It is better than Apple Watch, which hasn't stood the test of time or been able to keep out the same model for more than a year. This solid, durable Casio is the analog AK-47 of watches. Stands the test of time for years and will never break down.

Why was the watch running when it arrived? Huge waste of battery life. Is this standard?

No, you're right. Whenever you take off your watch, you should open the back and remove the battery. Leave the back off to facilitate reinserting the battery next time you need to tell the time. Doing that will extend the battery's life probably beyond the watch's.Seriously—I've 2 Casios, each on their 2nd battery, but the 1sts lasted >10years. 99.999% of that lifespan was "wasted". Casio has to insert a battery to QC the watch. Leaving it running adds an insignificant incremental extra to that 99.999%.

Can you see the time in the dark?

no there is no back lighting or glow in the dark for the watch

Will this watch fit most adult men wrist sizes?

The watch is an inch and a quarter in diameter. The band is up to 8 inches long. As an adult woman, the watch is a bit big for me but I love the clear numbers and the light weight.