Victorinox Swiss Army Sport Tech 5000 Path Finder Gents Watch Features
- Swiss made analog/digital quartz movement
- Domed shatter-resistant hardened mineral crystal
- A unique pusher gives you access to 2 modes: Compass and pathfinder mode
- Magnetic north indicator on the dial with 8 LEDs
- Pathfinder: 5-point LED color light system shows heading accuracy
- Locator to find the watch in darkness
The Victorinox Swiss Army Sport Tech 5000 Path Finder also called the ST 5000 Pathfinder offers great value for money. I was initially going to buy something with a simple design and basic functions but the markup between this model and the basic model wasn’t much so I decided to go for this one, especially in light of the enhanced features this watch offers for outdoor expeditions.
The numbers are big and bold and have a clear contrast over the black background of the dial. Along the index, the compass bearings in degrees are clearly listed for easy reading. The cardinal markers of N, S, E, and W are written out clearly along with the intermediate directions NE, NW, SE and SW. All the bearings are marked in increments of 15º so you probably won’t have much trouble finding the direction. In addition, the bearing is also displayed on the LCD screen at the bottom of the dial.
The crystal is dome shaped though I think a flat crystal would have been more useful simply because the dome shape results in a glare when viewed in direct sunlight. I have no complaints about the quality of the crystal since it is shatter proof and has survived more than few rough knocks on hiking and trekking trips.
The compass and pathfinder modes are two unique features of this watch that make it ideal for hiking, camping or any adventure sport for that matter. Either mode can be easily accessed with just a press of a button. The compass is built into the dial and on the periphery are 8 LEDs which mark the approximate direction. The pathfinder mode activates 5 LEDs which gauge the accuracy of the bearings displayed on the digital screen. On more than one occasion, these bearings have proved to be extremely accurate and useful for finding the right direction.
The Victorinox Swiss Army Sport Tech 5000 Path Finder comes with a 3 year warranty which is rather disappointing considering the fact that Victorinox usually provides a lifetime cover for its watches. However, I’ve had no problems with the watch since it offers impeccable time keeping and directional functions.
Victorinox Swiss Army Sport Tech 5000 Path Finder Gents Watch Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Comfortable rubber strap
- Pathfinder & compass very effective
- Excellent build quality
Cons:
- No metal strap alternative
- Very limited warranty
