This is a pretty decent emergency watch. It has several valuable features that could come in handy in an emergency. However, it’s not the best execution of these features and it leaves a few things to be desired.

Paracord is a very versatile and strong cord. Originally used for parachutes in World War II, it has become one of the favorite cords used for all sorts of outdoors activities.This paracord watch/bracelet collapses several feet of paracord into a small weaved bracelet straps (the exact length will depend on the size you buy). The staps attaches to itself with a very strong and easy to operate plastic clasp. The clasp itself has several additional functions that could be invaluable in an emergency. It features a small whistle, a cutting tool, and a metal striker that can be used to start a fire. The whistle is not very loud, and I would not want to rely on it in an emergency. The cutting tool works fine for small cutting jobs, but you really wouldn’t want to rely on it too heavily. Ideally, you should always be outdoors with at least a small pocket knife. I have not tested the striking surface, since I am not very good at starting fire anyway, but I assume that someone more skilled than I am can really make a great use of it.

The watch strap is not too wide, but at first it seems to be a bit bulky. However, once I put it on it felt pretty comfortable on my wrist. It’s definitely the kind of watch that you could wear all day long, but make sure that you get the right size for your wrist – the strap is not adjustable.

The watch itself seems pretty cheap and unremarkable. Since it’s the kind of watch that you would probably dispose off after you’ve unweaved the paracord, this might not be a bad thing. However, the watch doesn’t imbue me with confidence that it could survive the rigors of outdoor lifestyle.

The small attached compass works fine, but again there is nothing remarkable or special about it.

So far I have not had the need to untangle this watch straps and use the paracord. Since paracord is very tightly and professionally weaved it would seem to be almost impossible to re-weave it back by hand. For all practical purposes this is a watch that would most likely come in handy in an emergency situation, and something that you could use on a regular basis. However, with its very low and affordable price this doesn’t bother me in the least.

This is a pretty decent accessory, but it would not be my only emergency kit.

**** Product provided for review purposes. ****