The importance of a watch during SHTF and/or outdoor survival

[mikefraz]

I was thinking today that I should look into a good rugged watch. This came to me as I tried to check the time from my phone that was located in my pocket while also trying to ride my bike. I then thought of other ways a watch could be useful in the case of an extended time power outage where knowing the time would be harder to do without having a watch. I'm wondering what else a watch could be used for in the outdoors/woods/wilderness. I know there's gotta be some cool tricks. Is a watch in your BOB?

 

[rhslover]

There is a way to use a watch with hands as a compass. Have never done it but have read about it.

 

[Double T]

Any watch that has a moveable crystal (think diving watch) can be used to maintain a bearing on top of other things. I almost bought one last week, but had to decide against it because we needed a new home phone system.

 

[karoozin]

Not so much my watch but my watch band has a compass built in.

 

[findingZzero]

To restore power to the breather unit, turn the wheel valve 'clockwise.'

Make it an analog watch as the concept of clockwise/counterclockwise is lost on the digital generation.

 

[danielocean03]

I've got a Suunto Core all black military, I've worn it for about a year now. Great watch loaded with features/functions.

 

[Shay]

My Casio Triple Sensor Solar has plenty of useful outdoor functions built in.

 

[danielocean03]

My Casio Triple Sensor Solar has plenty of useful outdoor functions built in.

Phsstt.....cough...gear whore!...cough.

 

[Cpt Caveman]

I thought you were talking about how important it is to keep a person on watch.

 

[Tydeeh22]

i keep my 45 pound sundial handy.

on the bright side, yes there is a watch in the bag. an old one, but it still tells time. i have a compass, thermometer, so no need for it to be in the wrist device.

 

[shibumiseeker]

We are starting to require all of our students in SAR to have a watch. It didn't used to be an issue. A few weeks ago I took an informal look of folks in a crowd and only about one in twenty was wearing a watch now.

 

[Dybber]

You can use a watch (with hands) for a compass. Google it and the instructions are not too complicated. Seems like it would be easier to get a watch and with the compass built into it, or carry a small compass with you. I haven't seen any other cool tricks for a watch.

 

[actaeon277]

Yup, those cell phones are great for telling time..,.....
As long as you can charge them every day!!!!

And the compass thing also.

 

[XDLover]

learning the sun is the best, but then again come winter and the days when the sun isn't out that is tough now isn't it.

 

[dtkw]

My watch has a solar face to charge it with the sunlight when out door. I have never change the battery since I bought it years ago.

 

[spencer rifle]

I don't worry about batteries or charging. Mine are all mechanical pocket watches, where they avoid damage from weather and arm impacts, don't get snagged during vehicle repair operations, and keep time within about 30 seconds a week. I just remember to wind them every morning and there is no problem. Waterproofing is their weakness. But they were the supercomputer of their day back 100 years ago. All the finest materials, built to last and be very accurate.

 

[chubbs]

Casio g shock watchs are great. Buy the real deal, I've seen a lot of fakes. Mine has lasted 9 years and running hard still

 

[poptab]

I was looking at a watch for my pack. I was thinking something like this:

Amazon.com: Pyle Sports Weather Master VII with Weather Forecast, Altimeter, Barometer, Digital Compass, Thermometer: Sports & Outdoors

has a barometer altimeter and compass.

 

[Reno316]

I was looking at a watch for my pack. I was thinking something like this:

Amazon.com: Pyle Sports Weather Master VII with Weather Forecast, Altimeter, Barometer, Digital Compass, Thermometer: Sports & Outdoors

has a barometer altimeter and compass.

My view? You're asking too much of one tool.

I spent the past decade or so in Colorado. Climbing, hiking, packing, and generally getting lost in the hills every chance I could.

In all that time, I never had a multi-function device like a "barometer/compass/watch/etc" device. To me, it's an "All eggs, one basket" thing.

I'll take a magnetic compass and an old-school wrist watch with hands over the digital compass/GPS/watch/barometer thing.

 

[bwframe]

My Casio Triple Sensor Solar has plenty of useful outdoor functions built in.