Choosing the compass watch
If you’re planning on buying a compass watch, there are some things you need to think about first. As well as considering how much you want to spend and what style or color of watch you’d like to buy, you also need to think about whether you prefer an analog or digital watch, whether you want it to have any extra features, whether it needs to be water resistant or not, what kind of warranty it comes with, and more. Read on to learn about each one of these features and assess how much they matter to you when buying the best compass watch.
Analog or Digital
Watches are generally divided up into two main categories: analog and digital. Analog watches are the more traditional variants, featuring classic watch hands and no digital technology inside. Digital watches are more modern, with screens on their faces to show you the time, data, compass direction, and other features. Digital watches typically come with more features and functionality, with buttons to let you switch between different menus and settings, able to view all kinds of information whenever you like. However, many people prefer the style and aesthetics of analog watches like the stylish Citizen Men’s Promaster Altichron. There are also watches that blend elements of both analog and digital types, having analog hands but digital features too. The G-Shock Men’s GG-1000-1A5CR is an example of this.
Case dimensions and weight
The case of a watch is the part that holds all of the inner mechanisms and parts. Some people appreciate a chunkier and heavier case, while others prefer when the case is slimmer and more lightweight. A lighter case results in a watch that is less noticeable around the wrist and won’t weigh you down, while a bigger and heavier design will often be more resistant and eye-catching from an aesthetic point of view. Women or those with smaller wrists may prefer a compass watch with a relatively slim and light case like the Casio Women’s Pro Trek PRG-330-4CR.
Strap features
As well as the case, you also have to consider the strap of your watch. Again, a lot of this comes down to personal preference. Some people enjoy metal straps, as seen on the Invicta 22970, while others prefer a plastic strap, as seen on the LAD WEATHER MASTER LAD002BKGR. There are even some compass watches with canvas straps. Ideally, you want your watch strap to be strong and durable, not liable to break or get worn down over time. You also want a strap that is going to feel comfortable when wrapped around your wrist, as well as being easy to adjust to fit you just right.
Barometer/altimeter/thermometer
Some compass watches simply show the time and are able to point to the north, but others can come with additional features like a barometer, altimeter, or thermometer.
A barometer lets you know the surrounding air pressure to track weather patterns, an altimeter lets you know how high up you are, and a thermometer is used for tracking the temperature of the air around the watch.
The
EZON Hiking Outdoor Sports Watch H001 has every single one of these features, making it one of the most versatile and fully-equipped compass watches money can buy, while other watches on our list may only feature one or two, or even none of these features.
Temperature and water resistance
If you’re buying a compass watch, there’s a good chance you’re planning to use it on outdoor adventures like camping trips or forest hikes. Many people who invest in compass watches tend to be outdoor enthusiasts or frequent travelers, hoping to use the watch’s features and functionality to get around on their hikes and expeditions. So, if you’re going to spend a lot of time outdoors, temperature and water resistance may be very important factors to you.
The vast majority of watches can handle a little rain and warm days, but some will break down if submerged or lose functionality in extreme temperatures.
If you’re planning some big adventures, you might want a super tough watch, like the
Casio Men’s Pro Trek PRG-270-1, which is water resistant for up to 100m and low temperature resistant too.
Warranty
Compass watches often represent quite a big investment for the owner, so you want to be sure that your purchase is protected. Some watches will come with quite short warranties, whereas other manufacturers will offer to protect your purchase for many years to come. The longer the warranty, the better the deal, giving you more peace of mind and ensuring that even if your watch ever suffers some kind of failure or fault, you’ll be able to send it off and get it repaired, without having to pay for the privilege.
Extra features
As well as being able to tell the time and point the way north, the best compass watches can also offer a great range of additional features. The SUNROAD Men’s Smart Digital Compass Waterproof Watch, for example, comes with a nice suite of extra features including a power saving mode to make the battery last longer and a step counter, as well as telling you how many calories you’ve burned throughout the day by walking around. The Timex Men’s T2N721, meanwhile, comes with a night light, and other watches on our list all have their own unique sets of features for the wearer to enjoy. When shopping for a compass watch, be sure to take a look at the full list of features and consider how useful they’d be to you.
Price vs. Quality
Compass watches can vary in price quite a lot, from relatively cheap models up to watches costing several hundred dollars. As with most things in life, the more expensive models will often be better, offering more extra features, better water and temperature resistance, and other unique advantages too. However, you should never assume that a more expensive watch is always going to be better than a cheaper alternative. There are plenty of more affordable watches, including some options on our list like the SUNROAD Men’s Smart Digital Compass Waterproof Watch, which offer plenty of great features and functionality for a fraction of the price of certain other models. Price is an important factor to think about, and it’s vital to find a watch that meets your needs and matches up with your budget as well.
Proper use and care
If you’re buying a compass watch, you’ll need to use it properly and treat it with care if you want to get the most out of it.
When using the compass feature, for example, you’ll need to keep the watch level to avoid the tilt of your wrist or arm affecting its functionality. If you want your watch to last for years and years and always look as good as new, you’ll also need to clean it often, remembering to take it off now and then, especially if it might be at risk of getting dirty. Pay attention to the resistances of your watch and never expose it to too much water or extreme temperatures if it can’t handle it. You should also get your watch serviced by a professional on a regular basis and store it in a box when not in use to prevent any dirt, grime, or dust building up inside or on its surface.
