In this Casio review, I’ll look at what makes this brand so iconic and discuss some the best Casio watches (in my opinion).
There’s probably no other watch brand that is so well loved by watch enthusiasts, casual hobbyists, hipsters and functional wearers than Casio.
Casio is a rich storied brand with a large variety of offerings that span from simple and efficient to extravagant and luxurious. In fact, it’s the one watch brand that is well represented in nearly every watch collection.
Additionally, it’s normally the first watch that starts a much larger collection or serves a singular focus of the ever elusive one watch forever approach.
Today, we take a look at what makes Casio watches so well loved from their rich history, affordable price and attractive offerings. We also tell you what we think are the best Casio watches and what makes them so special.
Quick Take
Short on time? Here are our top three picks for the best Casio watches you can buy right now:
The DW5600 is slim, durable and comes in a wide range of colors for those looking for more fashion-forward offerings.
The Casio MQ24-1E is one of the best offerings from the brand that focuses on simplicity and versatile looks.
We typically don’t like overcomplicated watches, but the PAG240-1 is a tough rugged everyman watch that delivers on so many features.
Read on for more info and the complete list…
A Brief History of Casio
The Japanese company Casio (as Kashio) started as a calculator company in 1946. In 1956, the company successfully launched the first compact all-electric calculator, which led to the Casio Computer Company. You could say that Casio made everyone worse in math as a result.
Following successes in the industry for nearly 30 years, Casio launched the Casiotron as the first electronic wristwatch in 1974. The watch was revolutionary on a lot of fronts, but most notably that it displayed the time and a calendar on an LCD screen, which was still new technology for its time.
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Casio refined the design of the Casiotron but then really took off as a watch brand with the launch of the G-SHOCK. In 1983, Kikuo Ibe set out to make an unbreakable watch after breaking a pocket watch given to him by his father.
So, like a montage of people working out in movies, Ibe sought to create a watch based on the triple 10 philosophy. He wanted a watch that could withstand 10bar or 100 meters, have a minimum 10-year battery life and survive a 10-meter drop. Ibe succeeded with the DW 5000C, and the brand has never looked back.
Since then, Casio has stayed true to its design elements and philosophy dating back to the Casiotron. It has released more complications and focused on staying aggressive in digital innovation.
For example, Casio introduced an early version of a wristwatch blood pressure monitor in 1992.
It has also maintained a commitment to delivering a high value product for its price, something the Modest Man fully supports.
But…are Casio watches good?
Before jumping into the five watches we think really showcase the brand, let’s talk about why Casio watches are so popular and whether we think they’re any good. Casio is probably one of the most worn watch brands and generally represents an extremely large swath of watch wearers.
Even with the influx of the Apple Watch and an increase in luxury watch prices, Casio has remained constant and relevant in everyday life. As a thought experiment, the next time you are out, try seeing how many Casio watches you see on people’s wrist. We’re willing to bet it’s a lot.
Much of this is due to value, availability and durability. Casio as a brand offers some of the best value for the money, something we definitely believe in at The Modest Man. Some may write these off as “cheap Casio watches”, but even watch snobs can appreciate the value.
Another large selling point to Casio watches is their durability. We all know about the apocalypse level of durability of the G-Shock line, but even Casio analog watches and more expensive Casio watches can be worn daily without worrying about bumping them into a door frame.
Another big selling point is the wearability. From Casio sport watches to simple divers to bright colored digital offerings, Casio offers something for everyone, something few brands can claim.
For those reasons along with a breadth of offerings, some of which we cover below, to our readers that wonder “Are Casio Watches Good,” we’d have to say yes, and here are five Casio watches we think you should take a look at.
28 of the Best Casio Watches
Let’s dive in…
Casio G-Shock DW-5600
Any list of the best Casio watches has to start with the DW5600 or the square. In fact, some think this is probably the best Casio watch and quite frankly one of the best watches of all time. The DW5600 is slim, durable and comes in a wide range of colors for those looking for more fashion-forward offerings.
The DW5600 takes its design elements from the early G-Shock models that Ibe started in 1983. These watches offer a clearly legible screen, backlight for night, and of course, its historic durability.
We also love this model over other G-Shock models for the low profile. It sits close to the wrist and can easily fit under the cuff of a shirt. Plus, the square profile is extremely versatile and fit in nearly every setting. Plus, this watch is roughly $45 making it one of the most affordable and best values of any watch.
A quick note, some actually prefer the G-Shock GW-5610 instead of the DW-5600. The GW-5610 is basically the same watch on the outside, but with the additional functionality of solar-power and atomic timekeeping at around $90.
We don’t feel like the features warrant a near 100 percent price increase over the DW-5600. From personal experience, the atomic timekeeping feature is great, but rarely syncs, which is especially true in foreign countries.
Additionally, the G-Shock already has a tremendous battery life, so we’re not convinced that solar power is a truly desirable feature upgrade.
Casio G-Shock DW-6900
For those looking for a more pronounced and classic G-Shock, we couldn’t recommend a better watch than the G-Shock DW-6900. The DW-6900 is a classic Casio Sports Watch in the G-Shock package. It’s tough, durable and will probably outlast its wearer.
The DW-6900 is beefier and feels more tactical and rugged. We love it for all those reasons and really complements a sporty lifestyle. In addition to all the features of the DW-5600, it also features a center rubberized light button, stopwatch, alarm and hourly time signal.
True to Casio digital watches, it also offers a full auto-calendar as well. Most importantly, the DW-6900 comes in at roughly $54.
Same as the DW-5600, there’s also a GW-6900 model that offers the same solar capacity and atomic timekeeping. But we definitely recommend staying with the DW model as it offers all the great functionality without the unnecessary features and half the price.
Casio MDV106-1A Black Analog
Also available with charming gold accents in the form of the MDV106G1AV, it’s hard to believe that Casio builds such an on-template diver. Seiko came into their own by cutting their teeth on classic Swiss design cues, but Casio had always stayed in the aesthetics of the post-quartz-revolution electronics boom.
Still, they really hit the mark with this diver.
The hands are like thinner broad arrows, as in from the Omega Seamaster, while the unidirectional bezel and indices remind me of common Rolex features.
- Dimensions: 44mm diameter, 12mm thickness
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 200m
The marlin logo and a GMT-like second hand on a classic dive though? All Casio.
Casio PAG240-1CR Men’s Pathfinder
Casio likes to make products for the end of the world in cool packages. While the G-Shock is the most famous, their other offerings display the brand’s ability to push the boundaries and design award-winning watches at affordable prices and represent the best of the brand.
The Pathfinder PAG240-1 is an altimeter watch with a number of impressive complications. It features a barometer, compass and solar power.
We typically don’t like overcomplicated watches, but the PAG240-1 is a tough rugged everyman watch that delivers on so many features. We also think the PAG240-1 is better looking than most “adventure” watches on the market and it all comes in at a super affordable price of around $150.
Casio MQ24-1E
Similar to the MW2401EVCF, but with smoother lines and fewer details, this Casio MQ241E comes out slightly dressier and still incredibly versatile. It’s what I like to call a no-frills, highly-efficient fundamental.
I will say that the gold accents, slight shine of the case, and thin baton hands will probably allow you to pair this watch with a simple leather strap, as well as the casual resin one it comes with.
- Dimensions: 35mm diameter, 8mm thickness
- Case material: Resin
- Water resistance: 50m
Another plus? It’s super thin and comfortable, and wildly affordable. At the time of this writing, it was easily around $15.
Casio World Timer AE1200WH
Whether you go for the all-black 1AVCF version or the silver-accented 1CVCF, the Casio World Timer has a character about it that screams “international man of mystery.”
Its face is a legitimate control panel, with a gadget-forward style. Far from being a toy though, each section on its assorted surface has a practical and engaging use.
- Dimensions: 39.5mm diameter, 12.5mm thickness
- Case material: Resin
- Water resistance: 100m
The visual map cinches the entire look and is accompanied by 31 different time zones and a radar console. It boasts 100 meters of water resistance, a timer, and an automatic calendar. Basically, it tells and keeps several levels of time, making it as fun as it’s useful.
Casio A500WGA1
If retro is what you love about Casio, look no further than the A500WGA1. It’s also a great entry point if you’ve been considering an all-gold look, but are gun-shy.
Yes, it’s definitely shiny, but the potential gaudiness is defended by the fact it’s purposefully retro anyway, its color is simply a hat-tip to the Pulsar-era ‘70s. Second, its 33-millimeter build ensures this lively color isn’t overtaking too much real estate on your wrist.
- Dimensions: 33mm x 33mm, 10mm thickness
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 30m
I also love how the twists and turns of the tapering bracelet and pop of green via the time zone map accent the entire watch. It’s a successful mix of jewelry-like design cues with gadget-like design cues.
Casio A100WEGG1AVT
While Casio is often known for a matte, practical-forward design, the A100WEGG1AVT is a sleeker, even chicer, take on their signature approach to visual functions.
The chrome coating gives the resin case a shiny gunmetal look, the polished surface really highlighting the sharp lines throughout the watch’s architecture. It also makes it stronger, more corrosion-resistant, and easier to clean, which is in line with Casio’s priorities towards function.
- Dimensions: 40.7mm x 32.7mm, 9.2mm thickness
- Case material: Chrome-plated resin
- Water resistance: 100m
The four front buttons, used to operate its plethora of features make engagement easier and, in my opinion, more fun and Dick Tracey reminiscent. The colorful accents on the surface add visual pops to the ion-plated hue.
Casio AI58WA
One of the watch world’s most accessible icons, the A158WA is a quintessential Casio. In fact, its delightfully classic data-processor aesthetic is quintessential to retro-leaning electronics in general.
The fact it came out in the ‘90s as a throwback gives it a sort of “double throwback” street cred today.
- Dimensions: 32mm diameter, 7mm thickness
- Case material: Plastic
- Water resistance: 30m
The gray case with red and blue accents is reminiscent of a lot of early ‘90s electronics and toys, including but not limited to, Nintendo consoles. This watch overall provides a fun look and experience, offering features like an EL backlight, a stopwatch, and an auto-calendar.
Casio A168WA “The Illuminator”
Blink and you might miss the fact that this A168WA is a different watch from the A158WA. That’s because it’s the newer version, slightly remixed. It’s a touch more responsive with a better backlight, but I’d say the most important differences are visual and size-related.
The AI6 is bigger and chunkier than the A15, though it’s barely under 10-millimeter thickness and 35-millimeter diameter is hardly monstrous. The concealed lugs also add to the more athletic look.
The dial, meanwhile, has more pops of color. This watch gets the nickname “Illuminator” because that label-turned-moniker is in bold, red, all-capitalized font just below the time display. It’s just a bit more lively than the original, so it’s all about preference.
- Dimensions: 35mm diameter, 9.8mm thickness
- Case material: Plastic
- Water resistance: 30m
The functions are mostly there, including that ±30 seconds per month accuracy.
You can also check out our in-depth, hands-on review of this watch!
Casio MTP4500D-1AV
A perfect example of how Casio designs tend to wear their functions on their sleeve (figuratively and literally), the MTP4500D-1AV is an analog, traditionally round aviator watch.
It has a chronograph and a slide rule bezel on top of its base three-hand timekeeper, a look tailor-made for an adventurer-scientist, or a pilot-mathematician.
This multi-dial watch is adorned with accents throughout including an orange second hand and dimensional hour markers. Naturally, this ups the legibility factor, the differently styled surfaces allowing you to more easily navigate the dial.
- Dimensions: 42mm diameter, 10mm thickness
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 50m
Perhaps more importantly, it provides dimensionality making the watch look that much more interesting.
Casio Forester FT500WC
The Forester FT500WC flaunts that field watch cool factor, typically more associated with the Timexes of the world rather than Casio. Its case is brawny and multi-tiered, almost like the swing window of a submariner, but made of matte resin in earth tones, giving it a swash-buckling vibe.
Between that and the all-Arabic indices, this watch is practical, easy to read from all angles, and roots its hefty design more in visual cues rather than actual space on your wrist. At 41 millimeters, it’s large but wearable.
- Dimensions: 41mm diameter, 11mm thickness
- Case material: Resin
- Water resistance: 100m
In conclusion, this casual and reliable timepiece would make a great everyday watch, going particularly well with workwear and denim.
Casio Vintage CA53W1CR Calculator Watch
Is there a better conversation piece than a calculator watch? It’s a symbol of how the overlapping qualities of dad culture and geekdom have entered “classical cool” territory.
The CA53W1CR is as fundamental as a calculator watch can get. That being the case, it’s my go-to recommendation if you want to look like you’ve been wearing calc watches all along, versus following a trend.
It features alarms, a stopwatch, and many other functions. The watch’s many features which are navigated by delightfully tactile buttons make this one of the most fun accessories you can wear on your wrist.
- Dimensions: 42mm x 33mm, 7mm thickness
- Case material: Resin
- Water resistance: 50m
The polymer bracelet is super soft and comfortable and brings the entire look together.
Casio MTP1183A7ADF
While Casio is an unlikely place to turn to for a dressy sport watch à la the Seiko SARBs of the world, the MTP1183A7ADF proves to be a successful deviation. It’s one of the best one-watch collection nominees on the market, particularly if you’re on a tight budget (it’s easily found in the ~$50 range).
Its bezel is simple but beautifully dimensional, and its crown is unimposingly close to its body. This creates clean, classic, and easy-to-wear lines without being overly textbook.
Essentially, the build is strong and reliable enough to wear casually, while the details, its silky sunray dial, for example, are elegant enough to go with a suit and tie.
- Dimensions: 38.5mm diameter, 9mm thickness
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 30m
I know this design is outside of Casio’s wheelhouse, but I promise you they aren’t trying to pull anything off that they can’t. Everything on this guy is still practical, including the simple, non-ceremonious baton indices and, of course, its dependable quartz movement.
Casio MTPVT01L7B2
The MTPVT01L7B2 is like a “Casio-fied” Skagen, at a much lower price (and Skagens aren’t exactly expensive). It has that Scandinavian bareness to it, though the Roman 12 and six add a touch of class.
They don’t feel out of place though, since the font matches the simplistic lines of the other markers which are simple batons.
The hour markers and hands take center stage since they also serve as warm color accents against the brushed silver dial and case.
- Dimensions: 40mm diameter, 8.2 mm thickness.
- Case material: Stainless steel.
- Water resistance: 30m
It runs on an impressive quartz movement with an accuracy of 20 seconds a month, plus or minus. And at only eight millimeters thin, this watch is comfortable on any wrist size.
Casio Vintage A171WE1AEF
Imagine taking a classic square Casio watch, the A168WA from earlier for example, and pouring it into a traditionally round silhouette. That’s what this Vintage A171WE-1AEF is, and it’s simultaneously typical and distinct — a difficult combination to achieve.
It flaunts that Casio retro-ness, with exquisite details, like the shiny resin case, the signature rolled link bracelet, and, something I love to point out, how beautifully the break in its lugs slips right under the round case.
- Dimensions: 38.8mm diameter, 8mm thickness
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 30m
The circular shape also allows more negative space on the dial, giving it a slightly more elegant composition.
Casio MW2401EVCF
With its monochrome resin construction, the MW2401EVCF has a Swatch-like quality about it. It’s less bubbly though, with sharper edges and more dimensions, which brings it back to Casio territory.
The dial is stepped, as are the hooded lugs and crown holder. If you love a simple all-black timepiece but want something more serious-looking than say a Swatch Mono Black, this Casio is an excellent alternative.
- Dimensions: 44mm diameter, 10.3mm thickness.
- Case material: Resin
- Water resistance: 50m
Also worth mentioning are how the weighted hands serve as subtle visual accents, and how comfortable and strong the resin bracelet is.
Casio Silver Calculator Watch DBC6111DF
The DBC6111DF watch has an almost glassy quality to it thanks to its silver-toned stainless steel body. The flat, embedded calculator buttons are less tactile looking but more in line with the overall smoothness of the timepiece.
It’s a classic throwback calculator watch, but with a sleekness that you’d find on a classy sport watch.
- Dimensions: 33mm diameter, 9mm thickness.
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 100m
Along with its satiny presentation, are all of the topnotch operations. The afterglow is spellbinding with the steel body, there’s a stopwatch, five alarms, an auto-calendar, and did I mention the 10-year battery life?
Casio Calculator Watch DBC321AES
While the DBC6111DF’s silvery sheen leans into retrofuturism, and the Vintage CA53W1CR is simply retro, this DBC321AES calculator watch is somewhere in the middle.
It has a bigger screen than the Vintage and the buttons are closer together, flush, but not flat. It’s a less clunky experience than the Vintage — which isn’t better, but different. I know a lot of you like the latter’s tactility.
It’s a calculator watch, so it’s still a (relevant) throwback, but it’s infused with just a bit more neatness.
- Dimensions: 38mm diameter, 12mm thickness.
- Case material: Resin
- Water resistance: 100m
Other qualities include a beautiful amber LED and support for 13 languages, in case you wanted to practice your Spanish, or Dutch, or heck, even Romanian.
Casio F91WM9ACF
Another member of the classics club, the F91 is a cousin to the A16 and A15, with its (what else) square case, pushers, and all of its electronic capabilities.
The alarms and stopwatch are all there, though there’s only one green LED light. Some may want more than this, but I don’t mind it, and I enjoy how the green looks against that gold case.
And it’s that very gold case that makes this watch so special. It gives it the slightest, granular shine, without taking away from the matte look we go to these watches for.
- Dimensions: 35mm diameter, 8.5mm thickness
- Case material: Resin
- Water resistance: 30m
It’s a bit like the yellow version of a gunmetal case. It’s still striking, but much more tempered than the all-gold A500WGA1.
Casio GMS5600GB1
With its gold and black palette, you’d think this GMS5600GB1 might be the leveled-up, G-Shock rendition of the just-mentioned F91WM9ACF. In a way, it definitely is, both on the style front and functionally.
It’s G-Shock, for one thing, so you know it’s tough-as-nails shock resistant while also boasting a whole 200 meters of water resistance.
It has a more modern, albeit chunkier bezel, though this extra size gives the exquisite brushing plenty of time to shine — literally. It’s that industrial-meets-chic aesthetic that Hublot goes for, but far more civilized both in size and implementation.
- Dimensions: 38.4mm diameter, 10.9mm thickness
- Case material: Resin and stainless steel
- Water resistance: 200m
Casio categorizes this watch in the ladies’ section, though at 38.4 millimeters, it’s effectively unisex, especially for a G-Shock.
Casio F108WHC4ACF Red Resin
Another colorway for the quintessential Casio template, this red resin F108WHC4ACF also has more bulk to it, as if it were designed to be something in between a G-Shock and a core line Casio.
It also has a lot of dimensions, from the visible screws on the bezel’s corners to the several layers, turns, and angles.
- Dimensions: 43mm diameter, 10mm thickness
- Case material: Stainless steel and resin
- Water resistance: 30m
The blueprint of this design is definitely industrial in its aesthetics, but the red resin adds some levity making it both a fun and serious timepiece.
Casio LRW200H7E1VCF Diver
There are so many unlikely combinations in the design of the LRW200H7E1VCF, making it truly one of the most unique divers available. First off, it’s extra slender-wrist friendly at 33 millimeters in diameter, which even among ladies divers is rare.
The only thing I can think of that’s similar is the smaller 28-millimeter Omega Seamaster Pro, which I’m a huge fan of.
Second, it’s made out of resin, which provides a matte yet commanding look despite its small stature.
- Dimensions: 33mm diameter, 12mm thickness
- Case material: Resin
- Water resistance: 100m
It’s a lively tool watch that won’t immediately turn heads, it’s not a loud piece by any means but is definitely strikingly distinct once one does notice it.
Casio W2132AVCF Sport Watch
This sport watch is performance-forward both in the way it works and the way it looks. If Oakley sunglasses were a watch, it would be this. It almost looks like a coach’s Casio stopwatch, fitted into a wristwatch, and given a visual glow-up.
I’m mainly referring to the blue insert, which has an almost sparkling speckling on it, and the gold accent around the digital face.
Equipping this command center of a sport watch with those visual elements really ups its style factor.
- Dimensions: 40mm diameter, 12mm thickness
- Case material: Resin
- Water resistance: 50m
It features shock resistance, an EL backlight with a brilliant afterglow, and all of the alarm features.
Casio Metal-Covered GMS2100B8A
The Casio GMS2100B8A has that highly-authoritative look that I like to refer to as “Batman-esque.” It’s forged in stainless steel in an extra dark gunmetal-like hue, over each of the several sections and the veritable feast of textures.
It has a refined and strong style that would go beautifully with casual outfits, especially ones with workwear vibes, and be a bold addition to a smart casual situation. That hairline finish is undeniably classy.
- Dimensions: 40mm diameter, 11mm thickness
- Case material: Resin and stainless steel
- Water resistance: 200m
More than just good looks though, this watch has 31 time zones, is shock-resistant, and has a countdown timer, among several of its spec-heavy features.
Casio W96H1BV Sport Watch
This sport watch is basically a straightforward digital timepiece, the kind that’s still a throwback, but not super in-your-face about it. It’s understatedly cool in an almost anti-fashion kind of way.
I’d say, it’s the New Balance 576s of watches, which makes it like a “dad watch.” Pair it with some
- Dimensions: 38mm diameter, 10mm thickness
- Case material: Resin
- Water resistance: 50m
Besides, with its alarms, reliable afterglow, and laser accuracy (available in 12 and 24-hour displays), this watch is simply a good timekeeper.
Casio AW48HE1AV
I find this watch absolutely enthralling because it’s as if they took a standard Casio, remixed it using elements from hey-day Bulova watches, then let it come out looking like a ritzy version of the screenshot of an ‘80s arcade shooter.
Just look at those Tetris-like cardinals. They look like they’re about to do a shoot-off.
Very few watches can mix the digital aesthetic with a playful swank, but this guy does it perfectly.
- Dimensions: 31mm diameter, 9mm thickness
- Case material: Resin
- Water resistance: 50m
I can honestly see it worn with a suit, despite its resin construction, because of the gold accents and small size.
Casio MTPE715C3AV
Capping off this round-up is another non-standard Casio that combines a lot of unlikely features into one charming timepiece (which we now know is more standard to the brand than people realize).
It’s a field watch design, with all Arabic indices in a legible and stylish green, and a durable braided bracelet. It definitely has a rugged look to it. Meanwhile, the Tonneau case adds a refined aesthetic, as does the attractively brushed bezel.
- Dimensions: 43.4mm diameter, 8.8mm thickness
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 50m
Unsurprisingly, the specs on this timepiece are impressive, from the ten-year battery to the on-brand accuracy.
FAQs
Here are some quick answers to some common questions about Casio!
Are Casio watches good?
Absolutely. Ultimately, if you want a watch that’s accurate (to avoid the time-sucking black hole that is your phone), or one that’s fun and retro, Casio is a good go-to. They have some of the most affordable iconic watches on the market.
What’s better: Seiko or Casio?
They’re not really comparable. Go for Seiko if you want affordable mechanicals based on Swiss templates, mid-tier Japanese automatics, or even premium ones via Grand Seiko. Go for Casio if you want affordable, digital pieces that lean more into the electronics side.
Is Casio a premium brand?
They make good basic electronics, so, in that sense, they’re premium within the entry-level category. What they aren’t however, is “luxury,” especially not when it comes to watches. They make reliable and well-made timepieces that are super affordable.
Conclusion
Casio is a brand with a rich history of designing amazing watches at amazing value.
Whether you are an adventurer looking for a watch for the end of the world to a casual wearer looking for a good-looking, stylish watch without breaking the bank, we think that Casio should be one of the first brands you explore.
For the money, you will get a high quality, fashionable timepiece with an amazing history and durability.
My DW5800 was a great work watch. The band is shot, I hope a 5600 band will fit, looks the same.
Best all around watch ever made. With a great selection and affordable for the common man or woman.
I know you’ve mentioned it before, but the F91W really is a design classic. It does its job perfectly, and the pricing is amazing – you can get a black one for less than ten quid or one of an amazing range of colours for a fiver more.