Wouldn't the solar powered Casio watch solve the 'sending away to replace batteries' problem?
They tested a G shock on the gadget show here in the UK. Stuck an 80 pound one (160 dollars) behind a gritter truck and sprayed it, then dunked it in minus 20 water. Neither had any effect. Then they used it as a hockey puck! Considering pucks can move at 100 miles an hour this really was a test to destruction. Eventually it fell apart of course, but not till it had been slammed scores of times. A 1000 pound navy seal watch had the same test and did no better.
On 'the not wanting to use gear' thing. As has been said on another recent thread; lending gear is a mistake.
'It's better to give than to receive and it costs the same'.
If it is survival gear, do you really want to use it. You want it pristine for when you are in a survival situation.
The Sock