Casio Pro Trek 2500T Review

by James Stacey on December 7, 2011

in Casio,Watch Reviews

Earlier this year, Paul reviewed the Casio PRW-5000 which is the analog flagship in the Pro Trek range. Paul found the 5000 to be his favorite model from the Pro Trek line up, enjoying the style and features it offers. Casio was kind enough to send us their newest iteration in the “all-digital” side of the Pro Trek line, the PRW-2500T. The 2500T aims to be the best featured and easiest to use of Casio’s tough-guy Pro Treks. This new model builds on the success of the PRG-240 by incorporating a titanium bracelet, an updated screen and an enhanced user interface which makes information more accessible and increasingly viewable.

  • Casio Module 3258
  • 50.5 x 15 mm Resin case
  • 54 mm Lug to lug
  • Titanium bracelet
  • Duplex Screen with Auto EL
  • Mineral Crystal
  • Moon phase
  • Altimeter, barometer and compass
  • Five daily alarms
  • Countdown timer
  • Multi-band 6 radio atomic calibration
  • Solar power with charge indicator
  • Chronograph
  • Tide graph
  • World time by city
  • 200m WR

The standard Pathfinder design and layout still applies to the Pro Trek 2500T. Its large case features a circular screen with dedicated compass, barometer and altimeter buttons flanking its right side while the left is dedicated to sensor (enabling many of the 2500T’s features) and the mode button.

The six o’clock section of the case houses the adjust and light buttons used for setting/augmenting values in the 2500T’s modes and activating the back light, respectively. The overall design is similar to all in the Pro Trek range and is nicely executed with good build quality and attention to detail on the 2500T.

The Pro Trek range is aimed directly at the outdoor adventurer types and it is in that application that it shines. The dedicated compass, altimeter and barometer buttons are large enough to be activated while wearing a light glove and the screen is large enough to easily show you two levels of data (such as a visual compass, numerical heading and current time, see video). The inclusion of tide data and 200m water resistance should make this model especially attractive to those with a seafaring lifestyle.

As with all Pro Trek models, there is a fairly significant learning curve, especially if you want to get the most out of the watch and all of its many features. For a brief overview please see the included video and for additional details you can download the entire manual as a 15 page PDF here. This watch is likely the most “tool” of any watch in existence; with its bevy of features, automatic calibration, solar power and 200m water resistance.

Even for a less-than-sporty type like myself, I found the five alarms to be very convenient and the active barometer graph (nine o’clock on the main screen) to be fun and accurate in predicting poor weather. Wearing the Pro Trek 2500T gave me a number of excuses to time or measure even the most remedial of events.

Features are cycled using the “Mode” button and once on screen, most features can be manipulated using the function buttons on the right side of the case (such as starting/stopping/resetting the chronograph). In fact, while wearing the 2500T I found it to be a very handy watch, something of a swiss army knife for measuring or counting the minutia of my day. The stopwatch and countdown timer are simple to use and quite convenient when cooking or attempting to avoid leaving a fresh coffee to cool in the machine.

The 2500T is surprisingly nice to wear too. Its resin case and titanium bracelet are light, nicely finished and make the 2500T’s  large profile much more practical for everyday use. The 54 mm lug to lug size is almost too long for my 7.5 inch wrist but thanks to the clever plastic shoulders on the underside of the case I didn’t find the 2500T hard to wear or difficult to keep centered on the flat part of my wrist.

I think the Pro Trek would also make an excellent travelers watch, especially for the more intrepid and “off the beaten path” variety of globetrotters. The compass would be helpful in an urban or a rural environment as would be the barometer, which can provide forewarning of poor weather. The 2500T is also complete with a world time feature that allows the user to customize a second timezone by major city (ie – NYC is GMT/UTC -5). I could definitely see additional value in the Pro Trek’s feature set were I in a situation where I could not rely on my iPhone for navigation, weather and local time adjustments.

The Pro Trek 2500T sells online for $400 USD and it does not have many peers with a comparable user interface or feature set. The Suunto Observer TT sports titanium construction but lacks solar charging, atomic calibration, and has only 100m of water resistance, all while being only slightly cheaper at $377. This is a pretty simple conclusion, if you’re an adventurous outdoor type or an international backpacking globetrotter you likely need a PRW 2500T (or something else from the Pro Trek family) and the $400 price point is very fair given its feature set and quality. If you’re more like me and prefer a comfy desk chair and warm keyboard, you likely don’t need most of the features packed into the 2500, but that doesn’t make them any less cool. We really like the Pro Trek line as they are unique and their design is not effected by any trends in the general horological atmosphere. The Pro Trek is much like the Jeep Wrangler, whose looks and basic design has gone unchanged for years. The Jeep (much like the Pro Trek line) continually improves its build quality and feature set and, while still being a decent daily-driver, has a versatile and capable feature set lurking underneath, just waiting to get you out of a jam and home in one piece.

We would like to thank Casio for providing a review unit of the Pro Trek 2500T.
  • Avesta Hojabrzadeh

    Great review James, Im a fan of Casio watches, I wear my Casio G7900 pretty much as my EDC when Im dressed casually. My only gripe with these watches is, the temp. gauge is extremely inaccurate because its sitting up against your 98 degree F body and the instruments need to be calibrated every so often ie compass and altimeter to accurately give you directional, ascent and descent readings. Wish they made models that were permanently accurate. On the positive side they are rugged, long lasting, easy to read at a glance and in my opinion the best watches for active lifestyle.

  • http://twitter.com/dirkpitt_73 dirkpitt73

    Nice review, thanks!  Is Casio bringing the ProTrek branding to the US?  It’s been Pathfinder for as long as I can remember.

  • Pauldamon

    Thanks James, for this analysis.  I have been enjoying looking at watches,
    buying some, and reading reviews of watches.  This review is quite typical
    of the work you do, going into a watch with deep analysis, picking out
    the best watch of its kind and explaining why.  There are hundreds of watches
    out there, and often it gets quite bewildering.  Keep up the good work. 

    • http://watchreport.com James Stacey

      Thanks! We do what we can. 

  • Suvietis

    Thanks for great review and perfect hi-res images.

    • http://watchreport.com James Stacey

      Thanks so much for reading, glad you liked it. 

  • Jim

    Nice review, James.  I just have one little correction to a comment you made in your video.  You mentioned that the barometric pressure recorded by the watch was relatively constant because you were in an office most of the day.  I don’t think that’s true, unless you are in a sealed building with air pressure locks for the doors.  Inside and outside pressure should be pretty close to the same value.

  • Pete

    Thans for the excellent video review.  Those just get better and better.  I bought the top-of-the-range analog Pro Trek watch after seeing your review and I can add a comment based on my experience.  The barometer (and altimeter) function is fairly accurate and works regardless of your indoors/outdoors location.  A falling barometer generally indicates worse weather and a rising one is the opposite.  of course, if you travel, it will vary because of your changing altitude.  The altimeter is excellent for charting changes in elevation as you point out in your review, but it needs setting to your current altitude before heading out.  If the barometric pressure changes because the weather changes, it will be less accurate.  Even though I already have an analog Pro Trek, I feel I want this one as well!

  • Guest

    how much is reviewers wrist size?

  • Guest

    Excellent review – as always!  Just a question; does this watch have the sunrise/sunset data?  i have the protrek 1500 and want the extra functionality…

    • Mail It

      No, only the 2000 has it.

    • Jeremy

      No, it doesn’t. Check the 2000 model if you want that instead of lunar/tide info.

  • http://www.differentwatch.com Rich

    Love the Pro-Trek series. i swear these watches will just go on and on and on (so tough and robust.)  Have to admit i never actually used mine for the purpose it was designed for though!  Love the layout of this review and the hi-res pics.

  • Micheal Ballack

    The Watch now a days  not just a time piece but it is know for its functionality. when i was searching for my watch i came across the site call infibeam.com where there is a good collection of watches.

  • Buoy

    hi there – great review! James, I’d also like to ask; does this watch have sunrise/sunset data? Then this would be the ultimate watch – a tool for every occasion!

    • Jeremy

      No, check the 2000 model if you can give up the lunar/tide data for the sunrise/sunset data.

  • http://twitter.com/dacaos a.k.a. 老丹

    Great review. Good watch, but seems to be too big, not for my wrist, sadly.

    • Jeremy

      This was my first thought, Daniel, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by Casio. My first G-Shock (GW5600) had that formed strap and it fit well. Then, the Twin Sensor I bought last year was even wider, and it also fit fine. Lastly, the WVA470 I just received is the only watch with a 42mm case diameter that would actually fit my 6-7/8″ wrist. The key is in the molded curved spots at the lugs of the case, on the bottom.

  • Pingback: Casio Pro Trek 2500T Review « The Awesomist

  • LF

    You state this watch has a Titanium case. Are you sure? I have found several claims that the case in resin, not Titanium. The Casio web site for this watch says Titanium band, but does not say the case is also. Could you please verify weather the case is Titanium or resin? Thanks.

    • http://watchreport.com James Stacey

      You are correct, the case is resin and not titanium. Thanks for the note, I have corrected the post. 

      • AndyH

        James your review of this watch on YouTube was excellent and appreciate the thorough yet easy to understand communication style and messaging for all the features incorporated in this watch.

  • Randy S

    great article, I just picked up the 2000t at a great price but the 2500 is very cool. I can use the sunrise sunset data better then the tide graph, too bad they dont add both,,

    • Jimmyzig

      If you want sunrise/sunset data, look into a Yes watch

  • randy S

    I’m liking the 2500 more and more…its growing on me :)

  • opavo

     

    Nice Collection.. Never seen before, such designs, Thanks for sharing.

  • Lespaul

    hi …just bought the prg 2500 a week ago after watching your review on youtube..here its known as prg 250t-7dr tho….luv it..bought it for us 275 dollar …but couldnt utilise the atomic thing tho.lol..how much is it in the us?…regards from malaysia and thanks for the review

    • http://watchreport.com James Stacey

      The list price is roughly $400 but I am not sure what the street/online price is. Thanks for checking out the review!

      • Rally2xs

        Paid $400 at Fashion Time in the Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge, Va. on Friday.  Still reading and attempting to understand the instructions.  Freakin’ think is way feature-rich.  I may never master the altitude savings and recall, and tidal info, as I figure to probably not need ‘em… no boat, and don’t climb.  But otherwise, wow, what an instrument to be able to wear on a wrist.

      • Les7paul7

        Just to be clear…if i were to visit any country with atomic signals…the prg 250t wont work?,,thanks in advance

        • Nakedsv

          Correct. It is not that it “doesn’t work” it is that the watch doesn’t include that feature. That’s why yours is a 250 instead of a 2500. The extra 0 and extra cost gets you the atomic synchronization. However, take comfort in the fact that the watch’s quartz movement is accurate to +/-15 s per month, and is probably even more accurate than that in practice.

    • Xid

      prg-250 does not have atomic timing

  • JimmyZig

    $380 through a retailer on Amazon (fulfilled by Amazon)

  • AndyH

    Received through ShopNBC for $287 and love this watch!

  • Franklin Darwin

    I recently purchased the pro tek 2500t and I am tremendously pleased.  This is my 7th casio in the triple
    sensor, solar models.  I got the titanium bracelet and titanium case.  Anything plastic or resin takes too
    much wear and tear.  Overseas they make these with different crystals and here in America with different
    bracelet materials, I prefer the titanium model.  In fact I would like the bezel to be titanium.
    Overall I rate the watch as exceptional and especially for the price.  And approximately $400 USD, no other
    watch compares in functionality, cost and quality.  I’d recommend it to any outdoor/sport enthuasists.

  • Lovelandimages

    Good review!  I really liked your comment about the Jeep Wrangler as I own one and your “right on the mark.”  I’ve climbed 52 of the 14,000 ft. Peaks here in Colorado and wished I had this watch during those climbs.  I could see where the data that this watch could show would have helped in in the numerous decisions that one makes in an assent and decent  of a mountain with the varying weather, poorly marked trails, having a touch of altitude sickness, seeing the ridge line above you is the “true summit” and not another “false summit” and not having the adjoining topo of which your route crossed onto(the topos don’t adjust for a mountain’s location). 
       I did these climbs with a topo and a compass without a GPS.  The additional info that this watch presents would help keep the confidence level on the positive side.  I’m sure you will agree that one’s confidence level is critical when you place yourself in these situations!

    Thanks,
    Tom M. 

  • Jake

    Does this watch work for diving, and can it use the altimeter read underwater?

  • Matt

    Good review, thank you. Curious why so many watches have barometers and altimeters (if they have one they may as well have both I guess, since they use the same sensor, ). Temperature is not worth the space. Far better to have sunrise, sunset, and moonrise and moon set.
    If there is a trade off, lose the barometer but keep the altimeter display, plus the illumination data.
    Like, what are you more likely going to want to know as you prepare to head up the mountain or set sail out of port or head into a new port, or plan most any type of operation: when there is going to be some light and when it is going to be dark somewhere and sometime, or would you prefer the current temperature, your altitude, and the barometric pressure?
    Of course, there is the issue of what other tools such as GPS or map you may have, but either way it does not change my preference. I have done a bit of all of the above activities, and I know what I prefer hands down. And if you want or need a GPS, just bring one along. Maybe the same for an altimeter.
    At the least, watches that have temperature should seriously think about having the sun and moon illumination data instead. The data set is already somewhat there given the moon phases and tide data.
    One last thing, I AM a Pathfinder.

  • Matt

    I have a better idea, after taking into accont the atomic clock.
    The Pathfinder watches should have sunrise, sunset, moon rise, and moon set illumination data.
    Keep the 2500 as it is, except:
    The atomic clock feature seems to be least in synch with the concept of these watches.
    If a trade off has to be made, the atomic clock should be the first to go in order to have the illumination data.
    Next to go would be the thermometer, but the temperature does have a part to play for the weather prediction piece, and some other things.
    All the other features are what are needed, but it also needs sunrise, sunset, moon rise, moon set.

  • sr

    Excellent review, very useful detailed information, I just recently purchased the 2500T thinking that the case was titanium as well ( a little disappointed).
    The last casio I had was the PAW1200T which survived everything I threw at it. But recently, the sensor cover broke and trying to find parts for the casio is like pulling teeth. I would hate for their repair estimate to be close to the price of the watch.

  • Wang Xuancong

    Great review! But a really good review should not only talk about good aspects.
    I would personally suggest/recommend Casio to make their multi-functional watches smaller, thinner and lighter. Indeed, Casio has the world-leading technology in making multi-functional watches. No other brand watches can have all their functions simultaneously (compass, thermometer, barometer, altimeter, etc). But one thing we realize is that all those multi-functional watches are very very big and bulky. Even without triple sensor, standard Casio watches have larger average size compared to other brands, is it due to technology limitation? I’m not very sure. Hope as the technology develops, they can make it smaller in size over time to fit more people. Currently, those huge watches are only suitable for mountain climbers, ordinary people wearing them would feel cumbersome and lousy when moving their hands in daily life. A close inspection of the entire front side of the watch would reveal that >50% of the area is occupied by panels/buttons giving useless information. For example, who does NOT know up is North, down is South, left West and right East; the word ‘Tough Solar’ is kind of showing off, before I buy it, I know it’s solar, if Casio want to show it, engrave it on the back; a familiar user know which button is for what function, Casio may want to print it on the side so that the main LCD display can be made larger for clearer display and more solar power collection.
    If Casio can make it smaller, lighter and more durable, they will definitely exceed those top runners like Rolex, Omega. For example, if a Casio Pro Trek 2500T can have a diameter <40mm, thickness 10 years, kinetic battery recharger in addition to solar, I would definitely prefer it than any Rolex/Omega. I’m sure some people will think the other way, but as time goes by, Casio will eventually win out.
    Remember, the most elegant device of any kind usually have lightest weight, smallest size, most functions and greatest durability.

    Thanks!
    Wang Xuancong (w_xc@hotmail.com)

  • Richard

    I recently bought one. It’s temperature sensor is terrible. Firstly its on the top left meaning if, as most do , you wear it on your left wrist then the temperature it’s measuring is “inside the shirt” temperature. Even When I transferred it to the right writs and rolled up my sleeve in -3 degrees it still said it was 12 degrees C!

    • http://www.facebook.com/frikdt Frik du Toit

      Have you tried calibrating the temperature sensor? Also, in all fairness, I don’t think one can blame the watch for measuring a higher temperature while wearing it – any thermometer would be affected by your body temperature if you tied it to your arm.

  • http://www.facebook.com/frikdt Frik du Toit

    Hi James, good review. I’m a huge Casio fan, currently wearing a PRG-130 and I’ve just ordered a 2500T. However, I wish Casio would address what I consider a major shortcoming in many of their watches: practically inaudible alarms (and I’m not the only one complaining about this).

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