[PROTREK Review] PRW-35Y-1B – dark digital beauty for those who like traditional PRO TREKs

In the age of advanced technology, people are often tempted to try out new features on their wristwatches, including Bluetooth synchronization, calorie counters, pedometers, GPS navigation, MIP displays, and more. However, it can be challenging to find a reliable watch with a long-lasting battery that is also energy-efficient. I have personally found a watch that fits the bill, and I’d like to share my thoughts on it in this blog post. Let’s take a closer look at the PRW-35Y-1B model and see why it’s the perfect option in this category.

I have been wearing this watch for a month now, and I decided to keep it after paying for it. I just wanted to let you know how satisfied I am with today’s hero.

 

However, I am feeling overwhelmed with emotions and thoughts, so I will try to organize my reasons into a review to better structure my ideas.

[STN] LCD

MIP displays had to be excluded in my search for the perfect watch. The reason is that the Japanese haven’t yet developed a fully autonomous basic MIP G-SHOCK with solar recharging. Additionally, I don’t need any BLUETOOTH in the watch that I’m looking for. All I want is a reliable watch that displays digital time and has basic functionality.

Today’s hero has not just an LCD display, but with STN prefix, which means better contrast compared to the usual LCD type [dark outline is even darker, or vice versa]. 

Super Twisted Nematic Display – is a type of display technology commonly used in LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens. STN displays are known for providing improved viewing angles and better color representation compared to traditional TN (Twisted Nematic) displays.

Now add to this beautiful contrast even larger index fonts, and you get simply marvelous readability in digital format. 

Depending on the viewing angle, the indicators may appear greenish, but they are typically gray.

I must admit, the display on this CASIO model is really impressive. I haven’t seen such high-quality “graphics” in ages. The difference in clarity is noticeable even to the naked eye, thanks to the thickness of the indices:

Compared to the traditional G-SHOCK models (with the exception of the recent GW-9500), the PRW-35 has one of the best formats for displaying digital information in a CASIO watch, in my opinion. Firstly, it’s a classic round shape, and secondly, the indices are arranged in a very user-friendly way. The central layer displays the current time in a large font, while the top and bottom parts (both the same size) show additional information.

In addition to excellent readability, I also appreciate the PRW-35’s fast operation. The watch works just like any other CASIO LCD watch, and the difference can only be felt when compared to the MIP format. Switching from mode to mode is instantaneous, and the stopwatch runs at 1/10 speed. There’s no need to wait, and time can be saved with the optional “Saving” icon. The dial fully satisfies my perception of a “watch for the soul”.

Negative display

The PRW-35 line currently includes three models, with two featuring a traditional display that some readers have described as a “calculator” display, while the other model (PRW-35Y-1B) boasts a negative display. All three models look great, but personal preference will come into play. Initially, I was drawn to the model with a blue (turquoise) strap, but unfortunately, it wasn’t available, and I had to rule it out. Subsequently, I was faced with a choice between the negative and traditional display. To be honest, this decision took me a few weeks to make as I usually prefer the traditional type due to its better readability.

And that is indeed the case in regular inverted watches, where the core indexes are often small and difficult to read. However, the PRW-35Y-1B, which I chose, has a larger font for the core dial, making it easier to read. Another reason why I opted for this watch is that I wanted something new and different from what I already own. I did not want to purchase another watch that was similar to my current one (PRW-3000-1). Additionally, the negative display is more secretive, tactful, and militaristic, which is exactly what I was looking for. As you can see, I took a risk and decided to go with the PRW-35Y-1B.

My impressions of the negative display

I have been using the PRW-35Y-1B model for over a month now, and I would like to share my true feelings about it. The watch turned out to be quite dark. Whenever I look at it, I can’t help but notice its resemblance to a black hole.

The display is dominated by black and dark colors, with only the major current time indices visible, giving it a stealthy and militaristic look. Although this was the desired effect, the information displayed is not as easy to read as it would be on a more transitional display.

If you compare the normal version of the watch with the inverted version, you’ll notice that the latter is more sensitive to lighting conditions. For instance, if you are using the watch in a dark room, it may be harder to read the time than if you were using it in a well-lit environment. However, after using the watch for a while, I have discovered that 80% of the time, the readability is perfect, just like in most of the photos in this review. In particular, the watch is easy to read when you are outside, in a normally lit room, or driving a car during the day. The visibility may be affected only in the remaining 20% of cases, such as when you are in a poorly lit room or under a shade. Nevertheless, there is a solution to this problem, which is automatic backlighting that activates when you rotate your wrist.

It works perfectly. The watch immediately displays the current time and other information with clear, bold markings. Initially, I set the backlight trigger to 3 seconds, but it felt too long. However, I changed it to 1 second, which feels more natural. The backlight is not limited in this watch, so 3 seconds is not an issue. Additionally, the solar power in this PRO TREK allows me to experiment with the backlight settings.

The thickness of the font used for the index has contributed to its readability. The numbers are easier to read on a black background because they are more visible. Moreover, the more densely packed the center layer is, the better the visibility of the numbers and other information.

Here’s an example with a stopwatch – it’s just an awesome readability. 

So inversion has its pros and cons, but in my case, I am satisfied with everything. The backlight works, and in other cases, I don’t need it, and everything is viewed perfectly. For “watches for the soul,” it copes perfectly.

P.S. This display is also very sensitive to dust particles. You can see them better than on a standard one.

Functionality

Despite the seemingly simple watch format, where everyone already knows everything, I appreciate the PRW-35Y-1B’s basic features. Let me highlight the key points.

Firstly, there is an hourly alarm that beeps every hour. It is simple yet very useful. I love this feature as it allows me to keep track of time without even looking at the watch screen.

Secondly, the watch has a unique feature for hiking enthusiasts – sunrise and sunset times. It shows the exact time of sunrise and sunset on a specific day in your time zone. You can also flip the date to plan your route and vacation time. Although I have never used this feature, it could be very useful.

Lastly, the stopwatch in the PRW-35Y-1B is impressive. The large markers that fill almost 90% of the main space of the display are easy to read and make it very user-friendly.

The readability is excellent. The movement of the milliseconds is fantastic, and I love watching such dynamic movements. Moreover, the stopwatch has a 999-hour capacity [999:59’59.9″], which makes it even more impressive. There are also split times and first and second-place times, but I’ve never used these features before as I’m not sure how to work with them. 

In stopwatch mode, you can always control the current time, which goes down to the first, more compact “layer” of the dial while the stopwatch takes the core display. I use the stopwatch quite often in my daily life: to control the duration of workouts at the gym, while walking with a child, while cleaning, and so on.

The timer is perhaps the most sought-after feature on the watch and is frequently used. I use it during workouts for one-minute rest intervals, where I work for one minute and rest for the same duration. I also use it for one-minute workouts at the gym, where I prefer to focus on time rather than quantity. I use the timer when I cook meals, read to children for 20 minutes, and for 100500 other situations when I need to manage a specific amount of time.

The PRW-35 features a 24-hour capacity timer that is simple to set. It allows you to adjust the minutes, not only up but also down, with the two side buttons, which is a significant advantage compared to G-SHOCK, where you can only move the value upwards. However, the watch lacks customization at the seconds level, meaning you cannot set values such as 1 min. 30 seconds. Additionally, there is no auto-repeat feature, which requires you to press the button every time. Despite these drawbacks, the PRW-35 is ideal for strength training as it offers basic functionality without any distractions. The current time is displayed on the bottom layer of the screen, making it easy to keep track of the time during your workout.

Alarms. The watch comes with a total of 5 alarms, including a “snooze” mode. The snooze mode works by setting off the alarm not only at the scheduled time but also 5 minutes later, with 3-4 repetitions every 5 minutes (the exact number is unknown to me, because I got tired of monitoring it))). I set two alarms, one for 00:00 to remind me to go to bed and another for 7:00 to wake me up. However, relying on only the watch alarm is not enough for me, so I also use my phone as an additional alarm.

World Time. The World Time feature allows you to easily switch between different time zones and view two times at once on a single display. This is particularly useful for travelers or for keeping track of the time in different locations when communicating with clients, family, or friends. However, in my personal experience, I do not find myself using this feature frequently.

MultiBand6 (atomic sync). What I love about CASIO watches is the truly perfect accuracy they offer. If you take a look at these two models I have, you’ll see that I’ve never adjusted them, yet their seconds run almost identically, with just a one-second difference.

My PRW-35Y-1B receives a signal every morning around 3 o’clock [which is not the case with the GW-B5600]. This signal reception makes the accuracy of my watch reliable. It’s important to note that this accuracy is achieved without the need for the watch to sync with your phone. Personally, I find this feature even more valuable. Although I do appreciate mechanical watches, I prefer my watch’s accuracy to be within a few seconds, rather than a few minutes. 

The compass, altimeter/barometer, and thermometer are all there and work within the limits of the in-built digital sensor. It is possible to calibrate really accurately, but that’s not my story. The ABC sensor is only present for “beauty” so far, but its presence is still a joy. It seems to me that PRO TREK watches can be used by professional mountaineers only with a fundamental desire “like in the good old days”, because now there are tools with more convenient and accurate functionality. And it is not only about mountaineers but also about the whole tourist hobby. PRW-35Y-1B is about old-school and traditional minimalism, and it is up to you to decide whether you are ready for such a variant of functionality implementation in a watch or not.

Size, feel, and materials. I wear the PRW-35Y-1B every day, and every day I am amazed by its great comfort. The watch feels almost invisible on the wrist, very light, and even more compact compared to other PRW watches.

This is due to bioplastic, a new material made of organic materials. The back cover is entirely made of it, which takes the tactile experience to a new level.

The steel cover no longer evokes the usual “coldness.” On the contrary, the watch is always “warm” and even creates a feeling of “softness.” 

Soft urethane strap with large slots provides excellent air ventilation and also contains organic content in its structure. Soft, lightweight, and durable with convenient “levers” for replacement – ideal for PRO TREK.

The “Super Illuminator” LED lighting provides excellent performance.

Illumination is generally smooth, but there is some embarrassing glare of two rays from the left side of the LEDs [maybe it’s purely my bias]. At the same time, the backlight clearly emphasizes the markings [this is the advantage of the negative type]. The automatic activation and the possibility to choose the duration of activation make me happy. 

Conclusions

I am very pleased with my purchase of the PRW-35Y-1B Casio watch. Despite the availability of Polar watches and other more functional options at a similar price point, I chose this particular model because of the aesthetic pleasure it brings me. I appreciate the watch’s reliability, traditional functionality, and impressive accuracy, as well as the easy-to-read digital time display on the STN-LCD screen. While the inverted display may not be for everyone, I personally find it appealing. If you are unsure, I recommend going with the regular display option. Overall, I highly recommend this watch.

Source: casioblog.com

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Official PRW-35 Specs / Features
*based on PRW-35-1A model

• Super-Full-Auto LED light
  If the ambient light fades, a turn of your wrist illuminates the watch display particularly brightly.
• Low-temperature resistant (-10 °C)
  Even temperatures as low as -10 °C have no effect on this watch.
• Solar Power
  Invisible solar cells in the watch convert light into energy and supply all functions. A rechargeable battery provides the necessary capacity for operation in poor light conditions.
• Radio signal reception (EU, USA, Japan, China)
  Whether in Europe, North America and Japan or in the outer reaches of Canada, Central America and China – once the watch has been set to the local time, it receives the relevant signal and shows the correct time wherever you are. In many countries, it also sets itself automatically to summer and winter time.
• Barometer (260 / 1.100 hPa)
  A built-in sensor measures the local air pressure and shows it on the display. This can be helpful, e.g. while hiking, to recognise weather tends at an early stage.
• Thermometer (-10°C / +60°C)
  A built-in sensor measures the local temperature and indicates it on the display.
• Digital-compass
  A direction sensor measures the magnetic north and displays north on the watch, as well as the direction in which you are currently moving.
• Altimeter 10000 m
  A built-in sensor measures the local air pressure and calculates the current altitude.
• Height Gain
  The height gain sums all the meters you have climbed in a session, so that you can see at a glance the total ascent on a tour.
• Altimeter data memory
  Depending on the model, up to 40 sets of elevation data can be stored in the watch’s data memory and re-accessed at any time. Each of these data sets consists of a measured altitude as well as the date and time. In addition to the individual altitudes, the maximum and minimum altitudes during a measurement are also stored.
• Sunlight Indicator
  After entering your local data such as date, time and location, the times for sunrise and sunset can be displayed for any other date.
• World time function
  The world time function displays local times in up to 29 different time zones.
• Stopwatch function – 1/10 sec – 1.000 hours
  Elapsed time, split time and final time are measured with 1/10-sec accuracy. The watch can measure times of up to 1000 hours.
• Timer – 1/1 min. – 24 hours
  For fans of precision: the countdown timers help you to remember specific or recurring events by giving off an audible signal at a preset time. The time can be set to the nearest minute and up to 24 hours in advance. Ideal for people who need to take medicines every day or those who do interval training.
• 5 daily alarms
  The daily alarm reminds you about recurring events with an acoustic signal at the time you have set. This model has 5 independent alarms for flexible reminders of important appointments.
• Snooze feature
  Each time you stop the alarm, it sounds again after a few minutes.
• Button tones on/off
  The button tones for using the mode button can be turned off. This means that the watch no longer beeps when switching from one function to another. Preset alarm or countdown timers remain active when the button tones are deactivated.
• Automatic calendar with Date, Day and Month
  Once set, the automatic calendar always displays the correct date.
• 12/24-hour format
  Times can be displayed in either a 12-hour or 24-hour format.
• Mineral glass
  The tough mineral glass resists scratching.
• Bio-based resin case
• Bio-based case back
• Bio-based resin band
• Buckle
  The bracelet is equipped with a buckle.
• Battery level indicator
  An indicator shows the current battery level.
• Water resistance classification (10 bar)
  Perfect for swimming and snorkelling: the watch is water resistant to 10 bar according to ISO 22810.
• Dimensions (H x W x D)
  51.2mm x 44.6mm x 13mm
• Weight
  approx. 45 g