Today, we’ll be reviewing the solar powered Casio EQB-500DB-2A. We’re pretty excited about this watch because it has some unique functions we haven’t seen anywhere else yet. We’ll look at the build quality, functionality, and usability of the watch.
The case and band are both solid stainless steel. The band features polished center links and brushed outer links and uses a standard fold-over push button clasp. It has micro-adjusters in the buckle – a feature we always appreciate. The end links for the band are, again, solid stainless steel instead of stamped sheet metal, which is great for the longevity of the band. The attachment of the bracelet to the case is excellent, and it has no play in the end links. The case itself is designed to offer protection for the screw-down crown, and its shape offers some protection for the four pushers as well. The bezel has been I.P. plated an attractive cobalt blue that matches the dial. Standard hours, minutes, and seconds are shown on the dial, and three asymmetrical sub-dials display 24-hour time, day, and a second time zone. Each of these sub-dials performs a secondary function that is cleanly integrated. It looks surprisingly clean and simple.
The functions and ease of use are where this watch particularly shines. These kinds of watches tend to be difficult to use, often requiring memorization of esoteric button sequences for changing its multitude of settings. Instead of making you memorize the manual – though this option is still available – you can control all the functions on the watch using an application your phone! The app is freely available for Casio, and works with both Android and Apple devices. I’m using it with an iPad. The manual and explanation of the usage of each of the watch’s functions is clearly displayed with accompanying graphics. Some of the options you can edit from this menu are the timekeeping, stopwatch, lap times/distance (used for the average speed per hour sub-dial), alarm, and world time. Since the watch pairs with your phone using Bluetooth, it will keep incredible time. As long as your phone is in range, the watch will update to local time every day. One of the coolest features is that the watch can be set up to cause the phone to ring with the press of a button, allowing you to find a lost phone!
Nowadays, there’s no shortage of watches filled with features. What sets this one apart is how easy it is to control using Casio’s app. The watch becomes significantly more useful. You spend more time actually using the watch and less time getting frustrated trying to set the time.
Reviewed by George Black August 9, 2016