A question for all you people in the know:

When buying a mountain watch (mainly for use as a alitimeter when climbing/walking) should I consider a negative face? What are the pro's and con's of it - and the positive for that matter?

 Cheers

Ye, that was my only thought. That the negative face would be readable in more conditions since the white would show-up nicely on the black background.

 I'd read that the traditional positive face is easier to read in direct sunlight, however I doubt I'll be trying to read an altitude if its sunny! Negative for me.

Thanks Captain

Certainly when diving at depth when the light is never brilliant, a diving watch with a white face is much clearer to read than one with a black face.

And if you're looking at something like the example shown above, you'd be hard pressed to find a black LCD screen  

Ninja Pussy Cat - I think they are talking about LCD/ digital watches rather than watches with hands.  It is a good point though for anyone purchasing a non digital watch.