resistant.
• Available in white (shown), yellow, violet, pink, blue, and green.

Available in April 2010, with a list price of 50UKP, or $80. It's good to see Timex competing more with Casio; we should all benefit in the end, and I quite like the look of these.

OCEAN7 G-2S Dive Chronograph

 A couple of years ago, we reviewed the OCEAN7 G-2 Chronograph, and today we bring you the re-tuned follow-up: the G-2S. The G-2S is largely similar, but brings a few nice updates and changes over the original G-2 including a changed dial style and subdial layout, revised pushers, PVD finishes, and an HeV (helium escape valve) to aid in increasing the water resistance to 1000m (the original G-2 is 200m). As we covered in our last review, the G-2 series of dive chronographs are heavy duty tool dive watches with usable features and a unique design. Let's look at the features:

• Brushed Steel case.
• Sapphire Crystal with internal AR coating.
• 41mm wide.
• 17mm high.
• Water resistant to 1,000m or 3,300ft (hence the HeV and screw-down pushers).
• 24mm lugs.
• Quartz Chronograph.
• Matching bracelet with deployment clasp.
• Helium escape valve.
• PVD finish.
• Black painted dial with a wider diameter.
• Screw down chronograph pushers.

 The G-2S shows that little changes can have a big impact; the distinctive carbon fibre dial of the original model has been swapped for a matte black dial with the OCEAN7 logo moved to the 3 o'clock position. Running seconds are now shown at 6 o'clock and elapsed minutes and hours at 12 and 9, respectively. The new dial is slightly larger, cleaner, and feels altogether more focused than the somewhat busy carbon fibre dial. The original G-2 had a butterfly clasp that was nice but felt out of place on a tool diver; that clasp has been swapped for a standard deployment fold-over clasp. The lugs are 24mm wide so the G-2S (and the G-2) can be easily fitted to a bevy of strap options. I fitted the G-2S to the rubber strap that normally stays on my LM-2 and was very happy to find it comfortable and considerably lighter than the bracelet (if you get an OCEAN7 watch, I highly recommend that you pick up the rubber strap as an accessory). The size and weight of the G-2S is unchanged, and the watch is still very large and noticeable with its 17mm height.
 The case has changed slightly as a helium escape valve has been integrated at 10 o'clock and the chronograph pushers have been changed from paddle style pushers to more traditional screw down pushers. The inclusion of an HeV shows that OCEAN7 is positioning the G-2S as a serious full featured tool dive watch. The screw down pushers and HeV allow the watch to boast an impressive 1000m (3300ft) water resistance. I think the new pushers look great; while the screw down style adds a little complexity to the use of the chronograph, they also improve water resistance.
Perhaps the most noticeable change over the G-2 is the availability of a PVD finish. It comes in two variations: only the controls (blacked out bezel, crowns and pushers), or all over PVD. We opted for the all over PVD on the review model because the physical size of this watch could use some stealthy styling. The PVD is thick and carries a medium matte finish; the watch and bracelet look amazing completely blacked out, and both match the finish of the dial perfectly.

The OCEAN7 G-2S is evolutionary rather than revolutionary as it is a slightly more conservative and mature re-working of an already great watch. Boutique quartz dive chronographs are hard to come by, especially as tough and well made as the OCEAN7 G-2 series. The G-2S is sold exclusively through OCEAN7 and retails for between $399-$475 depending on your choice of PVD options. At this price point, the G-2, and the G-2S are very attractive choices for buyers looking for a unique, well-built dive chronograph that looks great, and is backed by a reliable company. The G Series family of watches is almost without peers in its price range as any comparisons would come from much more expensive watches.
We would like to thank Mitch at OCEAN7 for loaning us a review sample of the G-2S Chronograph.