Casio said Wednesday it had developed the wristwatch, equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) function, as a useful navigation aid for people who pursue a variety of outdoor activities, including mountaineering, skiing, boating, fishing, and cycling.
The built-in GPS works by using information from 27 satellites around the globe to pinpoint the wearer's current position.
"If you wear this wristwatch, you will never get lost when you go mountaineering," a Casio spokesman said. "The new gadget has a function to guide you if you set the destination beforehand."
The prototype GPS wrist watch also has 60 percent less in weight and cubic volume than conventional hand-held navigation systems, the company said.
Casio expects the watch to retail at around 55,000 yen ($490) when it goes on sale worldwide in June and is aiming for sales of 30,000 units in the first year, the spokesman said.