Excellent Watch - though big (huge!)

Excellent Watch.
I purchased the SPF40-2V version of this watch (it's the blue version) about a month ago. This was a replacement for my previous "Timex Expedition" watch. The timex worked well for about 2 years before malfunctioning. Both watches were purchased with the desire to carry a compass with me at all times while racing sailboats.

This Casio is a much better watch than the Timex (that's obvious). The timex compass feature could not be trusted. Only slight angles in arm position varied the reading on the compass drastically. The Casio appears to be much more accurate, not as sensitive to arm position as the Timex (accurate compass readings on any watch require a level arm/watch position). Also, the Casio will give you continuous readings for a specified period or time, while the Timex gave only one reading each time you press the button.

In addition to the compass, this watch is feature-packed. The barometer and moon phase displays are nice. This will be useful while sailing on extended trips by allowing you to view a graph of baro. pressures over the past 24-hour period... nice for predicting weather patterns.

I also like the "auto-light" feature of this watch which allows the watch to automaticlly light-up when your arm is lifted to viewing position. But I wish the light would stay on longer. The timex stayed lit for approx. 10 seconds when lit, while the Casio only lights for about 3 seconds. ..only a minor detail.

As noted in another review, the Temperature readings are not accurate if you're wearing the watch. Obviously, this watch picks up body temperature. But even the instruction manual states that the watch needs about 1/2 hour to accurately measure temperature. The temperature reading is only accurate if you're NOT wearing the watch. But I find this only a minor issue.

I looked at the "titanium" version of this watch, but decided to go with the "plastic" version. At first, I regreted that decision thinking that the Titanium version would be more sturdy. But the "plastic" version is also very tough. I no longer regret the desicion. This is a tough-well made watch.

But make no mistake, This watch is HUGE. It's the biggest watch I've ever seen, and I can see some problems with banging this around because it's so big. When you race sailboats, there's no time to "kitty-foot" around (epinions wouldn't let me us the term "p-foot". This watch is in for some abuse with my life-style. But it appears to be rugged enough to handle it.