Casio Protrek PRW-35 review – Small but handy

Tags: Review | Casio | Men's | Classic | Military

9.12.2023 | 5 MIN

Casio has introduced a new model from its outdoor backyard called the Protrek PRW-35, which presents itself as an improvement on its predecessor. Let's take a look together to see how much of an upgrade it is and if it's worth reaching forthis outdoor cutie .

The new PRW-35 presents itself as an improved model of the previous PRW-30. The new version is smaller and noticeably lighter than the previous one. Casio wanted to cater to the target group with small wrists.

Design

Protrek is a purely outdoor watch line and the whole design is in that spirit. Even at first glance, its design evokes that it belongs to the outdoors. In the case of this model, Casio has opted for smaller case dimensions of 44.6 mm and a thickness of 13 mm. This makes it the second smallest Protreks you can currently get (along with the PRW-6900Y). And the dimensions are also reflected in the weight, which is just 45 grams. Parametrically, they are suitable for both men's and women's wrists.

The noticeable weight reduction is primarily due to the change of materials for the construction of the case. While the previous model was constructed in a combination of resin and steel, the PRW-35 is created from environmentally recycled plastic.

It is also interesting to note that the Mudman GW-9500 saw the exact same use of case and strap material. The models were even introduced in a similar time period. Thus, it can be expected that this material will catch on and Casio will stick with it going forward. After all, it reduces the weight of the watch and Casio is saving the planet with it too.

The most interesting part of the watch is undoubtedly the case, which is very nicely detailed. The combination of recycled plastic (case) and steel to form the lunette and pushers makes this model a very nicely crafted piece.

I'm not at all surprised that the buttons and lunette are made of steel, as those are the parts that get the most use on the watch. There is perhaps no doubt that the buttons themselves should take something, after all we need them to manipulate the watch. The lunette on the other hand mainly fulfils a protective role, in which it protects the display of the watch. It is also useful for orientation during your wanderings as it is azimuthal (compass) and you can use it to determine the direction.

The azimuth (meaning "direction") is used to navigate and determine the position of the object being observed. It is the angle between north or south and the direction in which an object is located in the terrain. Azimuth is measured in degrees: north has an azimuth of 0°, east 90°, south 180° and west 270°.

The next direction we take is the watch display. This is digital by default, which is the best option for any orientation, as it is suitable for outdoor play. Here the manufacturer decided to apply STN LCD display technology.

STN or super twisted nematic is a display technology that uses liquid crystal display technology. The liquid crystal molecules adjust the angle of the polarized light and emit it at a different angle, making it more readable.

The display itself is then divided into 3 parts, say 3 data fields. The middle, largest data field displays the most basic functions such as time, altitude, barometric pressure and degrees of azimuth for compass orientation.

The data fields at the top and bottom (i.e., the smaller ones) display the secondary functions. These include the cardinal directions, barometer graph, altitude or display of the master time if you are in a mode other than time display.

Casio has given users a choice, again reaching for both light and dark display types. From experience I can definitely recommend the display with a light background and dark display of the numerals as it is beautifully legible. A dark background is the opposite and legibility is often a problem. The entire display is then additionally illuminated by two LEDs with Super Illuminator technology, which illuminate it beautifully.

That's enough about the display, let's jump to the rest of the case. The PRW-35 features a total of six buttons. The two buttons on the left side of the case are pure plastic, which I don't really like from both an aesthetic and functional standpoint. These two buttons are used to set the watch and to switch between the stopwatch, alarm and other functions. The right side already has buttons made of steel, there are three buttons with altimeter, barometer and compass functions. The last 6 is the middle button on the case to trigger the light, which is located at the six o'clock position.

Let's finish the whole design with the strap. Thisis like the case made organically but it is not resin for me as is usual with this series. The strap feels more silicone to me, perhaps with a light admixture of resin just to maintain durability. What I see as a small plus is the Quick release attachment, which allows the strap to be quickly swapped out for another. A steel clasp is an absolute must for a watch like this, so you don't have to worry about its durability. It is therefore very good that the manufacturer has reached for it.

Functions and features

A proper outdoor piece calls for proper equipment. And so, the model is equipped with the radio time synchronization feature of Multiband 6 technology. However this time-stamping technology is battery intensive and so the watch also has Tough Solar. An ideal combo for an outdoor watch.

These technologies are more like such helpers to the users but they are not the only features that the watch has. Outdoor watches call for adequate and necessary equipment. And since Casio knows very well what it is doing, it is starting to equip its models with features like Triple Sensor as standard, which includes:

• Barometer
• Compass
• Thermometer

No change has taken place inside the watch either. The watch is powered by the 3490 module, which is the same as the previous PRW-30 model and the 100 meter water resistance and resistance to low temperatures down to -10 degrees have been retained as well.

Alternatives

Honestly, it feels like such an upgrade out of necessity. So I wouldn't be at all afraid to reach for the PRG-330, which is cheaper and lacks only the Multiband 6.

Considering their price I might consider the G-Shock models more. The very first one that comes to mind is the Mudman GW-9500, which is very similar in function but has more durability and 200 meter water resistance.

Conclusion

Not to be skeptical but this model didn't impress me as much as I expected. The watch is very nicely made but as an upgrade it doesn't make much sense to me as it is almost identical to the PRW-30. On the other hand, for someone looking at the Protrek line in a smaller size with pretty decent features, this may be just the ticket.

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