I'm a nerd for gear. I like being prepared. Like a boyscout without the gay part. The chances of finding myself in a true survival situation is slim to none, but I still get a kick out of it.
Up until recently, I've been known for carrying way more gear than I need at all times. I blame Sean Kennedy (http://patrolling.rantmedia.ca/). He changed my life, but I'm not sure if it's for the better. For a while I was carrying obscene amounts of gear including, but not limited to, a knife, a lighter, a multi-tool, a flashlight, USB thumbdrives, keys, a P-38 can opener (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-38_can_opener), copious amounts of 550 paracord, carabiners, another knife on my keychain, my cellphone, my wallet, a small notepad, and a small pencil.
I got a lot of strange looks. So I decided to stream line. I still carry tons of stuff, but most of it is integrated with my bag (which is a surplus rucksack that's been modified beyond recognition). Nowadays, when I'm not with my bag, I typically keep just the necessities with me: My tan hat, my Leatherman Wave (http://leatherman.com/products/tools/wave/default.asp), my phone, keychain, wallet, paracord and carabiners (with which I tether my phone, keys, and wallet to my belt), business cards, and notpad.
There are only two items, however, that I only take off when I shower: My watch and my dog tags.
Today, I'm going to talk about my watch. It's a Timex Expedition T478719J (http://www.timex.com/gp/product/B0000TIJ40). It's been a really great watch. So much so that I've actually owned two of them. I had the first one for years until I cracked the glass and couldn't read it anymore. I forget where I got it originally, but I got the new one at Wal-mart for about 25 bucks.
I always thought it was black, but I've recently learned it's blue. Apparently, I'm colorblind.
This watch does everything I could ever want and more. I use most of the functions (other than the chronograph/stop watch) very regularly. In addition to telling the time, it's equipped with a timer, 3 alarms (which can all be set to either weekends, weekdays, or daily), a date function (with day of the week, month and day), two time zones, and 24-hour time. My favorite feature is the way you set the clock (or alarms). It's got two buttons, one for going forward and one for going back. So, if you're setting the alarm and you accidentally skip past the minute you wanted, you don't have go all the way around again; just go back one. And the AM/PM is set separately from the hour, which makes it so easy to set.
And the face has Indiglo (a light). I find this very useful. Just hit the button and the face lights up for a couple of seconds. It's very easy for me to bash the button against my forehead and turn it on with just one hand. And it's really bright, so I can use it to find the keyhole when I'm coming in late at night. It's also got a night setting for when you're on night missions and need to set the timer or alarms or use the stopwatch at night. Hold down the indiglo button for a few seconds to turn it on. Then, pushing any of the buttons will keep the light on.
The band isn't super great, but it does the job. On my first watch I had to replace the band a couple of times. I don't really like the leather/suade/cloth combination. When I had to replace it, I switched to a plain old black nylon strap. I prefer function over form and like for things to stand out as little as possible. For a while I was using one of those velcro straps, but it was way loud, got caught on stuff and started to smell funky after a while. I much prefer the nylon one that I switched it out with. I'll probably get that kind when the OEM band wears out.
I recently scuffed the face, which makes me sad. One of these days when I get some time, I'll have to buff it out. I can't imagine it being too difficult.
In summary, it's a really sweet watch that lives up to it's brand. I'll happily replace this one with another of the same model when the time comes. I would recommend this watch to anyone who needs to know exactly when it's time to party.
Until next time,
~~Ben
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