Potentially Serious G-Shock Problem

[Solid]

** Admins, if you feel that this topic is at all dangerous to personnel, please remove it. I didn't know who to ask, or if this is something to take seriously.**

I was recently looking around for a sports watch and turned to the infallible G-Shocks which have such a reputation on this site. I noticed that many of the models have a feature called 'Atomic Time'. It uses a radio frequency to take the time from the US Atomic Clock, and thereby remain accurate.

Would such a radio-device create a 'homing beacon' for enemy forces??

I have no clue if I'm blowing this out of proportion, I'm no commo or gadget person, but I figure that if it is potentially dangerous, it's better for me to point it out now.

Thanks,

Solid

[Footmobile]

It should only recieve a signal, not transmit one, so I'd think you'd be okay.

[rnix]

You know what does suck about G-Shocks? When it's really fucking cold the backlighting feature hardly works at all. Anyone else have this problem? Maybe my battery is about to run out.

[Fire-Gunner]

That's just great! Now, thanks to Solid, the Atomic Clock in Colorado will be a target for the terrorists. They'll home in on the radio signal, and my Atomic G-Shock will be rendered useless! How in the fuck will I know what time it is, then? Thanks a lot!:D

[Solid]

Heheh well thank god about that!!
If there was a problem though... christ almighty. Just from reading these threads it seems like half the SOF community rocks G-Shocks...
The new ad:
"Special Forces group on the loose in your backyard? Triangulate their position with the new Gsuschrist,whataShock!"
But seriously, though... that'd be no good at all.

As for the LCD in cold weather-
The screen is freezing up. This happens with anything that has an LCD screen at low temperatures. They become very sluggish and lack definition. If you want to get it working better, attach it some place really close to your body, and your body warmth should get it working properly again.

Thanks,

Solid

[Olsson]

rnix, I had the same problem with a Timex Expedition. Worked fine for the first few months until it got cold just one time, then the indiglo backlight started acting up, getting worse daily then the watch itself went totally screwy. I sent it to Timex and they replaced it with a new watch. Haven't had a problems since. Hope that helps.

[A45_SHOOTER]

I have a G shock, my 5th or so,

and the really serious actual problem is that when you have the battery changed its no longer waterproof.

Persian Gulf 1
G-Shock 0

[SOTB]

Originally posted by A45_SHOOTER
....and the really serious actual problem is that when you have the battery changed its no longer waterproof....

I recently changed the battery on my Suunto and the only thing I needed to do to keep it waterproof was to be careful with the O-ring. I'm guessing that the G-shock also uses an O-ring. Maybe the people that are changing your batteries are not taking the time and effort to do so without damaging the O-ring on either removal of the battery cover or replacement....

[SgtUSMC8541]

I have used G-Shock for years but I switched over to SUNTO about two years ago and haven't looked back.

[A45_SHOOTER]

I had it done when we first got here by some TCN at AAFES watch shop on Camp No hooah (Doha) ((I promptly threw the receipt away))

But we were doing a range with some Special Boat Crews, and they all told me that the watch is a throw away when the battery dies, as it usually leaks, and in salt water, its game-set-match.

[SOTB]

Originally posted by A45_SHOOTER
....But we were doing a range with some Special Boat Crews, and they all told me that the watch is a throw away when the battery dies, as it usually leaks, and in salt water, its game-set-match.

Here is my problem with their statement (and admittedly, I constantly argue:D ).

Someone put a battery in there to begin with. While it could have been done by a robot, it still would have required that the O-ring was set properly when the backing plate was tightened down (again, I am assuming that a G-Shock uses an O-ring).

To replicate the process seems simple enough. I have heard that one should also give consideration to lubing up the O-ring while its out as it might be losing its flexibilty and rotting while inside the watch.

Anyway, I read somewhere (on someone's internet site) that you needed to be REAL careful when removing and returning the O-ring on the SUUNTO. It was just as the writer had described. And following his instructions left me with a still functional and GTG (fully charged) watch. Since I am CHEAP, paying another $200 for a new watch is OUT OF THE QUESTION!:D

[Royal]

Southoftheborder - GShocks do use 'o' rings.

There's no reason for a watch to leak after a battery change if the casing and cover are properly cleaned of salt/grit and the 'o' ring (preferably a new one) is lubed.

No real difference to an u/w camera or the like.

[PACMAN1612]

With the Suunto watches, do you find that the crystal/face is suceptible to damage easily? The thing is rather large and looks exposed. The G-Shocks look better protected; what's your experience w/them?

S/F,
Jeff

[Olive Drab]

Originally posted by PACMAN1612
With the Suunto watches, do you find that the crystal/face is suceptible to damage easily? The thing is rather large and looks exposed. The G-Shocks look better protected; what's your experience w/them?

S/F,
Jeff THe suunto watch face scratches easily. I noticed a few and I am mostly in an office

[Axe]

I have an old G-shock 15+ years that has had the batteries changed at least three times. I have worn it swimming and diving in fresh and salt water to 100 ft depths without any problems. Maybe I just have a SuperWatch.

[PACMAN1612]

I like the Suunto for the compass and altimeter functions but you can't beat the price of most of the G-Shock line: just picked up an atomic solar one last night for 1/3 the price of the Suunto.

[Big Jim]

I just like finding out water resistent does not equal water proof.

Was doing a simple dive down to 80 odd feet and was in an area of somewhat reduced visibility. I thought it would be 'neat' to see the indiglo on my ironman light up so I pressed the button.......

nothing.

On surface I noticed watch was completely screwed. Contacted Timex and they directed my attention to the owners manual (like I read it) which states you aren't supposed to push any buttons under water cause then water gets in. Looked closely at the Suunto watch that I bought recently and it has the same phrase in its owners guide.

I know, I know, if I want a dive watch, by a dive watch.

Other than that the only issue I had with the ironman is that bug juice sort of melts it, well the CF kind anyhow.

[Soot]

Which model of the Suunto do you guys use?

[Ned&StacyFan]

My personal experience is that they've served me well. Problem is, is that when I go to replace either the battery or band, they seem to be out of circulation and casio's website is of little help. Other than that, my last G-Shock survived over a dozen jumps including several water landings (Ok swamps, but they were wet.)
A half-dozen diving excursions and everyday abuse at the gym. They normally last around three years and then up and quit.

Speaking of which, anyone got any good sites in which to look for replacement bands, batteries, etc????


N&SF

[SgtUSMC8541]

On my Sunto the bug j caused some issues with the face other than that no real scratches (used it through sniper school, Iraq, and every day life).

Hey N&SF, fill out your profile.

SgtUSMC8541