Casio Wave-Ceptor Tough Solar WVA-320J

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BA1970

Casio Wave-Ceptor Tough Solar WVA-320J

Post by BA1970 » Sat Sep 18, 2010 3:14 pm

This is a brief review of my Casio WVA-320J. It is solar powered (Tough Solar) and receives frequent time synchronization signals from the National Institute of Standard and Technology's atomic clock in Fort Collins, Colorado. Hence the term "Wave Ceptor".

MSRP $240.

Personal background: I have owned many watches along the "watch scale" from Rolex to Timex. Watches are not new to me. However, I am not an expert. Additionally, I am not affiliated with any watch company or watch retailer, web site, forum, organization or group that would benefit from a review of this or any watch on either this forum, or any other forum, web site, or venue.

The Watch: As far as Casios go, they are typically not my choice of watch. I've had a few solar/atomic G-Shocks, such as, the Riseman, and the 5600. I have also owned a few other "straight quartz" Casios with the metal case (ana-dig) modules back in the late eighties.

Recently, I have had this urge for a Casio atomic/solar. I chose this model because of its looks and functions, and the lack of rubber. I am not a big fan of rubber watches, plastic watches, black in color watches, or anything else that isn't stainless steel.
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This model is, to some degree, a little "finer", or should I say, better finished, compared to the AMW 320 series. http://www.casio.com/products/Timepiece ... 20_Series/ The bezel appears to be better fitted to the case, and , in general, the overall quality of the watch is better. The words "Cased in China" appear on the case back (along with many other words).
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Instruction Manual - Ease of Understanding: I'd rate this as "easy", yet full of information and details.
Link to pdf file of manual (4319 Module): http://waveceptor.casio.com/resource/ma ... e_4319.pdf

Packaging: The usual round tin with the charcoal grey foam, manuals, etc.

The watch is big and sits well on my wrist.
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Sizing the bracelet:
While I thought that just simply pushing out the "push pin" would work just fine, I was wrong. There's a tiny cylindrical spacer that goes into the center portion of the link (see picture). This is where a pair of tweezers and needle nose pliers come in handy. Be careful not to bend the pin, and be careful not to lose the tiny, cylindrical spacer.
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Specifications as listed on: http://www.casio.com/products/Timepiece ... A320DJ-1E/
Multi-Band Atomic Timekeeping (US, Japan)
Receives time calibration radio signals which keep the displayed time accurate
Auto receive function (up to 6 times per day)
Manual receive function
Signal: US WWVB,Japan JJY40/JJY60
Frequency: US 60kHz, Japan 40/60kHz
Tough Solar Power
100M Water Resistant
LED Light w/Afterglow
Neo-brite luminous hands & markers
World Time
29 times zones (30 cities), city code display, daylight saving on/off
Bi-lingual Day of Week display (Eng, Jap)
3 Daily Alarms
Hourly Time Signal
1/100 second stopwatch
Measuring capacity: 99'59.99"
Measuring modes: Elapsed time, lap time, split time, 1st-2nd place times
Auto Calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2099)
12/24 Hour Formats
Accuracy: +/- 20 seconds per month (with no signal calibration)
Storage Battery: Solar Rechargeable Battery
Battery Power Indicator
Power Saving Function
Approx. battery life: 6 months on full charge (without further exposure to light)
Module 4319
Size of case / total weight
WVA320J 49.9 x 47.2 x 12.1mm / 89g
WVA320DJ 49.9 x 47.2 x 12.1mm / 169g

The Clasp: Like another recent purchase that I made, these clasps that are popularly attached to a lot of new watches lack a sufficient amount of adjustment holes. They only give you two, so that if you take away one link, and the watch is too tight, you wind up putting a link back on and then the watch is too loose. :angryfire: Other than that, the clasp is decent. It is stamped with "Band in China".
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A Note About the Luminous Dial and Hands: Let me tell you that this is the first Casio that I have owned that has luminous material that actually glows in the dark - all night - in my dark bedroom. I am referring to the hands. The hour markers on the dial don't glow as brightly.

Tidbits: I like the font of the digital display. The second hand could be better calibrated to tick accurately right on the minute markers that surround the dial.

Conclusion: This is a nicely finished, well put together quartz watch with some heft. I liked it when I saw it on the Net. I liked it when I got it, and I still like it several days later. For what I paid - $100 not including shipping - I'd say that I got what I expected at this price point.

Thanks for reading this brief review.

Brandon.

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