ABC (Altimeter, Barometer & Compass) watches are the ultimate adventurers' timepiece. In the intervening period between pure mechanical and satellite linking watches, Casio led the way in innovation as well as some excellent examples especially under the Protrek series. Unknown to many, Seiko too has some interesting examples in this genre. This review shall compare Seiko Prospex Alpinist Solar Titanium Multi-Sensor SBEB013 (left of the photo below) against Casio Protrek Adventure Titanium Triple Sensor Ver. 3 PRW 3000 T7 (right of the photo below). In the spirit of transparency, I do own both models and hopefully I can provide an unbiased view in this short report.
Below is a comparative table of the specifications of both watches. In terms of capabilities, the Seiko appears to be better equipped. It is also the more expensive of the two.
I personally find the Seiko's placements of the various labels to more user friendly compared to the Casio. The use of contrasting colours (white against a white background and black against polished titanium for the Seiko is easier to refer to compared to the the orange against a black background and greyish white against black titanium for the Casio) makes referencing quicker and easier. Moreover, the addition of a two thick grey lines on Casio's LCD screen contribute to the feeling of 'overcrowding' in the display despite having a larger screen than the Seiko.
In the next set of photos, you are able to see the various buttons on the sides of the two watches. For the Seiko, there are three on each side while for the Casio, there are three on one side, two on the other while the sixth is just below the bezel at 6 o'clock (the light switch).
The use of a standard size lug width for the Seiko allows owners to replace the bracelet with after-market straps unlike the Casio which has a proprietary lug design. To facilitate strap changes, a drill-through pin hole for the lug bars can be seen on the Seiko.
The bracelet of the Casio appears to be more refined although the Seiko has an additional option in the form of a simple diver's extension mechanism. Using machined parts for the bracelet bridge on the Casio instead of stamp parts for the bracelet bridge on the Seiko creates the feeling of 'wealth'. Not only is it visually appealing, but it also matches the expected sophistication of the timepiece.
Conclusion: In my opinion, the Seiko edges the Casio slightly to be a winner in this comparative study.
Below is a comparative table of the specifications of both watches. In terms of capabilities, the Seiko appears to be better equipped. It is also the more expensive of the two.
| Specifications | SBEB013 | PRW3000T7 |
| Movement | S822 | Module 3414 |
| Strap | Bracelet | Bracelet |
| Dial | LCD positive display screen | LCD positive display screen |
| Diameter | 44.9 mm | 47mm |
| Lug width | 20 mm | Proprietary |
| Lug-to-lug | 56.5 mm | 56 mm |
| Thickness | 14.5 mm | 12.3 mm |
| Weight | 101 gm | 67 gm |
| Crystal | Hardlex | Mineral glass |
| Power Source | Solar | Solar |
| Base Material | Titanium, stainless steel, plastic resin | Titanium, plastic resin |
| Water Rating | 100 meters | 100 meters |
| Bracelet Extension | Yes | No |
| Programmable | Yes | No |
| MSRP | MYR1,826.69 | MYR1,140.00 |
I personally find the Seiko's placements of the various labels to more user friendly compared to the Casio. The use of contrasting colours (white against a white background and black against polished titanium for the Seiko is easier to refer to compared to the the orange against a black background and greyish white against black titanium for the Casio) makes referencing quicker and easier. Moreover, the addition of a two thick grey lines on Casio's LCD screen contribute to the feeling of 'overcrowding' in the display despite having a larger screen than the Seiko.
In the next set of photos, you are able to see the various buttons on the sides of the two watches. For the Seiko, there are three on each side while for the Casio, there are three on one side, two on the other while the sixth is just below the bezel at 6 o'clock (the light switch).
The use of a standard size lug width for the Seiko allows owners to replace the bracelet with after-market straps unlike the Casio which has a proprietary lug design. To facilitate strap changes, a drill-through pin hole for the lug bars can be seen on the Seiko.
The bracelet of the Casio appears to be more refined although the Seiko has an additional option in the form of a simple diver's extension mechanism. Using machined parts for the bracelet bridge on the Casio instead of stamp parts for the bracelet bridge on the Seiko creates the feeling of 'wealth'. Not only is it visually appealing, but it also matches the expected sophistication of the timepiece.
Conclusion: In my opinion, the Seiko edges the Casio slightly to be a winner in this comparative study.
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