INTRODUCTION

   It's quite normal for people to check out all the usual and well-known brand names when they are out to purchase a watch either to own for themselves or to give as a gift to someone really close. For example some friends of mine always like to buy Casio G-Shock, Timex and Suunto watches because they consider them as the best for extreme sports and scuba diving due to the durable materials used and extra features like depth meters, barometers, GPS etc. I on the other am always on the lookout for new watch models introduced by Casio, Seiko, Citizen, Sector and quite a few other brands that i happen to respect and trust. However in a market where new players emerge every day it's somewhat important for people like me to keep an open mind and that lesson was taught to us by Caterpillar since it wasn't only until recently that we had a chance to check out one of the latest watch models added to their collection, the REEF.

   For over 80 years, Caterpillar has been building the world’s infrastructure and, in partnership with independent dealers, is driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. Caterpillar is a technology leader and the world's largest maker of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. Caterpillar develops innovative and new high technology for its products. The same principle is applied to Cat timekeeping equipment lifestyle products. Constructed from the highest quality materials, Cat watches are developed to meet stringent requirements, without compromises. Each Cat watch encompasses cutting edge design and high functionality to offer a solid performance in a variety of active situations. Cat watches offer just the right watch for any man with great emphasis being attached to the casual and powerful design of the watch and the philosophy behind the Caterpillar brand. Caterpillar is synonymous with reliability, durability and cutting edge technology since 1904.

   Much like most of you my first encounter with Cat proucts by Caterpillar was back in the early 90's when two rather huge (and brand new) track loaders passed right next to me while i was going to watch a ball game. Since then I’ve seen countless vehicles carry the name Cat and i also have a friend who owns a large construction company with several track loaders by Caterpillar but that's just about all i knew about that company so when i stumbled across their watch line i was impressed in a good way. Certainly there's nothing similar between a track loader and a watch but when you've build a name and a track record like Caterpillar has i doubt they'd be willing to risk all that by introducing something mediocre in the market and that's what peaked my interest. So today we are taking a look at one of their latest rubber band watches to hit the market called the REEF and more specifically the yellow/black model (D5.163.21.127).

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

Caterpillar ships the REEF watch inside a nicely designed metal crate like gift box which is actually made by hard plastic and has the Cat logo at the top.

The box contains the REEF watch, warranty booklet and the instructions manual (the watch is surrounded by foam material).

THE REEF D5.163.21.127

The REEF is a nice looking watch with a black rubber band, a case diameter of 44.5mm, is water resistant up to 20ATM/200m and uses an ISA 9238/1970 Swiss quartz movement mechanism.

On my 18cm thick wrist the case looks right at home (around 45mm is the ideal case diameter for my hand).

The case is 12.5mm thick and is covered by scratch resistant mineral crystal. The bezel can be rotated (counter clockwise) and inside we see three sub dials one for the day (mon/sun), one for the date (1-31) and one for the hours of the day (24).

The REEF has two buttons on the right side (used to set the time) and a screw-down crown with the Catlogo on it.

The rubber strap is a lot easier to bend than the one used with the G-SHOCK GA-110-1AER and thus it hugs your wrist better.

Moving at the rear we see the company name engraved on the buckle.

At the stainless steel screw-down rear case we see the procuct logo (Cat), URL and water resistant properties (once again we had to remove some of the light to make the writings visible).

Thanks to the large amount of luminous material used you can tell the time in total darkness (provided of course your watch had contact with a light source soon prior to that).

CONCLUSION

   I've always believed that it's good for all consumers to see new players in the market since that means more competition and more competition automatically results to lower prices. What's even better however is when a new player emerges and manages to release products that have no problem going up against similar ones by the leading manufacturers in the field in terms of quality, features and performance. Well this is exactly what Caterpillar has managed and although the REEF is far from being their top watch model we are very satisfied with it since it combines a nice design with a very good level of quality and a good number of features such as 20ATM/200m water resistance, a very comfortable rubber strap and plenty of luminous material for night use. On top of all that the REEF is currently available in 7 different color combinations the remaining six of which are showcased above (you can check them all over at www.catwatches.com).

   Unfortunately much like most brand new products the availability of the REEF D5.163.21.127 is currently low and thus we can only list the recommended price tag which is set at USD270/210Euros. Normally this would be just a tad high for what the REEF offers but lucky for us the end consumer recommended price tags never really make it to retail and so you can expect to find the REEF for quite a bit less in the following months (especially when availability becomes good). Personally i think that Caterpillar has a very good line of watches with very good build quality and range of features and if they are any indication of what's to come it won't be long before they catch up to the leading manufacturers. Bottom line for its design, very good build quality and features the REEF D5.163.21.127 gets our Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Design
- Day/Date/Hour Sub Dials
- Comfortable Rubber Strap
- 20ATM/200m Water Resistant
- Amount of Luminous Material Used
- Available Color Combinations

CONS

- Current Availability