Casio Pro Trek Outdoor Series Watch Review - PRJ-B001-2 - A Swappable Strap Casio

When I recently reviewed the Casio G-Shock GA2300, I was excited that it was similar to my favorite G-Shock, the Casioak, but it allowed for standard 24mm straps to be installed. While I liked that watch, the dial design polarized a lot of people, and it also lacked Bluetooth connectivity. The Casio Pro Trek PRJ-B001 Outdoor series and its 23mm lugs could remedy that.

I've never owned a Pro Trek watch before, but this model has a lot going for it. Casio says it's the lightest Pro Trek ever. I liked the light blue and orange colorway of the "-2" reference, and it adds solar charging and Bluetooth. Pro Trek also says that at 37g, it's the lightest Pro Trek watch ever. This might be a great new mountain biking watch (although I've started using the heart rate monitor on my G-Shock DWH5600).

Casio Pro Trek PRJ-B001 First Impressions

For a watch that's intended to be functional, PRJ-B001 is also fun to wear. The colors and the strap are fun, and the three-dimensional hour markers give it a cool look. It would fit in perfectly with a camping backpack and some rock climbing gear.

Wearing the Casio Pro Trek PRJ-B001

Although it's large, PRJ-B001 is quite comfortable. Casio is right that it's a featherweight. Additionally, even with standard straps installed, the articulating lugs help any wrap around the wrist.

Besides the distinctive strap, this Pro Trek's other hidden party piece is its bezel. When in the lock position, the button pushers are hidden and protected. Rotate it counterclockwise, and you'll feel a distinct click as it hits a stop. This allows easier to access and also reveals text to describe each button's function.

While I understand the concept, it feels like a gimmick. I'm not sure how often that hikers are accidentally pressing buttons, and it's extra step when wanting to use the watch. It does look cool and it's fun to play with though. The buttons can still be operated with it locked, they are just more difficult to press.

The legibility is also excellent. Large, off-white hands and hour markers are distinct against the dark solar panel dial.

An orange mark at 12 helps to visually orient it and align the rotating bezel.

The orange multi-function hand is also easy to spot and differentiate from the time-telling hands.

The LCD is negative. Some don't prefer this, as it's harder to see, but it distracts less from the core time telling. Negative is my preference against a black dial, especially an analog model.

The lume on this watch is above and beyond other G-Shocks that I've owned. The hands are filled with a quality lume. More interestingly, solid hour markers give the appearance of ceramic lume blocks like that on the Tudor Pelagos Pro or Christopher Ward C60 Trident Lumière.

I assume it is some sort of plastic, but whatever it is is effective. It's not shockingly bright, but better than most Casios, and likely to satisfy most serious watch collectors.

If the lume does fade, or if you need to read the LCD screen, it also packs LED illumination and backlight  that can be set to glow for 1.5 or 3 seconds.

Original and Replacement Straps for the Casio Casio Pro Trek PRJ-B001

Even though I planned to swap the strap out after I bought it, I was excited to check out the original strap on the PRJB001. I've never owned such a style of strap.

One side uses a more traditional nylon weave, while the other half uses elastic cords. This allows is to fit a wide range of sizes. It can easily be secured to the outside of a jacket with one hand, or even a backpack. If you're planning to do this, it's also resistance to temperatures down to -10C (14F). Other variants of this model use a traditional two-piece resin strap.

The strap is lightweight and stretchy. It took a bit of trial and error to get the adjustment of the nylon side perfect. Too tight, and the orange bungee cord material digs into your wrist. Too loose and it flops around. I was also concerned that the loop could call off the hook, but a bit of tension seems to alleviate that concern. A pull tab on it makes the end easier to grab even while wearing gloves.

If you're like me and would like to wear it with something more traditional, you're in luck. The strap is secured to traditional-shaped lugs with a quick-release adaptor. This allows the fitment of our 23mm straps!

Currently, we offer the Smooth FKM in 23mm, and I prefer the orange color on the PRJB001. You can use the buy button below to purchase one. You can see more photos at the end of the article and also view our Guide to Choosing a Watch Strap.

Smooth FKM Rubber

Casio Pro Trek PRJ-B001 Movement

The module in PRJ-B001 has a different number than Bluetooth Casio models like Casoiak GAB2100 or the Edifice Windflow series. It has the same, or very similar functionality, just with a slightly different layout of the LCD screen and the analog multi-function indicator.

Before owning my first Bluetooth watch, I thought that I preferred atomic clock sync, as it didn't require a connection to a smartphone. Living in Ohio, however, atomic sync is spotty. The Bluetooth connection is seamless and reliable.

Without Bluetooth connection, it is accurate to +/- 15 seconds per month. When paired with a smartphone, however, the time syncs twice per day. It can operate for 7 months with no exposure to light or 18 months in power save mode. A power level indicator shows the current state of charge.

Casio Pro Trek PRJ-B001 Conclusion

Being my first Pro Trek, I've enjoyed wearing PRJ-B001. It's a fun and comfortable watch with a desirable set of features. Although the watch has a lot of overlap with many G-Shock models, it's also priced the same. It loses some of the shock and water resistance of a G-Shock but takes on a form factor that works better in specific outdoor scenarios. At only $160, it's priced the same as a G-shock too. Wearing it makes me wish that I was going camping or snowboarding tomorrow!

Casio Pro Trek PRJ-B001 Specifications:

Name: Casio Pro Trek PRJ-B001 Series
Reference Number: PRJ-B001B-2
Price: $160
Width: 46mm
Height: 50.3mm
Thickness: 13.6mm
Lug Width: 23mm
Weight: 37g
Movement: 5732
Battery Life: 7 months without solar charge or power save function use
Water Resistance: 100m
Crystal: Mineral
Strap: Cloth

 

Casio Pro Trek PRJ-B001 with Smooth FKM Rubber