REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Simple
Accurate
Light
Functional
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacks features
Lacks comfort
No compass
Ugly
Poor display
Casio SGW300HB Review
This is an inexpensive altimeter watch that is accurate enough for curious backcountry travelers
Casio SGW300HB-3AV
Credit: Casio
Our Verdict
The Casio SGW300HB is the best option for those on a shoestring budget. As our Best Buy award winner, this inexpensive watch features a dual-sensor that shows altitude, barometric pressure, time, and temperature. The battery lasts up to three years. It is simple, accurate, and easy to use. However, the lower price comes with minimal features and decreased performance. Even though the altimeter is reasonably accurate, it has an altitude interval of 5 meters or 20 feet, so readings are rarely precise. Unlike all the other watches tested, it does not feature a compass. Even though we love how lightweight it is, the watch face is small, while and the backlight is dim. The screen also scratches easily. Overall, we think this model is perfect for those just looking for a simple timepiece that also has a barometric pressure and altimeter sensor. Take it with you on everything from day hikes to big mountain explorations. Just leave it at home for super-cold adventures as it's hard to use with a pair of gloves.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The SGW300HB is simple, inexpensive, and easy to use. It provides decent accuracy and does well in most climates. This is a solid, affordable option for the outdoor enthusiast on a shoestring budget. This model has very good battery life and is easy to use. It scores poorly because of its limited features, simultaneously basic and busy display, and unattractive aesthetic.
Performance Comparison
This Casio is a great option for any adventurer on a tight 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.
Credit: Amber King
Altimeter Accuracy
The SGW300HB scores low in this metric, but don't let that be too deceiving. Most of the time it was off by a respectable 50 to 200 feet when properly calibrated.
In fact, we noticed that its accuracy is similar to its sibling, the Casio PRW-6000Y. Some of the reasons for its lower score include its precision and susceptibility to inaccuracy due to changes in barometric pressure. Pricier altimeter watches will have an altitude increment of 1 meter (3 to 5ft). This watch just isn't that sensitive, offering a 5 meter (20ft) interval.
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.
Credit: Amber King
Battery Life
This watch runs on a simple, traditional watch battery. It is estimated to last up to three years, making it a great option for long excursions into the backcountry.
If you need to change the battery, unscrew the backplate and insert a new one, ready to go for another few years. As a result, this watch scores highly in the battery life metric. The solar-powered Casio PAG240B-2 and the Casio PRW-6000Y are the only options that will last longer without any additional maintenance.
The buttons are small and fine to use in warm weather. However, when gloves are needed, we found it incredibly difficult to use.
Credit: Amber King
User Experience
Because of its simple features, it's one of the fastest models to get to know. The buttons are well marked and the essential functions are super simple to figure out. More complex features like determining altitude differential require a little finagling and consulting the user's manual.
Even though we liked its ease of use, it's not ideal for winter wear. The recessed buttons are tough to press while wearing a pair of gloves. If this is an essential feature to you, check out the Suunto Ambit3 Peak or the Suunto Core Alu. Both have much larger, protruding buttons and easy-to use-interfaces.
Another look at the left side of the watch. The buttons are much smaller than on other watches tested.
Credit: Amber King
We are not super impressed with the display quality. The font and watch face are small, and the glass seems less durable. It can also be very difficult to read in direct sunlight.
Comparing all the tested displays. The Casio SRW300HB is top left.
Credit: Amber King
Also, the backlight has only one to three-second display options (similar to the Casio PRW-6000Y). It is also dim, providing an orange light that is not super sharp in the darkness. Though its functions are simple, Casio also managed to cram a ton of words and symbols both on and around the watch face. We feel that it's just a little too busy given what the product is actually capable of doing.
We found the backlight on the Casio SGW300HB (bottom, left) to be dim and not very sharp in the darkness.
Credit: Amber King
Features
This dual-sensor watch is truly the best if you're looking for something inexpensive and simple. It features an altimeter-barometer, temperature sensor, and a timekeeper. That's about it. There is no compass, and of course, no GPS.
Altimeter and Barometer
The altimeter-barometer allows you to view barometric pressure (in hPa or inHg) and altitude (meters or feet) at your current location. It (mostly) can't graph data that it records, but it does allow you to determine a barometer or altitude differential between two areas. In comparison to all the watches tested, it has the most limited features.
Checking the altitude while climbing high into the sky in southwest Colorado.
Credit: Trevor Peterson
The exception to the data graphing is that when the watch is taking a barometric pressure reading, the horizontal arrows at the top (which count off seconds in timekeeper mode) will indicate whether the pressure is rising or falling. Combined with the words cloudy and fine it provides a basic indication of whether conditions are improving or deteriorating.
Timekeeping
This digital timekeeper has a few basic features. World time (with 31 time zones), a stopwatch, countdown timer, and five daily alarms. The time is easy to set manually and also has a daylight savings time setting. You can choose between a 12hr or 24hr display. The one feature that makes the SGW300HB stand apart from the rest is the ability to set five different alarms (something found only in other Casio models).
The timekeeper is simple and comes with all the basic functions: world clock, stopwatch, countdown time. Additionally, it has five daily alarms.
Credit: Amber King
If you're looking for an accurate temperature reading, take off the watch for a little bit and strap it on a jacket or backpack strap. As with every other watch that we tested, it is sure to provide an inaccurate reading of the ambient air temperature if it is on your wrist.
Comfort and Fit
Because of its small display and light weight, this watch is fairly comfortable relative to many of the other chunkier models. It is easy to wear underneath a jacket or long sleeved shirt and doesn't dig into your wrist.
The major strike against it in this metric is the woven nylon strap. It is stiff and rubs against the wrist, irritating the skin after a while. The holes in the strap seem hastily punched and are itchy, while the strap itself lacks 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.
Credit: Amber King
Value
Even though this watch scored fairly low in many of the comparative metrics, we still think it offers great value. It is the least expensive model by a long shot. The accuracy of the watch is decent and if the intervals weren't so large, it would be comparable to its $600 Casio sibling. It's also the best option for those on a tighter budget.
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.
Credit: Trevor Peterson
Conclusion
If you need an altimeter watch, but can't spend hundreds of dollars, or are just looking for a regular watch and would also enjoy being able to register altitude now and then, this is your best bet.
Amber really loves this watch for its simplicity, lightweight design, and low low price.
Credit: Trevor Peterson
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Amber King and Ben Applebaum-Bauch