I would prefer non-digital, but at this point I would take any recommendations and reviews into consideration, and does anyone know how accurate they are?
Tissot T-Touch is a super accurate, very awesome watch that features a compass, altimeter, alarm, thermometer, and a slew of other features.
I'm not as big digital fan but I love my Casio PAW2000 - has all that and a bag of chips You can replace the strap with any standard 22mm, like a Zulu/Nato too.
Honestly, I haven't found a watch compass I trust. Even after going through the calibration gyration, the Suunto I have is off ten degrees. This may be a function of my urban environment, I'm not sure. If you want a compass on your wrist, consider a "real" magnetic compass that attaches to your wristband, such as http://store.silvacompass.com/products/436796/Wrist_Band_Compass Guaranteed non-digital
If you calibrate them and set declination properly, you can expect + or - 10 degrees. There are no watches (that I know of) that are precision navigators without GPS. If you want a watch with an analog compass, look at these. They come in many color variations at $100 - $150. Timex tide/temp. Time is very accurate.
I think for the price and style i'm going to go with the Timex or the Wenger from Swiss. I really like that Khaki Seude looking one you posted up there, very classy but sport looking too. The thing about those button compasses are I find them too obtrusive and inaccurate as well - I guess beggers can't be choosers, better something than nothing. I am sporting one on my EDC keychain - you know for all those times I get dropped off by a helicopter into the middle of the woods or when I am lost in the desert.
Luminox has a really nice watch with a compass, the compass is under the watch face that rotates off the side for looking at the compass. It's around the 700$ range, all analog and super nice looking.
Yeah, I have all of the ones pictured, but this is my latest. I find I wear it pretty often, lately, more than the rolex or Spork.
I have a vector......it works good enough for a watch compass. mumbo dumpo 8_2_12 by mumbojumboo, on Flickr
I am no one to discourage others from acquiring gear. But to be perfectly honest, since a watch compass will only give you the precision of a dime sized plastic compass, one might question the value of such an acquisition. Unless you are geocaching, general bearing (e.g.Cardinal Points) are as much as you will need. And for one penny (And 5 bucks shipping!). http://www.amazon.com/Sun-DC204WB-Slip-On-Wrist-Compass/dp/B001949J1W But if you buy 12 (think stocking stuffer) they're less than a buck each and free shipping! http://www.amazon.com/Precision-Watch-Clip--Navigation-Compass/dp/B00313Q51Q/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1344723083&sr=8-3&keywords=WATCHBAND COMPASS
You better buy at least a dozen. You might get one out of the bunch that points more or less North... Those button compasses are notoriously inaccurate. I have had some be off by as much as 90°! One company used to make a decent one (I'm thinking it was Silva), but they have disco'd them.
I think it may have been Suunto or Brunton, but you are correct. Your best chance at an accurate one is to purchase a AA GRADE compass. http://bepreparedtosurvive.com/Compasses.htm http://www.amazon.com/Survival-Button-Compass-Grade-Luminous/dp/B0043ZA508/ref=pd_sbs_sg_4
I use the Brunton for EDC....true within a couple degrees But I have put one together for hiking and such..... I ordered the 12pk.....don't waste your $$$$
Basically most watches with compass are not very reliable they usually average anywhere between 10 to 20 degrees off. I would never place my trust in one. A good pocket compass is by far more reliable.
The best and cheap way is to choose a watch with a rotating compass bezel. If you know the principles of compass working the models are pretty handy but if you don't know anything than even a genuine military compass will be fully unfruitful