15 Casio Watches That Are Worth Their Weight in Gold

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BOTTOM LINE, you just can’t beat Casio watches for their durable, utilitarian designs at seriously low prices. “Utilitarian” can sound like an insult when describing watches, but not when you’re talking about Casio. The Japanese watch brand has been making reliable, easy-to-use tickers since 1974. Every model is designed to get the job done as simply and dependably as possible, and every spec is optimized for mass production to help keeps prices low. Yet, the best Casio watches incorporate a retro-futuristic design that somehow never goes out of style. Even the analog options offer appealing minimalist style for unbeatable prices.

Casio’s funky little digital watches that have gone unchanged since the early 1990s have developed a cult following among watch enthusiasts. You could argue that the best Casio watch is the F-91W. Since it was released in 1989, it has gone on to sell more units than any other wristwatch in history. However, that would be overlooking all the updated variations that have come out since. Meanwhile, Casio’s rugged G-Shock line—which exploded and peaked in the early aughts—has undergone a renaissance in recent years among streetwear tastemakers and professional athletes. Active guys get a whole other dimension of use from Casio’s sport watches. Few other brands offer so many training features on an every-day watch, especially in the sub $200 range.

Whether you prefer the distinct throwback models or the spartan look of the G-Shock line, the best Casio watches have a uniquely enduring style. If you just need a good-looking watch and don't want to spend much, Casio has you covered. If you are looking for a multifunctional every day watch with outside-the-box looks, there is a Casio watch for you. Or, if you just want to join the funky retro digital watch club, Casio has something for you as well.

A158WA-1DF Stainless Steel Digital Watch

How do you improve upon the best selling watch of all time? Casio upgraded the F-91W by making the case and band out of stainless steel. Which gave a more refined look to this remarkably simple and easy-to-use digital watch. The case is small at 33 mm, and it feels very light on the wrist. Since this watch is so affordable and never out of stock, you can see why so many people have thought, "I might as well pick one up." Then fell in love it.

MQ24-7B2 Analog Watch with Black Resin Band

Casio pioneered the use of resin for watch bands and cases in the 1970s. This simple analog watch is a great example of the light, flexible, and soft properties of resin. It tells the time—nothing more and nothing less—with an almost unnoticeable impact on your wrist. The black band and white dial completes the minimalist look.

Casio G-Shock Master of G Mudman

Watches don't get much tougher than G-Shock. The Mudman line is specially designed to handle mud, dirt, dust, wanter, sweat, and anything else you or nature can throw at it. The buttons are designed to keep the elements out, the case has an inner carbon core to protect against impact damage (shock). Under that tough exterior is a digital interface with a ton of features, including sunrise and sunrise times, a digital compass, and up-to five alarms. An automatic time calibration radio signal means you never have to set the watch.

GMB2100D-1A

Get the most up to date tech G-Shock has to offer with this stainless steel upgrade of the CasiOak line. A analog-digital hybrid dial shows the seconds on an inset screen, with the hour and minute told by hand. Bluetooth connection to the G-Shock app on a smartphone ensures constant accuracy. The solar charged battery will last up to seven days without any light source. This G-Shock is built to compete with high-end performance watches and it more than holds its own.

MDV-106B-1A2VCF

Modeled after classic '60s dive watches, this Casio more than looks the part. You'll be hard pressed to find a better bargain for a fully functional dive watch. Lum painted hands and indices, a rotating bezel, and screw down crown are ready for pro level diving. Several bezel color options are available but the red and blue "Pepsi" bezel is essential. This is a great no-risk vacation watch.

GMWB5000GD-9

To celebrate the release of the original G-Shock, Casio put out this all gold reproduction. Not only is the paint job upgraded, but the case and band have levels up with stainless steel. All the digital functions that made G-Shock revolutionary in the '80s are there: stopwatch, calendar, alarm, timer. On top of that, the tech has been upgraded with a solar power cell, a cutting edge LCD screen, and Bluetooth connection to a smartphone for accurate timekeeping.

Read more: Best Gold Watches

CA-53W-1CR Calculator Watch

Casio's first foray into tech was innovating digital calculators in the 1960s. So makes perfect sense that when the brand starting making digital tickers, they also made a calculator-watch. These things were cutting edge in the 1980s. But now we all have advanced calculators on our phones, having one on your wrist is just plain fun.

G-Shock Move GBD-H2000 Multisport

One of the newest additions to the G-Shock family, the Move offers all the same features that G-Shock is known for, plus heart rate monitoring, sleep monitoring, and GPS tracking. This smartwatch can keep track of up to 100 runs with up to 200 laps each; measuring time, distance, pace, calories burned, heart rate, maximum heart rate, cardio load, pitch, maximum pitch, stride, altitude gained, and number of strokes. All the info synced with a corresponding smartphone app through Bluetooth.

MRW200H-3BV Dive Style Sport Watch

Blacked out dive watches have been standard issue for the US Navy since the 1960s. Casio modeled that tradition with this military style watch. The neon green details all glow in the dark for night time use. Lightweight and durable resin was used for the band, case, and bezel, while the dial is covered by mineral glass. This watch does a good job of balancing a tactical and sporty feel, so that it works well for both uses.

F108WH-2ACF Sports Chronograph

Another variation on the top selling F-91W digital watch, the Sports Chronograph has far more water resistance and a softer, more rounded off case. Essentially, Casio optimized this essential digital watch to track time in the pool, on the run, while climbing a maintain, or anywhere else your training takes you. This watch is so lightweight and soft that you won't even notice it on your wrist until you check the time.

GA-1000 XL Series

One of the major appeals for G-Shock has always been a wide range of colors and textures. The GA-1000 is one of the most popular models and comes in at least ten different color options at any given time, with Casio frequently adding new updates. You can certainly find your favorite color, but an all-white watch has the dual benefit of standing out while still matching everything you wear with it.

WS-1400H-4AV

Another Casio sport watch built for minimal impact training assistance. This features a lap memory feature that will help you keep track of pacing, ideal for competitive running and swimming. The chronograph is controlled by two easy access buttons on the front. A larger case size than similar Casio digital watches provides better screen visibility on the move.

WS1300H-8AV Tide Graph and Moon Phase Watch

Anyone who spends much time on the water—especially doing activities like surfing, fishing, and swimming—knows the importance of keeping track of the tides. This handy Casio does the hard work for you. Along with all the usual digital watch features, the screen will tell you exactly where the tide is at any time.

Edifice Silver-Tone Chronograph

Digital watches may be Casio's specialty, but the Edifice line offers a range of classic analog watches at affordable prices. This fully functional chronograph has a beautiful deep burgundy paint job and honors the genre's racing heritage with the dial and bezel design. This is a solid everyday watch that outshines its price tag.

Aurora Oval Rainbow Ion-Plated Limited Edition

Affordability may be Casio's greatest virtue but the expert watchmakers can still swing for the fences. A few decked out, professional grade G-Shock watches exist in the $1,000+ range, but none of them are as flashy as the limited edition Aurora Oval Rainbow. This beauty provides all the bells and whistles of modern G-Shocks with upgraded materials across the board.

What to Look for in Casio Watches

Casio watches are all about getting the job done. The designs are modest and deliberately retro, for the most part. All of the digital watches come with handy functions like an alarm and a stopwatch, but some come with even more. So make sure you look through the list of functions before purchasing to ensure the watch does what you need. Look to Casio if you want something simple and reliable that you won’t spend much money on. Rest assured though, these watches significantly outperform the price tags.

If you’re looking for a training watch, whether that means swimming, running, rock climbing, or triathlons, G-Shock is always a good choice. Many of the cheaper retro Casio digital watches have some handy training functions, but the durability and extra features are well worth the cost with G-Shock. Especially if you’re dealing with water, nature, or physical impacts.

How to Wear Casio Watches

Casio watches may not look like any other every-day watch out there, but they are built to be worn all the time. The trick is that almost every watch the brand offers is monotone—usually black, silver, or gold with detail on the face—which makes for easy styling. Even when the watch has a retro appearance up close, if it appears to be a solid black band from 5 feet away, then you can wear it practically anything.

Then there is the functionality aspect. Casio watches are built to make your life easier with tools like a stopwatch, alarm, and calendar. Long before smartwatches and smartphones, Casio made digital assistants that fit on your wrist. So you should take full advantage of those tools by wearing your Casio watch every day. You may even cut back on your screen time in the process.

Read More About the Best Watches to Buy Now

Watches

Watches Under $100 | Watches Under $200 | Watches Under $500 | Automatic Watches | Chronograph Watches | Amazon Watches | Sport Watches | Stainless Steel Watches | Waterproof Watches | Dress Watches | Gold Watches | Cheap Watches | Fitness Watches | Solar Watches | Luxury Watches

Watch brands

Timex Watches | Citizen Watches

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