Mobile – Versatile – Vital
Just how accurate does a watch need to be? If you’re like me, the answer is “As perfect as possible.” But perfection tends to be pricey, and it’s often paired with an aggressive, overwrought design. That’s what makes Casio’s WVA-M640 model so intriguing. Its classic look masks a stunningly modern feature set, without the broad-shouldered bragging found in many contemporary timepieces.
Honestly, I thought I was finished with mechanical watches. Between my disappointing experience with the Seiko 5 Series and the crazy price of higher-end automatics, my appetite had shifted entirely toward quartz. But then, like a shark scenting its prey, I caught a whiff of the Orient Mako 2. I circled it for months before finally taking a bite. And let me tell you – It tastes really, really good.
Look – We’re all busy. As writers, readers, and reviewers, sometimes it’s nice to boil info down to its core. I’ve done just that with several pieces of my most carried gear: The Citizen BM8180, Lansky BladeMedic, Spyderco Dragonfly 2, Hitch & Timber wallet, and Olight S1R Baton. Heck, I even threw in a few handkerchiefs to add some color to the affair.
I’ve always enjoyed the concept of time. As a child, my favorite video game was Chrono Trigger, the story of a boy roaming the past, present, and future on a quest to save the world. It was a touching tale, and one that helped me learn the importance of all things temporal.
So, when Timex offered to send me one of their Expedition Scout Chronographs, they inadvertently helped recapture a spark of my childhood.
Progression is an interesting thing. After experimenting with mechanical watches, I’ve gravitated back into the realm of mid-range quartz. So when Wenger offered to send not one but two watches my way, I opted to sample an offering from their Urban Metropolitan line. Retailing for around $170, these Swiss-made timepieces come armed with a strong design and longstanding pedigree. But can the form live up to its function?
What’s the most valuable piece of everyday gear? If forced to choose, I’d probably give two answers – A Swiss Army Knife and a reliable watch. So when Wenger, one of the makers of the legendary multi-tool agreed to send one of their watches my way, I was anxious to give it a shot.
Journeywind Junk 