For those of you that own the St. Moritz Pathfinder watch that BackpackingLight carries:

1. Is it durable?
2. Is the alarm loud enough?
3. How long do the battery last, given only occasional use of the alarm?
4. Can you replace the battery yourself?
5. Can you find new O-rings (assuming that's how the watch is water-resistant)?
6. Do you like the color of the dial (black v.s. white)? I.e., is it easy to read?

Thanks. I have a Swiss Army watch that I like, but only certain dealers have the tool to open it. There's one such shop in Denver, but they're in a remote suburb, they won't do it while you wait so it takes two trips, and they charge $25. (I'll sell it - no scratches!)

davidmenges@gmail.com

I would send it to the actual Swiss Army repair center. See http://www.swissarmy.com/customerservice/repaircenters.htm

For all the headaches, you could buy a $25 Timex to use while Victorinox is replacing the battery. I'll bet they charge less too.

My wife has a couple Eddie Bauer watches and sends them to EB's repair center to have the batteries replaced. I found one in a thrift store for $3 and assumed it just needed a battery and sent it in. A couple weeks later, I got a note from EB stating that it was not the battery and that they did not have parts available for the watch. They apologized and said that the watch originally sold for $85 and they were enclosing a gift certificate for $85. How's THAT for jaw-dropping customer service?

Lest you think it was a one-time thing, I mentioned this to a co-worker who told me he had a dead EB watch, so he sent his in and, yup, he got a gift certificate to cover the original retail price.

Hi. I have the St Moritz Mommentum watch which is in the same line as the alarm watch.In fact they are identical except for the alarm. Firstly, it is a great watch. I have the dark face which makes reading the numerals much easier. At my age failing eyesight makes large numerals a must and this watch has very easily read numbers even without my glasses. The luminous hands and cardinal points are easily read in the dark for about 2 to 3 hours before they fade significantly but can still be discerned throughout the night. Forget about do it yourself replacement of the battery and seals. Doing so voids the warranty which is excellent. Sending the watch back for battery replacement regenerates the warranty for another 2 years,something I have already done. The battery lasts about 2 years. When you send it back they do a complete overhaul of the watch.
One thing I did do was to replace the band which is some kind of kevlar like plastic and foam affair. I bought a Timex expedition waterproof leather and nylon band which is more comfortable and conforms better to my wrist.

All in all a most excellent watch for the money. By the way, do a google search and you will find better prices out there than are to be had here on BPL. I got mine for about $80.

David,

I've sent you an email from one of my "alias" email addresses - please look for it (check your junk email if it doesn't show up in your inbox). The subject line is:

St. Moritz Pathfinder watch - from pj on BPL


pj