I just bought the Ronstan ClearStart Racing watch (4031) last week and it didn't even last the first race. It wasn't very waterproof and when I launched my cat, I noticed a drop of water under the face. The next day the glass was fogged over and the watch didn't work. Does anyone have a suggestion of racing watch that will last for a while that is relatively inexpensive?
Thanks in advance!
Look at Casio watches that have a countdown timer and auto repeat function. Here's one. RTFM. Wally World has it for $41
http://www.casio.com/products/Watches/Sports/SGW100-1V/
I use the cheap Timex Iron Man from Wally world about 30 bucks. You have to look for the one with a countdown timer, I get them with countdown repeat so when we have multiple starts it just keeps up. I never put a battery in them, just replace them when the battery dies. JMHO, YMMV, Ricardo.
I got a Timex Iron Man, too, back when I crewed on a guy's monohull in the local regattas. It lasted for years before the battery went kaput. I stuck it in a box when I moved to Hawaii. A couple of years ago I pulled it out and swapped the batteries. Still chuggin'. Countdown works, too. If I ever go back to racing, I'll keep using it or get something similar.
Tom
I bought the Ronstan ClearStart watch also from West Marine, but bought the replacement package. Sure enough the first one failed (water in the face), but I returned it and they gave me a new one. I have'nt had any problems with the second one. I like it because I can see the numbers without my reading glasses ;p