TA> KEN - I'm not sure if you are aware of this, but they also
TA> have tide watches, which predicts tides, they tell you the
TA> height and direction of the tides, the one i am going to get
TA> is calibrated for the east coast, there is a 1-1.5 hour
TA> variation for the west coast. the cheapest ones go for about
TA> 40 dollars, these have the black pvc case and band.  you can
TA> get one that is all stainless steel, and they are the more
TA> expensive ones, they go for about 100 dollars.  the one i am
TA> getting is from a place called defender (marine boating
TA> store), the stainless steel ones are only $ 77.50
Thought I'd give you some info.......
The tide watches are all the same. The price difference is due 
to the case/band variations. They also have a watch between the 
two you mention that looks like the stainless, but is PVC.
The watches indicate which way the tide is running, i.e. ebbing 
or flooding. They do not indicate height of tide- the graphic 
display only show the relative state of the tide:
high    -
        -
  -->   -
        -
low     -
^
In the above approximated example, it shows that the tide is 
approximately 1/2 way between low and high and is on the rise. 
The little arrow moves, the hash marks (actually curved line on 
watch) stays the same.
Another thing to consider is that the stainless steel watch, 
while more water resistant, is very heavy. It also conducts 
cold. I found it uncomfortable to wear at 45 degrees while 
tonging oysters. It would be a killer on a really cold day. 
The "sport" version with the flags has a stainless steel clasp 
which would make it easier to remove and possibly more durable 
that a standard watch.  
My stainless watch did not hold the tide setting accurately and 
then started gaining time each day. I called customer service 
and they were helpful and friendly. I sent watch back for 
repair/replacement around the 2nd. week of December and am still 
waiting for its return. I am seriously considering ordering the 
sports version and either throwing the stainless in the cabin or 
using it as a raffle prize (someone who won't be on the water 
in the winter. 
 * RM 1.31 3319 * 
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