Casio has unveiled a new Pro Trek model that combines solar charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and a unique reversible strap with a built-in pocket, pushing the boundaries of practical outdoor watch design.
Casio has built a reputation for turning practical outdoor watches into small engineering experiments, and the Pro Trek PRJ-B001EX-1JR continues that approach. The model combines solar charging, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a reversible strap with a built-in pocket, a feature aimed at walkers and campers who may still need somewhere to keep coins, a ticket or other small items. It is already on sale in Japan after a pre-order period, with an official price of ¥33,000, or about €180.
The strap is the watch’s most unusual element. According to Casio’s Japanese presentation of the related Pro Trek line, the brand is leaning on lightweight outdoor materials, including a bio-based resin case and band. El País reported that the reversible textile strap can also fold over the watch face, adding a layer of protection when the watch is clipped to a rucksack or stored in a tent. The design also includes a point for attaching a carabiner, reinforcing its outdoor brief.
Beyond the novelty, the watch is built around familiar Pro Trek specifications. Casio lists 100-metre water resistance, Tough Solar charging, Bluetooth link-up for automatic time adjustment and low-temperature operation down to -10C on nearby Pro Trek models in the range. The case measures 50.3mm by 46mm, and weight varies slightly by version, with official listings placing it at 44g or 47g depending on the model and market. The watch also uses a rotary guard bezel that helps protect the buttons from accidental presses.
The connected functions remain modest by smartwatch standards but useful in the field. Through the Casio Watches app, the watch can synchronise the time and record the time and location of an activity on a map. It also includes a stopwatch, countdown timer, five alarms and double LED lighting. For now, there is no confirmed launch in Spain, although previous Pro Trek models have later reached other markets. The question is whether the integrated pocket solves a real problem or simply adds another of Casio’s distinctive quirks.
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