Casio Duro Review: Cheap Doesn’t Mean Bad!

Before I begin with the Casio Duro review, answer this simple question — how much does a budget dive watch cost?

$500? $300? Or maybe $200?

I’m pretty sure very few of you guys even imagine a true dive watch under $100 bucks, or even sitting somewhere above $50!

Yes, Casio Duro is a dive watch that comes at the $50 to $70 price range depending on the seller and various offers. Also, it’s quite interesting that Casio Duro can keep up to the features and specialties of watches priced above the $300 price point.

As this watch’s price is too good to be true, it begs a detailed and in-depth review. So, I’d take that responsibility today and try to create a very comprehensive Casio Duro review.

Let’s begin!

A Quick Overview of Casio Duro

Casio is a watchmaking giant that doesn’t need an introduction. We all know love all the marvelous watches coming from Casio.

Since the very beginning, Casio watches have always been all about — durability, functionality, and cut-throat pricing. These three traits are hardcoded into the DNA of every single Casio watch.

For example, the legendary Casio F91W is often seen as this ‘immortal’ watch that simply doesn’t die off.

Just like the F91W, Casio Duro also belongs to the Classic line-up. Minimalistic design, dive-style looks, and that desirable 200-meter water resistance are the main appeals of this watch.

In technical terms, Casio Duro is called the MDV106-1A.

Casio first introduced the MDV106-1A back in 2010. Due to the massive popularity and increasing demand, Casio has introduced two new models of Casio Duro — ocean blue (MDV106B-2AV) and gold-black (MDV106G-1AVCF).

This year, in 2021, Casio has launched three new variants too. However, there are no major changes. Casio removed the ‘marlin’ logo that was placed at the 6 o’clock marker above the ‘WR 200 M’ indicator.

Two of the new variants have a new bezel insert that features the iconic ‘Pepsi’ bezel.

One of the biggest reasons for the popularity of Casio Duro is the scope and room for customization and modding. Enthusiasts and modders can replace the crystal, strap, clasp, and even casing to completely change and upgrade their ‘basic’ Casio Duro.

Things to Consider Before Buying A Watch

While buying your first dive watch, your utmost priority should be on the water-resistance performance. Every other feature comes later.

The buying considerations should align with your budget.

For example, if you are in for a $50 watch, you should check your expectations. In this case, your focus should only be on basic things, like — water resistance, build quality, and choice of materials.

If you can up the budget to $300 to $400, you should look for advanced features, like — the choice of movement (caliber), additional functionality, or ISO certification of the water-resistance performance.

On the other hand, if the price tag of the likes of Rolex Submariner doesn’t bother you, you’re allowed to be nitpicky about little things.

The general buying considerations should include –

Features & Benefits of Casio Duro

Casio Duro is all about offering the highest value at the lowest possible price point. As I said, Casio Duro belongs to the Classic line-up from Casio.

This means you’ll see a watch with basic features with godlike durability, and impressive battery life.

At the same time, you shouldn’t expect anything fancy from this watch. In fact, the clean and simple look might even disappoint you!

Without any further ado, let’s jump onto the details of the watch –

Movement

Casio has settled with the basic choice of movement here. Their ‘stock caliber’ Module 2784 powers the watch.

This is a quartz movement with three hands and a date display at the 3 o’clock marker. Being a basic quartz movement, this watch needs a battery, of course.

An SR626 battery comes with Casio Duro. It’s a decent quality battery that has a shelf life of four to six years. You can easily find a replacement in the market too. Any size-377 or size-376 battery can replace the SR626.

Despite being a ‘basic’ movement, the Module 2784 has an accuracy of ±20 seconds/month.

More: Check our guide to Tissot PR100 Review Here

This accuracy level is on par with the expensive Citizen Miyota and Seiko quartz movements!

Casio has engineered the watch to perfection. The second hand moves at astounding accuracy and hits all the second markers with laser precision. Even some of the expensive quartz movements have issues like waggling and stuttering with the second hand.

A job well done, Casio, a job well done!

Case

One thing is for sure — Casio did NOT compromise with the casing.

Even this cheap $50-ish Casio Duro comes with a stainless steel case. The top side of the case is polished, and the back of the case brushed. Such a two-tone finish is quite rare in this category.

Also, on the back, you’ll see all the important information curved into it. Personally, I’m in love with the iconic marlin logo that symbolizes the Casio Duro series.

Furthermore, Casio didn’t shy out, including the module number that many recognized brands skip out.

Another major feature of the case is the unidirectional coin-edge ratcheting bezel. 120-click adds a nice touch to it. Such bezels are very important for the dive watches as it helps to track time underwater.

Now, focus on the crown for a bit. This is a screw-down crown that ensures protection against water. However, the mirror-polished crown is a bit wobbly, and Casio forbid of fiddle with the crown underwater as it can compromise the water-resistance performance.

Overall, I’m more than impressed with the build quality and the craftsmanship of the case. The ideal 44mm size is perfect for all kinds of wrist sizes. It would’ve been better Casio included a smaller variant (preferably 40mm) too.

Hopefully, Casio will add it someday to the line-up.  

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Dial

While some users feel the dial to be pale and simple, I certainly don’t think so!

Now, listen to me — simple dial actually adds up to the functionality.

A good dive watch should avoid cluttering up the dial and keep it simple so that timekeeping becomes hassle-free underwater.

The sunburst dial is impressive too.

Also, having a ‘sweeping second hand’ in such a low price-point, kind of shocked me!

Another likeable feature of Casio Duro is the quality and sharpness of the lume. The hands and marker are lumed up so that you can keep time underwater and in the dark. Even, the 12 o’clock marker on the bezel has lume applied to it.

Some expensive watches (Victorinox INOX) even overlook this simple thing.

Bracelet

This is segment Casio used a cost-cutting trick.

Of course, a dive watch should include a waterproof strap. Otherwise, the wet strap will annoy you a lot after a quick dive into the ocean or swimming pool.

Silicone or polyurethane (PU) certainly are the best options here.

Yet, Casio used the resin strap just most other sports watches in their collection. Resin is quite stiff and hard compared to PU or silicone.

To complement the resin bracelet, Casio Duro uses the tang and buckle clasp. It’s a perfect combination!

Now, I know that you’re not very happy with the resin strap. It creates the perfect opportunity to get aftermarket nylon (NATO or Zulu) strap. These straps go perfectly with Casio Duro.

More: Best Cheap Automatic Watch On The Market [Review + Buying Guide]

Product Specifications and What to Expect from Casio Duro?

Social Proof: What Other Customer Says?

Casio Duro is extremely popular among users. The uncompromising value proposition and impressive durability are the core reasons for such popularity.

Check out some of the customer Casio MDV106-1Areview below –

Best Alternatives to Casio Duro

Seiko 5 Sport

Despite being a class apart, Seiko 5 Sports is a great alternative to Casio Duro. Although, I would not consider Seiko 5 Sports as an alternative but as a viable upgrade.

This watch comes with an impressive automatic movement. The 4R36 is even an upgrade compared to the typical 7S26.

However, you should understand that Seiko 5 Sports is a much more expensive option.

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Invicta Pro Diver

Invicta Pro Diver one of the few watches that can match Casio Duro in terms of pricing. This watch also has the same 200m. water resistance and similar design philosophy, except the metal strap.

Invicta Pro Diver is perhaps one of the cheapest automatic diver watches.  

More: Invicta Watches Reviews: The Bang for the Buck!

Citizen Promaster Diver

Promaster Diver is a sturdy beast!

The case is made of stainless steel that has a brushed finish. If you’re still skeptical about the durability and reliability, you should understand that the water-resistance of Promaster Diver is ISO-compliant.

However, just like the Seiko 5 Sports, Citizen Promaster Diver is also an expensive watch (comparatively). So, consider it to be an upgrade. Check our guide to Citizen Promaster Diver here

Conclusion

We’re at the finishing point of the Casio Duro MDV106-1A review.

This watch is magnificent and worth the hype behind it. Casio Duro proves that a watch can be cheap and highly functional at the same time.

If you have any question about the watch, let me know in the comments below.