This goes around once a year... I am looking for a new watch for matches, and suffice it to say, I need something that is bigger (reading glasses!!) and has a vibrating mode (hate the beeps). The Casio ref watch is out of stock everywhere . It was recommended heavily last year, but I believe it was discontinued. I wear the OSI watch on my left, and I'm looking for the backup to that, or make the OSI watch my back up. whatever. I have been trolling the internet looking for the perfect watch. Does it exist? Anyone know enough about it to comment? I've searched and looked at old threads but most of those watches seem resigned to the scrap heap. (discontinued)...Money is no object, but Price is!!! BTW, my old Timex finally expired after what I think is about 15+ years. R
There are a number of vibrating alarm watches out there, but most seem to have a small display and/or have the screen crammed with other stuff, most of it useless for what we need. That said, this one - http://www.eadhd.com/952431.html may be okay. If you try it, write a review so we know if it's worth the $$. Doesn't look too durable though. Do a google for "watch vibrate alarm".
Has anyone taken the plunge with the Seiko SVAF001-W772? http://www.weplaysports.com/Referee/ Though I can't tell how tall the numbers are (and I could use some big ones, too), they seem to have thought of everything, but at a price. Also, it may be discontinued, as I can't find it on the Seiko web site.
OSI UK appears to have the Casio Referee Timer in stock. http://www.officialsports.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=88_96&products_id=4410
In case this helps you find it.... The model number for the asymmetric Casio is: RFT100-1V I can't believe they quit making the best ref watch, insert shaking head smiley.
I personally have never really found a need for a vibrate alarm. I use the Timex Datalink USB watch. It doesn't have a vibrate alarm, but it is highly customizable. It has customizable beeps and alarms, where you can change the length, pitch, and frequency of each. You can have a simple one or two beep alarm if you don't want the players hearing your watch. It's also helpful when doing interval repeats on the track and you don't want the alarm beeping for 5 or 10 seconds for every interval. You are able to program and name several countdown timers, so I can store a 45 minute timer as ADULT, 40 minute timer as U16, etc. For those that like to stop the watch for injuries or time wasting, there is a synchro timer that shows both total time and stoppage time. There is an interval timer that allows you to train for the FIFA test, as you can program a RUN time followed by a WALK time and then repeat. You can also program notes and phone numbers into the watch, where I store my USSF ID#, along with other numbers I don't use too often but am glad I have handy when I do need them. There are other nice features as well (organizer, alarms, downloadable workouts), and if you are really ambitious, you can even write your own applications for the watch.
I actually use the vibrate feature for training, not for refereeing. Since I crank the headphones while indoor, I never hear the beeps, but I do feel the vibrate. For ref purposes, I have never (I know, never say never) missed the end of a half. One watch counts up, and the other counts down. That casio is no where to be found, although I will try that UK link now.
I can't imagine spending $170 on a watch to referee soccer..... But... this, complete with vibration alarm is on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/DIADORA-PROFESS...5|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50 There is also a website that specializes vibration watches: http://www.vibewatches.com/
http://www.eadhd.com/952431.html Does anyone else see the humor in a ref watch with these features? Stores: # Name and phone number # Medical Information (diabetic, asthmatic, hemophiliac etc) # Allergic reactions (penicillin, bee sting, peanuts etc.) # List of medications, blood type, date of birth # Doctor's name & phone, emergency contact info # Insurance company & policy number and medical snooze too! Coaches could have a field day with this.
Actually, I find it humorous that anyone needs a watch with all the bells and whistles these watches come with. I've tried numerous "referee" watches over the years. It comes down to the simpler the better for me. I like my Timex Ironman just fine. It's easy to read and the timer works fine. I can set the watch to count up or back but usually just use the chrono feature, start it, blow the whistle and I'm good to go
I was at the outlet mall with my daughter yesterday and they had a watch shop... And I bought this watch: IRONMAN* Triathlon® 100-Lap with Flix Price: US $70.00 Product Code: T5F5919J And it was priced at $26.00. The numbers on the dial are HUGE! It's a velcro wrap band, which I like and it's black with yellow to match my outfit!! So, anyone looking for a good inexpensive watch with HUGE numbers, this is the one! R
I bought the Optimumtime watch from Official Sports, primarily due to LARGER DISPLAY (older eyes). Really like it. However, this weekend (see other post on Wheelchair Soccer) it posed a problem as I needed a stopwatch to the 10th of seconds and this one doesn't have it. Had to revert to my Walmart $10.00 backup.
Rufusabc: I use the Timex Expedition as my 'primary' referee watch (counts down) and a Coleman #40-807 as my 'backup' watch (counts up). The Coleman is several years old and purchased at Target Greatland (in an emergency as I forgot my watch en route to a game!) and the Timex I purchased last summer at K-Mart. Neither watch cost me more than $40 and both seem to be very reliable. I have included the info on the Timex. As you can see, the main display is very large compared to other watches. I too am a member of the reading glasses club! Timex Digital Expedition Chrono Alarm Timer Watch 48061
Finally found the one I was looking for for the OP and other, erm, more, erm, "experienced" guys.... http://www.refshop.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=29 One of our referees has one and is is quite large!