Sports watches are timepieces that are designed to deliver performance. At the very least, they are supposed to look like they can take weather extremes, water depth, and other challenges nature throws their way in stride. Of course, there are many ways to deliver on these rather broad design parameters. Many makers like Tag go the luxury route and pack a lot of performance in a stainless steel package that evokes adventure, triumph over danger, and control over any situation that comes your way. Others just use a chronometer design and include design factors that hint of adventure, danger, and technology. In other words, a lot of the timepieces in the sports watch category of watches are basically playing out the stainless steel watch version of ‘fake it until you make it.’ Indeed, many are able to get away with being perceived as solid and even sincere examples of sports watches because of their long-existing and ‘established’ brands. Thankfully, Casio doesn’t have to play the sports watch design game that way.
Table of Contents
Overview & Personal Opinion
Casio initially made a name for itself as part of the wave of Japanese manufacturers that imploded and cratered the pricing of calculators and watches several decades ago. Casio knows how to produce high performance, precision equipment and offer such products at prices that are, shall we say, ‘accessible’ for most Americans. That’s the Casio way. Sadly, some people who are too attached to the elitist attitude and rather snobbish positioning of timepieces before the Japanese were too quick to dismiss Casio. Well, they lost big. In the years since, Casio has shown that it can pack lots of solid technology and innovation in a small timepiece and offer such a high quality product at bargain prices. Over the years, Casio has gained the grudging admiration of its former critics. A lot of the same focus on value at reasonable pricing informs the Casio Men’s PRW-3000-1ACR Protrek. You get a solid timepiece packed with solar technology, temperature resistance, a barometer, and other goodies in one tight good-looking case that makes it clear, in no uncertain terms, that its ready for whatever adventure you have in store for it. Considering the amount of technical goodies packed into this watch, it is a minor miracle that Casio is able to offer this timepiece at the price point it ships for. But then again, this is Casio we’re talking about. This is the same miniaturization master that has made high-powered, multi-function timepieces not just a possibility but an affordable reality for watch fans the world over.
PRW-3000-1ACR Style: Sports watch
Not only does the Casio Men’s PRW-3000-1ACR Protrek tap into the power of the sun to power some of its operation, it is designed to see you through a lot of different adventure scenarios: barometer, altimeter, sunrise/sunset information, and, of course, backlighting, among a long list of sporty features. This watch is like a multipurpose tool that packs lots of resources which help you navigate and tackle all sorts of situations.
Protrek Movement Type: Japanese quartz
Considering the amount of features this watch has, many watch fans (even if they aren’t necessarily Casio fans) would freak out at the price this watch comes in at. Many wouldn’t believe how affordable it is. Part of the reason Casio is able to deliver such solid value at a very ‘accessible’ price is the Japanese quartz movement of this timepiece. You get Japanese precision and quality at a very affordable price.
Special Features: Barometer, Altimeter, Water resistance, and many others
As mentioned above, this watch has a lot of adventure-related time and environment-sensing features. You get the distinct feeling, after reading through its list of features, that you can tackle any situation.
Casio isn’t gun-shy when it comes to packing lots of value into its timepieces. Considering the amount of gadget features it packed into the Casio Men’s PRW-3000-1ACR, it looks like Casio hit the ball out the sports watch park once again.
