All week long I'm sharing some interesting and useful pieces of gear that will provide adventure travelers with more convenience and comforts while on the road. Yesterday I offered up a review of the new noise cancelling headphones from TaoTronics, which is something that I find indispensable on long flights or spending time in airports. Today, I have a completely different product in mind as I share my thoughts on the Satellite Wave GPS Freedom watch from Citizen, which is a timepiece that was built with globetrotters in mind.
It is important to note that I'm a watch-wearer. In fact, my Apple Watch is one of the first things I put on in the morning and it is a constant companion pretty much no matter where I go or what I do all day. That said, it isn't the best adventure travel companion simply because it needs to be recharged on a daily basis. On top of that, it relies on an iPhone to provide it with the necessary information it needs to stay useful and relevant. With cell networks at a premium in remote areas, the functionality that I enjoy with the Apple Watch is mostly non-existent.
None of this is the case with the Satellite Wave. While it is true that it doesn't put notifications, alerts, and text messages on your wrist the way Apple's smartwatch does, it also doesn't need a connection to a smartphone to be useful either. In fact, it doesn't even need interaction from the wearer to update its time. That's because its onboard GPS chips can connect to satellites overhead, determine your location at any given time, and then automatically adjust the time based on that information. And yes, there are other watches that can do something similar, but what sets this one apart is that it can accomplish this in as few as three seconds. The feature works in 40 different timezones around the world and it is actually quite impressive to watch in action.
You'll also never have to charge the Satellite Wave either thanks to Citizen's famous Eco-Drive system. This uses light from any source to generate enough power to keep the watch going at all times, which is vitally important when traveling. With this watch you'll never need a battery, you'll never have to plug it in, and you'll never need to wind it. It just need exposure to light from time to time in order to keep it ticking right along. That's extremely reassuring when you're setting off on a trek to a remote place where power is at premium.
Built for adventure, the Satellite Wave feels tough and durable in your hand, without a lot of bulk or weight. That said it's stainless steel case and band do give it a substantial feel that inspires confidence. The watch also happens to be water resistant down to 333 feet, although Citizen says it is safest when showering, snorkeling, or swimming. In other words, you're probably good provided you're not going scuba diving. While hiking in the mountains, rafting through a jungle, or camping in the desert, the watch will see you through just about any kind of adventure, and look extremely good while doing it.
Speaking of looks, this is a watch that features a classic design that will hold its style for years to come. At first glance it's tough to tell whether it was made 50 years ago or is something that just came out of the factory today. Combine that with its impressive level of performance and durability and you have a piece of tech gear that could turn into a family heirloom. That's not something I'd ever say about my Apple Watch, which has seen reduced battery life in recent years and no longer receives software updates from Apple. As with many of the watches they make, Citizen has created a truly impressive piece of kit with the Satellite Wave, making it an essential piece of gear for when I hit the road.
As you have probably guessed already, this watch doesn't come cheap. It is priced at $795 (currently on sale for $636), which is a solid investment for someone who isn't a watch enthusiast. In the watch market, that's actually a moderately priced product however, particularly when you consider the fact that it could very well be the last watch you'll ever need to buy. Frequent travelers will love its ability to automatically adjust its time to the local destination and the need to never have to worry about keeping it charged is a major plus too. This watch makes a great gift as well, which is something to keep in mind with Father's Day just around the corner.
If you're in the market for a fantastic new watch to wear on all of your globe-spanning adventures, the Citizen Satellite Wave GPS Freedom needs to be on your short list. Elegant, beautiful, and reliable, it is a timepiece you'll love having on your wrist. Find out more here.
