When I read Devin Pennypacker’s article in January about the W.O.E. Submersible Wrist Compass, it really got me thinking about the connections between wristwatches and compasses. Both physical tools––and both debatably archaic because of rapid advancements in technology––there’s a certain allure to owning and utilizing these tactile devices instead of the applications on a smartphone. What better way to demonstrate the relationship between watches and compasses than combining them into one piece? The Casio MW-43 is a watch like no other, and its combination of timekeeping and navigation make it a unique piece of horology that deserves far more attention.

The MW-43 and Pathfinder’s Seemingly Undocumented History

Very little information exists about the MW-43’s creation and, surprisingly, the origins of the Pathfinder branding. The first ever triple sensor watch model, the Casio ATC-1100, was released in 1994. The first Casio Pro Trek-branded timepiece, the DPX-500, was launched in 1995. The first Pathfinder models were produced in 1995 and include (but may not be limited to) the SPF-50, SPF-10, PAT-30, ALT-6300, and PAT-600. Both the aforementioned ATC-1100 and DPX-500 are virtually identical apart from cosmetic colorway differences, and this design would later be reused under the Pathfinder branding as the PRT-40 in 1996. 

This complicated chronology has caused a bit of confusion within the collecting community, but I hope this explanation will help to remedy any further misunderstanding. In 2013, Casio discontinued the Pathfinder line and, along with it, seemingly buried its history. According to my knowledge and research, this is the first attempt at documenting the origins of the Pathfinder line’s creation. I invite others who are interested in doing a bit of their own research to document any additional findings in the comments below. 

With the Pro Trek and Pathfinder dates in mind, there’s a tidbit of popular culture information that will help to finally date the hitherto dateless MW-43. In the 1995 film Mortal Kombat, actress Bridgette Wilson is seen wearing an MW-43 on her wrist in several scenes. Knowing that the Pro Trek and Pathfinder lines both started in 1995, the MW-43 is among the first Pathfinder models to ever be produced. What separates this model from the others is its utilization of an analog display and physical compass, making the MW-43 the first fully analog Pathfinder the brand ever made. While it may not be as monumental as the first quartz watch or first GMT movement, this model charts an important and often overlooked portion of Casio’s history.  

Design and Variants 

The MW-43’s overall design is certainly a remnant of its mid-90s origins, but I feel that’s just another aspect of what makes it special. Its robust black case is 48mm in diameter (which includes the sizable hinge and crown bump-out) but wears much smaller with its 16mm thickness and 45mm lug-to-lug measurement. Although it’s technically a full watch and movement on top of a compass, Casio did a great job of keeping it as thin as possible. Moving to its aesthetics, the hefty handset and indices contain heaping amounts of lume that still glow (not too bright, albeit) after 30 years of use. The yellow Pathfinder logo adds a refreshing pop of color that doesn’t intrude too much on the dial’s overall simplistic design. The bezel features four imitation rivets that, alongside the scalloped hour marker positions, adds to the overall tough and utilitarian look. It’s a bold watch from a design perspective but not loud or bright by any means. 

When the top half of the watch is unlatched, the star of the show is revealed. It’s clear Casio put a sizable amount of time and effort into perfecting this compass complication’s overall design. The stark white directional abbreviations are clearly printed on the outer track, its transparent backing and rotatable body allows for accurate map bearing, and the metallic blue needle is visible in a variety of lighting because of its reflective finish. I should note the arrow printing on my example’s needle is a bit crooked, but on other examples I’ve seen this isn’t an issue. 

During Casio’s production of this model, they released several variations to this initial design. Examples with the Pathfinder logo but Arabic numerals instead of arrow indices can be found, while another variant features the same numeral indices with the word “Compass” within the yellow logo. In other markets, this model was marketed as the Casio Landfarer and, thus, feature “Landfarer” within the yellow oval. Color wise, the black variant is the most common, but Casio produced black and red, yellow and red, yellow and green, and brown and tan models as well––once again dependent on market, it seems. A few models have oil-filed compasses and thermometer bands, but there are no details currently available that define which variants and markets used them. Casio also produced the MW-45 with a similar case shape but no flip-top compass complication, instead opting for a compass band similar to the thermometer band. 

Buying Tips and Final Thoughts

If you have any interest in picking up a MW-43 of your own, there are several listed on online auction websites. Prices of course fluctuate depending on condition and functionality, but these can be had for anywhere from $100-200 with the occasional outlier example here and there. As with all vintage watches, pay close attention to cosmetic and mechanical condition when deciding on one that best fits your collection and budget. The only model-specific damage I could recommend looking out for is the yellowing of the compass plastic. This seems to be a more common issue with the oil-filled variants, but I would still make sure to double-check before adding an example to your cart. Take note that replacement parts and movements are relatively hard to come by for this model, so I recommend finding a fully functioning example unless you have experience servicing quartz movements. 

The Casio MW-43 is a piece of 1990s treasure. It’s a watch that, at first glance, is a simple three-handed quartz piece with little to write home about. Pop the top off the case and the MW-43 gains an entirely new personality and becomes something quite remarkable. I must admit I don’t do a sizable amount of nature walks and exploration, but when I wear this watch, it somehow gives me a newfound appreciation for the outdoors. While I most likely won’t replace my Google Maps app with the MW-43, a map, and a pencil, it will forever hold a special spot in my collection. It represents the importance of disconnecting from the contemporary technology we’re so often surrounded by, instead choosing to navigate the natural world around us that can be easily and unfortunately overlooked by the screen-filled indoors. That being said, I can only hope this article ushers in the spring season and its associated temperatures for those of us living in the frigid North…