Watches - Digital vs Analog

[WIGOH]

Noob here.

I just bought a really nice Casio Pathfinder, and was wondering if that is ok for use in EMS? I hope to be an EMT soon, but I read somewhere that a watch with a second hand is a must.

Opinions?
Thanks in advance, Val

 

[JPINFV]

As long as the watch has a way to display seconds, you will be fine. I never had a problem with using a digital watch.

 

[WIGOH]

It does indeed. Glad to hear it...I love this watch.

 

[KEVD18]

as mentioned, as long as there is a second increment, its all personal preference.

i dont wear anything that isnt a swiss mechanical, so i cant help you on your choice.

 

[traumateam1]

Like everyone else has said, it's gotta have the seconds on there.. unless you can count 2 different numbers in your head at the same time.. <_<

Cheers

 

[medicdan]

Agreement with above.
I'm not a watch/jewelry person. I have a WalMart watch (the only item I own purchased there) that cost me $4.99. It has lasted me 5 years, and is scratched. When I work, as long as it tells me the time, I dont care. I dont know what I am going to touch while i'm working (but I hope i'll be wearing gloves). I know that when I get to the hospital, I am going to wash my hands (and wrists). I want my watch to be able to handle a little water, maybe some soap, maybe some scrubbing.

Also consider purchasing a watch that is backlit-- especially in EMS, you are not always working in well lit environments.

I am a diver, and have a dive watch/computer that I love, but I would never wear it when not underwater.

recap: buy a cheap watch, something that works (and is waterproof), but that you dont care about.

 

[ffemt8978]

I buy Timex Ironman's because I have very specific criteria for my watches.

They must be all metal, full face backlight, digital time with a second hand.

 

[Sasha]

I like analog, to me it's just easier to read the second hand. My watch has a butterfly on it.

 

[Anomalous]

Seiko analog "Railroad Approved" purchased in July 1979
The 24 hour marking are nice to have until you get use to it.

 

[reaper]

Agreement with above.
I'm not a watch/jewelry person. I have a WalMart watch (the only item I own purchased there) that cost me $4.99. It has lasted me 5 years, and is scratched. When I work, as long as it tells me the time, I dont care. I dont know what I am going to touch while i'm working (but I hope i'll be wearing gloves). I know that when I get to the hospital, I am going to wash my hands (and wrists). I want my watch to be able to handle a little water, maybe some soap, maybe some scrubbing.

Also consider purchasing a watch that is backlit-- especially in EMS, you are not always working in well lit environments.

I am a diver, and have a dive watch/computer that I love, but I would never wear it when not underwater.

recap: buy a cheap watch, something that works (and is waterproof), but that you dont care about.

Cheap Walmart watches. I get ones that have analog and digital. They break, get dirty or the batt dies, I just throw them out.

Have a nice dive watch, when off duty.

 

[Sasha]

Seiko analog "Railroad Approved" purchased in July 1979
The 24 hour marking are nice to have until you get use to it.

Why would you need something railroad approved?

 

[marineman]

That's not the same guy that almost got hit by a train the other week is it sasha?

 

[WIGOH]

Thanks for all of the replies everyone.
My watch does have seconds, and it is large and very visible. I didn't think about night though. I has a backlight, but doesn't stay on for long, so unless I grow a third hand, that may not work. Perhaps the $5 Walmart is a good idea.

 

[Scout]

cheep is always good,


alot of people dont wear them anymore due to "infection" issues.

if you do wear one make sure you can scrub it clean with a nail brush. If you dont think it can cope with that dont be bothered with it

 

[marineman]

I have one with a metal band because I find it easier to scrub when needed. Also mine is an analog fossil but all 3 hands on it glow in the dark which alleviates having to push a button for backlight but you can still see it ticking. Different strokes for different folks but if you want to buy one and keep it for a while it's worth looking into. Otherwise you can never go wrong with cheap.

 

[reaper]

cheep is always good,


alot of people dont wear them anymore due to "infection" issues.

if you do wear one make sure you can scrub it clean with a nail brush. If you dont think it can cope with that dont be bothered with it

I thought that was what the dishwasher was for?B)

 

[KEVD18]

Thanks for all of the replies everyone.
My watch does have seconds, and it is large and very visible. I didn't think about night though. I has a backlight, but doesn't stay on for long, so unless I grow a third hand, that may not work. Perhaps the $5 Walmart is a good idea.

check your owners manual. theresd very well may be a setting to make it stay on for a prescibed period of time insteand of holding for on.

if thats how you have it set, and it still isnt long enough, consider a watch with luminous hand and markers:

thats the dial of an omega seamaster. granted, not many people will spend 4 grand on a watch and then wear it to work on a truck, but its a great example of what your watch should look like. the seamaster is the king of lume.

 

[traumateam1]

I buy Timex Ironman's because I have very specific criteria for my watches.

They must be all metal, full face backlight, digital time with a second hand.

I but Timex Ironman watches too.. love them.

 

[marineman]

Kev, that's what mine is like. Not that expensive and it's definitely not that bright but at least it's enough that I can see it in the dark.

 

[BossyCow]

I use a Timex Analog.. but it has to have a bright back light and big real numbers.. no dots.. dashes... roman numerals.. etc.. good basic watch.