Fergus Nash
Whether or not or not it’s a beater for laborious work, a gift for the niece, or only one factor humble to placed on, all of us love an reasonably priced watch. A crisp US$50 observe isn’t as extremely efficient of a spending software program as of late, nonetheless you’d be shocked what variety of good selections there are for watches from the dominators of digital – Casio. Is there one other mannequin that might embody heroes of the silver show, right traditional reissues, and even trendy analogue watches for beneath US$50? I don’t suppose so. And in the event you occur to see one thing you need, you will need to browse the Casio a part of the Time+Tide retailer.
Casio F91W-1
Anyone even remotely conscious of Casio’s worth vary differ would have been screaming the title “F91W” as shortly as they study the headline of this textual content. Practically unchanged since its inception in 1989, this 35mm resin nugget is stuffed with as quite a bit attraction as a result of it has choices. A every day alarm, calendar, backlight, chronograph, and a seven-year battery life make this an especially useful watch along with a timeless fundamental. It’s such a prolific watch that Casio’s reported output of the F91W was 3 million objects in 2011, and there doesn’t look like any sign of it slowing down. Value: US$22.95
Casio CA53W-1
It’s a watch, and it’s a calculator. Few objects can retrieve the thrill of seeing one factor as a baby and being fulled by a decided want to non-public one, nonetheless the novelty of doing main maths in your wrist has certainly not worn off, even when our telephones can do it larger. As if that childhood nostalgia wasn’t enough in its private correct, that’s moreover the watch worn by Marty McFly in Once more To The Future. From a wise perspective, the Casio CA53W-1 has merely as quite a bit power as a result of the F-91W with an alarm, twin events, chronograph, hourly time alerts, and additional. You’ll go for the essential reference, or swap points up with the blue, crimson, inexperienced, beige, and black resin fashions with an inverted present. Value: US$29.95
Casio LF20W-8A
The LF20W assortment was a little bit little bit of a shock hit when it first launched, with many of the obtainable colours selling out and turning into instantaneous collectibles. Points have calmed down since then, nonetheless that doesn’t make it any a lot much less of a compelling watch. The matte texture and silky-soft hues of the bio-based resin practically give it an similar seen prime quality to ceramic, whereas remaining great gentle and comfortable on-wrist. Although it’s digital dial construction is carefully based on the Casio Twin-Graph, the LF20W really takes on a lifetime of its private as a minimalist however trendy streetwear companion. The case measures 37.8mm by 33.7mm, and the LF20W-8A with its beige tone is very engaging for a lot of who desire a lighter affect that isn’t blinding white. Value: US$29.95
Casio MRW-200 / LRW-200
So that you may not be able to afford an actual Casio G-Shock with out wanting second-hand or getting one hell of a discount, nonetheless do you really plan on working your watches over with a truck? If you would like one factor that’s nonetheless comparatively indestructible, legible, and with a swimmable 100 metres of water resistance, then the MRW-200 and LRW-200 ranges are proper right here for you. The M variations are quite a bit beefier at 44mm in diameter whereas the L references are a quite a bit tamer 34mm, and there are seemingly numerous colour selections to pick out from. The smaller watches do happen to be $6 costlier, nonetheless they’re moreover much more vibrant. The one completely different distinction between them is the MRW’s use of a weekday present along with the date at 3 o’clock. Value: US$29.95 (MRW), US$35.95 (LRW)
Casio AE1200WHD-1A
Moreover dubbed the Casio Royale on account of its uncertain similarity to a Seiko watch worn by Roger Moore’s James Bond in Octopussythe AE1200 has turn into a little bit little bit of a cult hit amongst Casio followers, significantly people who like to vary their watches. The spherical subdial throughout the excessive left nook reveals a digital illustration of analogue watch arms, whereas the digital time may very well be study underneath. A low-res world map on the very best aspect pinpoints the energetic space when biking by quite a few time zones, which makes it phenomenal for travelling, along with contributing to the air of worldwide espionage. In every other case, the 5 alarms, 100 metres of water resistance, and 1/a centesimal second chronograph make it a extraordinarily smart sit up for an absolute bargain. Value: US$42.95
Casio A168XES-1BVT
Must you’re a fan of the Casio F91W nonetheless you’re not so eager on the black resin look, the A168 is the next no-brainer choice. Launched a some years later throughout the mid ‘90s, this steel-covered watch captures all of the similar lightweight, low-cost, high-functionality of the F-91W with a bit bit further of an professional polish. This particular reference manages to grab retro nostalgia and fashionable slickness on the same time due to a monochromatic dial, inverted present, and a transparent resin strap. The module is principally the similar, moreover with an electroluminescent backlight fairly than an LED. Value: US$49.95
Edifice EF106D-2AV
Other than the Casio Duro dive watch, Casio’s analogue watches are sorely missed. The EF106D-2AV from Casio’s Edifice sub-brand is not a reference you’ll see talked about quite a bit the least bit, nonetheless with the most recent rise of curiosity in late ‘90s and Y2K designs, probably that may shortly change. Its built-in bracelet with flared edges screams early ‘00s, as do the sharp particulars of the deep blue dial. Divots on the polished bezel highlight the elevated stage of ending than you might uncover on non-Edifice Casios, and it’s backed up by 100m of water resistance that grants it software program watch standing. The 37mm diameter and 43mm lug-to-lug is great versatile, and it’s solely 10.4mm thick. It is attainable you will solely get 5c in change out of your $50 bill, nonetheless you’ll end up with a sleeper hit with secure specs. Value: US$49.95
Time+Tide Timeless Determine: Casio Duro MDV106DD-1A1
The fan-favourite Casio Duro is also priced out of this guidelines at an RRP of US$89.95, nonetheless in the event you occur to’re after one of many essential cheap dive watches with 200 metres of water resistance and a screw-down crown, you’ll want to utterly search out these low price codes or second hand listings. Famed for being Bill Gates’ watch of choice, it’s proof that humility throughout the watch pastime can go an awesome distance. It’s really chunky at 44.2mm in diameter, nonetheless the 48.5mm lug-to-lug dimension helps tame it, along with the 12.1mm thickness. The diving bezel is completely sensible too, and unidirectional so it doesn’t slide once more. If black isn’t your colour, completely different references pay homage to some further well-known combos such as a result of the Pepsi, Batman, and Hulk bezels.