Casio PRG-40-3VUR

This is a well-proven mountain watch that is built for performance and functionality rather than style and a low price. It weighs 70g, which is reasonable. The design is very ‘military’ in style. But it is the features that really set it apart. You get an altimeter to 10,000m, and there’s a barometer and digital compass. But what I like is that each of these functions has a dedicated button with a name on it which allows you to jump between function much more easily than any other watch we looked at (others have a button that you use to switch between all functions). In compass mode the time is also shown and you get an analogue compass display with blue lines layered over the digital information. The water resistance of the watch extends to 100m, which better than most. Other features include no fewer than five daily alarms, altitude and barometric graphs.This Casio watch delivers all the features that you will realistically ever need and it is highly recommended for serious mountain use. But like other watches the temperature range is only down to -10 deg C, which is surprising when they have beefed up the altitude and water resistance above and beyond normal values. The styling is what may put most people off this watch, as it is pure function in a very militarily-styled green, black and grey housing. A replacement set of batteries cost £6, but if you don’t fancy that extra yearly charge then go for the solar-powered £180 Casio PRG-80L-3VER as the features are identical.

Weight: 72g
Features: altimeter to 10,000m; barometer; thermometer to -10 deg C; water-resistant to 100m
Made in Japan
Stores in UK: no info provided