Need a new watch for EMR/Paramedic use.

[Professor Chaos]

Ive searched all the forums and couldnt find anything (I swear I read a related thread about this a while back - if not directly concerning this topic).

Basically, I need a new watch. Doesnt have to be fancy and definitively not too expensive (but willing to spend a decent amount on a quality timepiece).

Basic Criteria:
- Durability - Need something that can handle a beating, at least to some decent extent, but of course the more the better.
- Can take (a lot of) wet Vancouver weather without crapping out.
- Along the same lines, if other fluids happen to come in contact with it I need it to keep ticking.
- Analog. Maybe with a well contrasting seconds hand.
- Dont need to have every number all the way around (e.g. has 12, 3, 6, and 9 with dots in between is fine).
- Not huge. I dont have ogre hands.


Perks:
- Reflective/glow in the dark hands and numbers (esp seconds hand). Backlight is useless when your other hand is checking a patients radial (or other) hr.
- Compass dealio - although Ive never really used that feature in past regular, everyday watches Ive had.


I know there are several mags that are in this line of work(or similar) and I know several of you know good timepieces for practical uses such as this.
I wish I had the time to go from place to place finding a good watch, but that just isnt realistic for me with my schedule right now, so please help me out.

Thanks.

Mods - Wrong forum? Please move it.

[VanPatrol]

I use a Suunto vector, the things has been going strong for a few years.

Its really what you like more as far as fit and options. Obviously avoid a leather strap (blood, vomit). Most paramedics i work with are all about the $10 dollar store watches that last about a month. Then just replace, probably best option in the long run.

oh and Tech Talk

[zion zig zag]

Timing a HR to a second hand isn't that important. Is it fast/slow and regular/irregular? You can tell that without a watch. For a true rate, throw them on the monitor.

[The Reverend Floater]

Here is the watch that just died on me (likely the battery since it's original) after at least 8 years of non-stop use and abuse of every sort:

http://www.amazon.com/Timex-T42571-C...pd_sim_watch_5

Try as you might, you cannot beat it.

[Jethro]

Check out Luminox watches. Super bright tritium vials ensure that you can always see the hands. Tough and water resistant to 200m. http://www.luminox.com/ Many models to chose from

[snoboy]

I usually buy a mid priced timex. I like the hands and a digital alarm date etc.

[RShea]

First thing I thought of was the Timex Ironman series could fit the need for durable, easy to clean, etc. But only a few are standard dial and not full digital that have the Indiglo button for any light.

Maybe this one would work:

http://www.amazon.com/Timex-T5K202-I...727903&sr=8-48

[Tippster]

Luminox FTW. Black Ops 8400 is a no fuss no muss watch:

[natty dread]

Haven't worn a watch in 20 years on the job. I just use the clock on the lifepak if I want a semi-accurate rate.

[summit]

Luminox FTW. Black Ops 8400 is a no fuss no muss watch:

$200 is a lot for something specifically destined to for blood shit and vomit.

I usually take mine off. If you want a watch, go to walmart, find something for $5-10.

[frorider]

Hugh rocks this one:

[Tippster]

$200 is a lot for something specifically destined to for blood shit and vomit.

I usually take mine off. If you want a watch, go to walmart, find something for $5-10.

1. It's pretty much bomb-proof
2. The luminous vials are FAR brighter and last longer than the light-activated stuff on every other watch face
3. You can put it in the dishwasher and it comes out sterile.

~$200 for a watch that will last you 25+years is a lot? Shit, you'd flip out over my IWC Aquatimer...

[summit]

Sounds pretty nice for you.

What I don't break, I lose.

My nice dress watch cost $145. My everyday altimeter watch cost me $60.

[Tippster]

Sounds pretty nice for you.

What I don't break, I lose.

My nice dress watch cost $145. My everyday altimeter watch cost me $60.

Heh - for a total of $205, so you have the same amount of money invested in time pieces, yet seem to be wanting to make some kind of point. OP wasn't asking for an altimeter (really?) so why buy 2 watches for the price of one good one? Also: How much money do you have tied up in ski and photo gear? $60 ski swap gear slides on snow too...

My watch and my wedding band are the only pieces of jewelry I wear, so losing it isn't gonna happen since I never take it off besides going to bed. The wife decided to give me a nice one for our 5th Anniversary. Her call. It's understated, classy, yet indestructible.

OP had some parameters for a watch that wouldn't be covered by a Walmart $10 special.

[summit]

No, I'm not making a point except that what works for you doesn't work for me.

Ask me how many of these watches I've gone through in the last 10 years. I've lost 1 dress watch, broken 2 altimeter watches, and broken/lost 3-4 cheapie watches. Redo your math and you'll see your solution wouldn't work for me. Some people should never have a Rolex; I'm in that category.

There's a lot of EMS people who are very hard on gear and can be very ADD with losing their shit.

And some people who are more OCD don't want to wear watches that get soaked in bodily fluids even if they are put through an autoclave.

I'm just providing my perspective.

[coreshot-tourettes]

In general, the "luminous" hands on all watches are simply not worth anything.

To get a true luminous watch that is on all the time, tritium is the only way to go. This Luminox is durable, has a rubber strap with minimal crevices, is quartz, has a high-viz face, has a durable sapphire crystal, has tritium tubes, and is relatively inexpensive.

Get a watchband compass like this one and clip it to the band.

[bigsugar]

another vote for the cheap Timex or Casio. I've used the same $15 watch for a couple of years now.

[Meadow Skipper]

Timing a HR to a second hand isn't that important. Is it fast/slow and regular/irregular? You can tell that without a watch. For a true rate, throw them on the monitor.

I agree with this post.

[Professor Chaos]

Timing a HR to a second hand isn't that important. Is it fast/slow and regular/irregular? You can tell that without a watch. For a true rate, throw them on the monitor.

I agree with this post.

Ill even third this. I agree, exact numbers arent necessary when running vitals every 5 or 15min. Reg/irreg doesnt require a watch, however here we dont do the fast/slow thing(as much as Id like that). Plus, I just feel better about having numbers. Call me thorough, anal, etc I like numbers, they dont hurt, and it was ingrained in me during my training.

Haven't worn a watch in 20 years on the job. I just use the clock on the lifepak if I want a semi-accurate rate.

Tried it. Hate it. Dont know why.

If you want a watch, go to walmart, find something for $5-10.

Tried it (too many times). Hate it. I know why.

Here is the watch that just died on me (likely the battery since it's original) after at least 8 years of non-stop use and abuse of every sort:

http://www.amazon.com/Timex-T42571-C...pd_sim_watch_5

Try as you might, you cannot beat it.

Thank you. Looks good. Ill check it out.

Luminox FTW. Black Ops 8400 is a no fuss no muss watch

OP had some parameters for a watch that wouldn't be covered by a Walmart $10 special.

In general, the "luminous" hands on all watches are simply not worth anything.

To get a true luminous watch that is on all the time, tritium is the only way to go. This Luminox is durable, has a rubber strap with minimal crevices, is quartz, has a high-viz face, has a durable sapphire crystal, has tritium tubes, and is relatively inexpensive.

Thanks to both of you. Ill definitely look into Luminox. Wouldnt say this is outrageously expensive (I have several very fine and expensive timepieces for special occasions) and Ive heard from many friends and acquaintances that Luminox are the shit - and they are hard on their gear and put them through the paces.

Thanks for the responses and info. At least I have some starting points to jump from.

[13]

Luminox & Casio G-Shock seem to be the top 2 in EMS and military circles.