Casio SGW300HB Review

The SGW300HB is a simple, cheap, and easy to use. It provides decent accuracy and does well in most climates. A great (and affordable) option for the outdoor enthusiast on a shoestring budget.

Performance Comparison

This Casio is a great option for any adventurer on a shoestring budget. Though it doesn't have nearly as many features or share the same level of performance as other watches tested, it's still a great option for those looking to determine altitude and barometric pressure.

Features

This dual-sensor watch is truly the best if you're looking for something cheap and simple. It features an alti-barometer, temperature sensor, and a timekeeper but lacks a compass. This watch has the fewest number of features tested. If you're looking for something with lots of features, check out our Top Pick for Features, the Garmin Fenix 5. Or if you want something that is still simple, but with a few more basic features, check out the Suunto Core Alu (our other Best Buy Award winner).

Checking the altitude while climbing high into the sky in southwest Colorado.

The alti-barometer allows you to view your barometric pressure (in hPa or inHg) and altitude (meters or feet) at your current location. It does not have graphing features, but it does allow you to determine a barometer or altitude differential between two locations. In comparison to all the watches tested, it has the most limited and simplest features.

This digital timekeeper has a few basic features. World time (31 time zones), a stopwatch, countdown timer, and five daily alarms. The time is simple to change manually and also has a daylight savings time setting. You can choose between a 12hr/24hr display, and you can check the time in different time zones. All other watches have most of its features with the exception of the five alarms (found only in the Casio watches).

The timekeeper is simple and comes with all the basic functions: world clock, stopwatch, countdown time. Additionally, it has five daily alarms.

Battery Life

Utilizing a simple watch battery, it has the second longest battery life. Estimated to last up to three years, this is a great option for long excursions into the backcountry. If you need to change the battery, just hop over to the store for a simple watch battery, unscrew the backplate, and voila, new battery is ready to go for another few years. This watch scored second highest in the battery life metric. The solar powered Casio PRW-6000Y is the only option that will last longer with its minimal charge time in the sunshine.

Ease of Use

Of all the watches tested, we thought this was one of the easiest to get to know. The buttons are well marked and the basic functions are super simple to figure out. More complex functions like determining altitude differential required a little finagling and consultation of the user's manual.

The buttons are small and fine to use in warm weather. However, when gloves are needed, we found it incredibly difficult to use.

Even though we liked its ease of use, we didn't think it was the greatest option for winter wear. The smaller buttons are very difficult to press with a pair of gloves on. If you're looking for watch that is easy to use with gloves, check out our Editors' Choice, the Suunto Ambit3 Peak or the Garmin Fenix 5. Both have much larger buttons and have easy-to use-interfaces.

Another look at the left side of the watch. The buttons are much smaller than on other watches tested.

Altimeter Accuracy

The SGW300HB scored the lowest in altimeter accuracy. Despite its low rating, we were surprised by how close its readings were. Most of the time it was only 50 to 200 feet off the actual altitude when properly calibrated. In fact, we noticed that its accuracy was similar to its cousin, the Casio PRW-6000Y. It scored lower than the rest because of its altitude increment. All other watches had an altitude increment of 1m/3 - 5ft, while it has an altitude increment of 5m/20ft. Thus, it couldn't provide altimeter readings that were as accurate as other watches tested.

Here the actual altitude was 11,740 feet. The Suunto Ambit3 Peak proves to be the most accurate, while the Casio SGW300HB proves to be the least accurate.

Display Quality

Once again scoring the lowest in the category, we were not super impressed with the display quality. The font and display are small, the face material seems less durable, and it is very difficult to read in direct sunlight.

A look at all the displays tested. From top left to right: Casio SRW300HB, Casio PRW-6000Y, Garmin Fenix 3. From bottom left to right: Suunto Core Alu, Suunto Ambit3 Peak, Suunto Traverse

In addition, the light option only has a one to three second display option (similar to the Casio PRW-6000Y). The nightlight is also poor, providing an orange light that is hard to see at night. All in all, this is the worst display quality of any watch tested. However, this is a reflection of the price. If you want something that is easier to see and larger, check out the Garmin Fenix 5 instead.

A comparison of the nightlights of each watch. From top left: Casio PRW-6000Y, Suunto Traverse, Garmin Fenix 3. From bottom left to right: Casio SGW300HB, Suunto Core Alu, Suunto Ambit3 Ambit.

Comfort and Fit

This watch features a nylon woven strap, small watch display, and light weight. Even though many of our testers liked the lightweight, no frills design that is easy to wear underneath a jacket or long sleeved shirt, many of our testers still thought it was the least comfortable of all tested. The nylon woven strap is stiff with a plastic border that abrades the skin. The holes in the strap seem cheap and itchy, while the strap doesn't provide much breathability. Even though it fits well under clothes, we didn't like that it couldn't be put on top of a jacket layer — the strap was just too short.

The strap is made from a cloth-like material that seems cheap. The fabric does not feel that great on the skin, nor does it fit well overtop of clothing.

Best Application

This watch is meant for the money-savvy adventurer who is looking for a simple timepiece that can also show altitude and barometric pressure. It does great on both long and short missions into the wild.

Multipitch climbing on Red Mountain Pass, CO is a great way to use the Casio. Also take it hiking, biking, mountaineering and more. It's great for both short and long missions.

Value

Even though this watch scored fairly low in all the comparative metrics, we still think it offers great value. For only $65, you can get a watch that shows the current altitude and barometric pressure. The accuracy of the watch is decent and if the intervals weren't so large, would be similar to its $600 cousin. It's also the best option for those on a shoestring budget.

Conclusion

If you're on a shoestring budget and looking for a simple altimeter watch, this is your best bet.

Amber really loves this watch for its simplicity, lightweight design, and low low price.

Other Versions

• Cost - $70

• Water resistant up to 200 meters

• Includes direction and temperature sensors on top of basic functions

• Cost: $600

• Solar-powered and featuring alerts for significant changes in barometric pressure

• An extremely reliable watch for extended missions in remote areas, though we're not quite sure that you really get what you pay for