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Watch that wrist and keep on drooling. At a time when technology is touching just about every aspect of our lives, how can you not sport one of those state-of-the-art watches on your wrist? Whether you’re racing to the office or on the track, there’s no better way to stay on time than with one of these classic digital watches. More than their utility, it’s novelty that adds value to these technological masterpieces.
Take the Tissot T-Touch range, for instance. This touch screen watch has information on practically everything, from altitude to temperature to compass, and, of course, the time at the mere touch of the dial.
Simply activate the T-Touch using the button on the side and all the essential information is just a touch away. The T-Touch’s Meteo function, for instance, indicates a trend: hands superposed to the left of midday indicate bad weather, at midday means stable weather and to the right of midday means it’s good weather. The T-Touch employs a scratch-resistant, sapphire tactile crystal on the dial that initiates the touch actions.
But if you are into underwater diving, the T may not be the best in the market as its touch function does not work. In short, it’s not a watch suited for underwater sports. On a positive note, it can handle heights.
The T-Touch is available in a range of models starting at Rs18,300 and going up to Rs31,000. And while the feature set remains almost common on all the watches, the price is determined by the finish. The Titanium version, for instance, costs Rs30,500, whereas the casual-looking rubber strap retails for about Rs18,300.
If you are an adventure sports freak and need a watch that will show more than just the time and beep the occasional alarm, you may look at the Casio Pro Trek ranges seriously. Complete with a digital compass, barometer/thermometer, altimeter and the time, the Pro Trek packs in more power for adventure seekers.
The barometer, for instance, shows changes to the pressure from the previous reading. Its price ranges from Rs10,995 to Rs15,495.
Try the Suunto X3HR if you are a health freak. It boasts of a heart rate monitor, altimeter, barometer, thermometer and, of course, the watch. The heart rate monitor, in particular, is a good tool for most outdoor enthusiasts: You can set upper and lower heart rate limits on the watch. Audible and visual alarms alert if your heart rate goes beyond the preset limits.
Important information, such as training time, maximum, minimum and average heart rate, total ascent and decent, highest and lowest altitude and 10 split times with heart rate can also be stored for later viewing. Not too expensive again, it retails for about $175 (Rs7,500) and can be bought online. The Casio Data Bank watches were popular a few years ago and while it has evolved to add more features and memory, the emergence of cellphones and other personal devices has meant that the practicality and usability of watches as storage devices have fallen.
Take the WristLinx X2X 2-Way Wristwatch Communicator, for instance. It’s a two-way communicator with a range of up to one mile. It features voice activation, channel scan and lock to keep you connected. There is also a call alert function. And at about Rs5,000, it’s easy on the pocket. Of course, why you would need a watch to alert you about calls is another matter.
There are also various signature watches, such as the F1 range from Tag Heuer that is more of a style statement than a feature-rich gadget. Omega, too, has a good range of F1 watches and the range for both begins at roughly Rs33,000. The Tag Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph features “Easy Grip" screw-in crown, titanium carbide-coated unidirectional turning bezel with raised fine-brushed steel numbers, water-resistant to 200 metres, luminescent markers on hands and hour-markers, anti-scratch sapphire crystal, and double safety clasp with extension system. Quite a mouthful that, and at Rs39,000, it is for the serious fan.
Whatever your need, whatever your budget, whatever your style, there is a watch out there that’ll set you apart from the crowd. And with precision mechanics and electronics running these small wonders, you would be surprised at what they can really do.
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