Timex gets outdoorsy with Expedition WS4

By now, you've probably gotten used to expecting a lot more from a smartphone than just the ability to place calls. Do you know that watches can now do a lot more than just tell time?

To wit, watch maker Timex announced on Monday its latest evolution in outdoor time-keeping instruments, the Timex Expedition WS4.

About the size of a normal wristwatch, with a wide-screen dashboard, the WS4 includes an altimeter, barometer, thermometer, and compass. It can also serve as, of course, a versatile timepiece, chronograph, alarm, and timer.

The WS4 is designed to perform under extreme conditions and help navigate any terrain with a long list of features:

(Credit: Timex)

• Target altitude setting and altitude alarm helps set goals and warn of exceeded limits
• Four altitude-reference settings for one-touch calibration and improved accuracy
• Graphic altitude and barometer displays for at-a-glance review of trends
• Weather-condition forecast with real-time temperature and future alerts
• Digital compass headings and digital needle
• 100-hour chronograph; 100-hour timer with repeat function and 99-lap count with display of lap or split time
• Daily, weekday, weekend, or weekly alarms
• Water-resistant to 165 feet
• Night light for easy viewing in low-light conditions
• Highest, lowest altitude; total ascent, descent
• Time spent at or above target altitude
• Altitude, barometric pressure, temperature graph
• Highest, lowest, average barometric pressure and temperature

The WS4 is sealed in a lightweight composite casing, and is fortified with a stainless steel bezel. You can can choose between a rubber strap for traditional usage or an expandable XL elastic strap to wear over performance gear.

The new timepiece will be available in May for $199 in six colors, including black, orange, yellow, blue, and white.