Review on ⌚ Ultrak Soccer Referee's Smart Watch by Michele Olson

For the price this is a great review watch. *** 2 AND 1/2 YEAR UPDATE BELOW Pros: Added timer clock is good! 1) Start an additional timer (which counts down) to track the stop time and stop it when the game resumes; rinse, rinse and repeat for more stops. 2) When the game clock reaches the end of the period, the clock will automatically count UP. 3) The clock will give an alarm 30 seconds before the main time + the additional time (just like the alarm on any digital clock); it will beep again when you reach total time + added time. So if you have 90 seconds on the added clock in a 45 minute period, the game clock will count down to 45 and then start counting up after the full time, with a warning tone at 46:00 and another beep to signal the end of the added time shows at 46:30. Disadvantages: 1) The game clock counts down instead of up, which is contrary to how football timeline works. Yes, it's easier for players to tell how much time is left because they don't have to do the math. However, it is more difficult to keep a game journal for notes, as incidents are usually recorded based on the minute they happened, not the minutes remaining. 2) The light on my watch went out pretty early but since then it has never mattered in a game situation, it's just an inconvenience after you leave the field. 3) The game clock is set by the minute and you need to count to 99 to return to 0; So if you specify games of different lengths, make sure you reset the game time before entering the field as it takes about a minute to reset from 45 minutes to 35 minutes, for example. 4) The alarm on the FT-30 will beep until you press the button. Players around you on the pitch will hear it and may think it's the game's end signal. You must stop it quickly to avoid this reaction. Also, you must be careful not to press the button twice or you may damage the timer(s). Complaints are really small and not very significant. I would definitely replace this watch with the exact same model if it ever breaks or dies. This is a great product at a really reasonable price. EDIT - I just looked at some of the other reviews and I'm shocked. I don't seem to get the lemon as others have described. In particular: 1) My watch is still running great to this day, I bought it almost 2 years ago or 3 football seasons ago; Still have the original battery. 2) The alarm is not SUPER loud and not too quiet - just right for what I expect from a digital watch. 3) Buttons are not difficult to press; Yes, you have to hold it down to reset the timer, but is that better than accidentally resetting it?*** UPDATE TWO AND 1/2 YEARS Well that clock is finally dead. I prepared for the game and suddenly the clock started beeping as if the alarm clock had rung. I tried turning it off but it didn't work - not a single button responded. Brought home, disassembled, replaced battery, reassembled - still not responding, display never came back. I've lived with it for two good years and will definitely buy it again when I've used it - simply the best (cheapest) watch for judges. The ones on the OSI site don't deserve the higher prices in my opinion. But I'm a cheap bastard and not known for buying big brand luxury items. I think the most important feature for a referee is the clock, which shows normal playing time (despite the extra math you have to do as a result) and has a separate counter to stop time. This watch has it all.