Reviewing an Inexpensive Classic from Casio
[I originally published this review on Yahoo Contributors Network on March 22, 2014. However, as Yahoo is shuttering their site on July 31st, the article is being republished here.]
If you plan to take a wristwatch in harm's way, there are two
approaches you can take. You can buy a expensive armored watch or you
can buy a super cheap watch that you don't mind getting damaged. One
such disposable watch is the rugged
Casio MRW200H Neo-Display Dive
Watch. It's a very inexpensive watch, but it mimics much of the style
and some of the functions of far more expensive timepieces. I was
thrilled to pick up a diver-style watch for less than $20.
Watch Style.
This Casio looks like an expensive dive watch. It has a black case,
black dial, and a black resin strap. I got model
MRW200H-4BV on which
the watch hands are luminous and numbers are in contrasting orange.
(This watch is also available in different variants with white, blue or
green numbers or with luminous bubbles instead of numbers on the dial).
This Casio has a rotating diver-style bezel with an inverted triangle
marking 12 o'clock and the first 15 minutes marked at minute intervals
and every five minutes with contrasting numbers. The dial has large
numbers for 12 hour time and an inboard set of smaller numbers to
provide 24-hour time. A day and date window take the 3 o'clock position.
Multi-national forces may appreciate that the day is provided in
Spanish, French, and English.
Watch Functionality. My
Casio MRW200H-4BV keeps time well and more than meets my expectations
for a watch at this price point. For most daydreamers, this watch works
quite well. However, if you have more demanding needs from a watch,
you'll want to be aware of potential drawbacks with the MRW200H. First,
the bezel is not uni-directional and it doesn't click with each turn.
Scuba divers use rotating bezels to keep track of how much time they can
spend under water. A uni-directional bezel can't be bumped to show that
divers have more time available. It helps keep them from running out of
air. Second, the watch is a little finicky to set. Finally, the crystal
is definitely scratchable.
Watch Size. The Casio MRW200H-4BV is a nicely-sized watch with a 43 mm case diameter and 11 m case thickness. The strap appears to be robustly sized 22 millimeters near the watch, but tapers down to a far more modest width at the buckle. While the band is a bit flimsy, it is long with adjustments for any sized wrist. At only about 4 ounces, this Casio is extremely
lightweight and comfortable.
Watch Construction. The
Casio MRW200H-4BV has a black resin case and stainless steel caseback.
The case bumps out slightly to protect the crown. While it is not a
screwdown crown, this Casio does provide 100 meters of water resistance.
Price. I've seen this Casio at a wide variety of price points between $16 and $25. Walmart and Amazon have it for the lowest prices. I was able to pick it up from Walmart for just less than $19.
Overall.
I really like this watch. The MRW200H series of Diver-Style watches are a good value for the money. They make a great "bang around watch" and cost less than $25.
These watches are a lot like potato chips, it's hard to stop with just one. A bang around watch from a name brand like Casio for less than $25 is always a great day.
to choose from on Amazon. Plus, you can see most of the XXL collection right here:
is a serious aviation watch that incorporates atomic timekeeping for accuracy, local time for 43 cities, a 1/100 second chronograph, 2 alarms, 200 meter water resistance, and a slide rule bezel.
