Once I learn Devin Pennypacker’s article in January concerning the W.O.E. Submersible Wrist Compass, it actually obtained me fascinated about the connections between wristwatches and compasses. Each bodily instruments––and each debatably archaic due to fast developments in expertise––there’s a sure attract to proudly owning and using these tactile units as a substitute of the purposes on a smartphone. What higher technique to exhibit the connection between watches and compasses than combining them into one piece? The Casio MW-43 is a watch like no different, and its mixture of timekeeping and navigation make it a singular piece of horology that deserves way more consideration.
The MW-43 and Pathfinder’s Seemingly Undocumented Historical past
Little or no data exists concerning the MW-43’s creation and, surprisingly, the origins of the Pathfinder branding. The primary ever triple sensor watch mannequin, the Casio ATC-1100, was launched in 1994. The primary Casio Professional Trek-branded timepiece, the DPX-500, was launched in 1995. The primary Pathfinder fashions had been produced in 1995 and embody (however might not be restricted to) the SPF-50, SPF-10, PAT-30, ALT-6300, and PAT-600. Each the aforementioned ATC-1100 and DPX-500 are just about equivalent aside from beauty colorway variations, and this design would later be reused underneath the Pathfinder branding because the PRT-40 in 1996.
This difficult chronology has prompted a little bit of confusion inside the accumulating neighborhood, however I hope this rationalization will assist to treatment any additional misunderstanding. In 2013, Casio discontinued the Pathfinder line and, together with it, seemingly buried its historical past. In response to my information and analysis, that is the primary try at documenting the origins of the Pathfinder line’s creation. I invite others who’re excited about doing a little bit of their very own analysis to doc any extra findings within the feedback under.
With the Professional Trek and Pathfinder dates in thoughts, there’s a tidbit of standard tradition data that can assist to lastly date the hitherto dateless MW-43. Within the 1995 movie Mortal Kombat, actress Bridgette Wilson is seen carrying an MW-43 on her wrist in a number of scenes. Realizing that the Professional Trek and Pathfinder strains each began in 1995, the MW-43 is among the many first Pathfinder fashions to ever be produced. What separates this mannequin from the others is its utilization of an analog show and bodily compass, making the MW-43 the primary absolutely analog Pathfinder the model ever made. Whereas it might not be as monumental as the primary quartz watch or first GMT motion, this mannequin charts an necessary and infrequently ignored portion of Casio’s historical past.
Design and Variants
The MW-43’s total design is definitely a remnant of its mid-90s origins, however I really feel that’s simply one other side of what makes it particular. Its sturdy black case is 48mm in diameter (which incorporates the sizable hinge and crown bump-out) however wears a lot smaller with its 16mm thickness and 45mm lug-to-lug measurement. Though it’s technically a full watch and motion on prime of a compass, Casio did an incredible job of protecting it as skinny as potential. Transferring to its aesthetics, the hefty handset and indices comprise heaping quantities of lume that also glow (not too vibrant, albeit) after 30 years of use. The yellow Pathfinder brand provides a refreshing pop of shade that doesn’t intrude an excessive amount of on the dial’s total simplistic design. The bezel options 4 imitation rivets that, alongside the scalloped hour marker positions, provides to the general robust and utilitarian look. It’s a daring watch from a design perspective however not loud or vibrant by any means.
When the highest half of the watch is unlatched, the star of the present is revealed. It’s clear Casio put a large quantity of effort and time into perfecting this compass complication’s total design. The stark white directional abbreviations are clearly printed on the outer monitor, its clear backing and rotatable physique permits for correct map bearing, and the metallic blue needle is seen in quite a lot of lighting due to its reflective end. I ought to be aware the arrow printing on my instance’s needle is a bit crooked, however on different examples I’ve seen this isn’t a problem.
Throughout Casio’s manufacturing of this mannequin, they launched a number of variations to this preliminary design. Examples with the Pathfinder brand however Arabic numerals as a substitute of arrow indices could be discovered, whereas one other variant options the identical numeral indices with the phrase “Compass” inside the yellow brand. In different markets, this mannequin was marketed because the Casio Landfarer and, thus, function “Landfarer” inside the yellow oval. Coloration clever, the black variant is the commonest, however Casio produced black and purple, yellow and purple, yellow and inexperienced, and brown and tan fashions as effectively––as soon as once more depending on market, it appears. A couple of fashions have oil-filed compasses and thermometer bands, however there are not any particulars presently out there that outline which variants and markets used them. Casio additionally produced the MW-45 with the same case form however no flip-top compass complication, as a substitute choosing a compass band much like the thermometer band.
Shopping for Ideas and Last Ideas
When you’ve got any curiosity in choosing up a MW-43 of your individual, there are a number of listed on on-line public sale web sites. Costs in fact fluctuate relying on situation and performance, however these could be had for anyplace from $100-200 with the occasional outlier instance right here and there. As with all classic watches, pay shut consideration to beauty and mechanical situation when deciding on one that most closely fits your assortment and price range. The one model-specific harm I may advocate looking for is the yellowing of the compass plastic. This appears to be a extra widespread situation with the oil-filled variants, however I’d nonetheless ensure to double-check earlier than including an instance to your cart. Take be aware that substitute elements and actions are comparatively onerous to return by for this mannequin, so I like to recommend discovering a totally functioning instance until you will have expertise servicing quartz actions.
The Casio MW-43 is a chunk of Nineties treasure. It’s a watch that, at first look, is a straightforward three-handed quartz piece with little to jot down residence about. Pop the highest off the case and the MW-43 features a completely new persona and turns into one thing fairly exceptional. I need to admit I don’t do a large quantity of nature walks and exploration, however once I put on this watch, it in some way offers me a newfound appreciation for the outside. Whereas I most probably gained’t change my Google Maps app with the MW-43, a map, and a pencil, it is going to ceaselessly maintain a particular spot in my assortment. It represents the significance of disconnecting from the modern expertise we’re so usually surrounded by, as a substitute selecting to navigate the pure world round us that may be simply and sadly ignored by the screen-filled indoors. That being mentioned, I can solely hope this text ushers within the spring season and its related temperatures for these of us dwelling within the frigid North…
