While spending some time learning about watches, I started to notice these “square” looking designs that caught my attention—not a specific model or brand, but the design itself. My hunt for this watch began when someone briefly mentioned it in another watch’s review video. The aesthetics, the brand, the movement, and the cost drew me to this watch specifically, rather than others. I had the opportunity to try it out during my trip to Thailand. The combined retro-sport look and the fact that it was a Casio really spoke to me. I didn’t realize how good this watch was until I took it for a drive and enjoyed the view.
As simple as this watch is, and despite the short time I’ve had it, it has quickly become one of my favorites. It’s my go-to choice when I want to dress up or elevate my casual attire. I’m not a watch collector; I’m just a watch enthusiast who enjoys sharing experiences. Here are my thoughts on this watch based on my experience with it. I’ll discuss its design, wearability, practicality, and how it fits into my daily life.
Design
Clearly the watch was inspired by the classic motorsports chronographs, laid out on a 3-6-9 in a reverse panda configuration. The sunburst dial and bold index markets give it a sporty look. It measures 47 × 40 × 11 mm (L × W × H), weighs 136g and it’s compatible with the most common watch band width, 20mm. The battery life its approximately 3 years with and accuracy of ±20s a month.
The quality of the watch is evident from the start. Its weight gives you the impression of holding a high-quality item, while its finish and pushers feel soft and refined and the flat sapphire crystal to top it off set the right impressions. Something to appreciate its premium materials at a mid-range price point. Speaking of materials, the watch has a stainless steel bezel with a screw lock back, stainless steel solid band and a sapphire crystal providing 10BAR (100 meters) of water resistance.
This watch is a simple yet elegant timepiece, equipped with just the right features to keep you punctual and organized in any situation. It includes essential functions such as timekeeping, a chronograph, day calendar, water resistance, and luminescent markers for low-light visibility.
Unlike most chronographs, where the main second hand remains static during regular timekeeping, this model uses the main second hand to continuously display the passing seconds. The chronograph function is handled by the sub-dials: the one at 9 o’clock tracks elapsed minutes, and the one at 6 o’clock tracks elapsed seconds, with a maximum measuring capacity of 1 hour. These sub-dials remain static when the chronograph is not in use. The sub-dial at 3 o’clock displays the time in a 24-hour format.
A day window positioned between the 4 and 5 o’clock markers adds both functionality and visual balance, though it may be harder to read in low-light conditions. Each hour marker and the main hands are embedded with lume, ensuring easy readability at night..
In my opinion, Casio nailed the design. The watch is perfectly sized for my average wrist, and the overall finish is excellent. The pushers have a satisfying, hydraulic-piston-like feel and are even operable underwater—though I wouldn’t recommend it. The crystal is scratch-resistant, and while I plan to keep the bracelet on for now, the design makes it easy to swap out the band if desired. I created a tool to help me evaluate the watch’s design, which resulted in a rating of 4.43 out of 5 stars.
Wearability
I usually choose not to wear the watch during activities that might risk damaging it—not because it can’t handle it, but because I prefer to avoid unnecessary wear and tear when I can. In my opinion, this watch is versatile enough to suit almost any occasion. That said, I personally reserve it for more upscale or refined settings. For example, while it’s technically a sport watch, I can’t quite picture Rocky wearing it while training—sweating, running through mud, or chasing chickens. It feels a bit too polished for that kind of grit
The watch has a solid, premium feel and wears exceptionally well on the wrist. It stays in place, isn’t heavy, and doesn’t get in the way. Thanks to its high-quality materials, there’s no need to baby it. While some metal bracelets are known to tug at wrist hair, that’s not an issue for me—I have minimal hair and shave what little I do have (which helps tattoos to stand out more). Despite Casio’s reputation for less-than-stellar bracelets, this one feels surprisingly comfortable, solid, and secure. It not only complements the watch’s look but enhances the overall wearing experience. Lastly, the pushers have a smooth, hydraulic-like action that’s incredibly satisfying—almost addictive. They’re responsive without being intrusive, never poking or pressing back against your wrist.
This watch pairs effortlessly with any wardrobe thanks to its elegant and minimalist design—perfect for dress occasions or business casual settings. While it may stand out a bit too much for casual or sporty outfits, its versatility ultimately depends on your personal style and confidence in wearing it.
The minimalist dial design makes this watch exceptionally easy to read, thanks to its clean layout and uncluttered appearance. The luminescent markers provide good visibility in low-light conditions, although the absence of a built-in light can make the day window a bit difficult to read in the dark. When using the chronograph, there are moments when the main hands partially obscure the sub-dials, which can hinder readability. Additionally, if you’re a frequent chronograph user, it’s worth noting that the sub-dial markings are quite small and may be hard to see at a glance
This timepiece could easily serve as your daily driver, offering versatility for nearly any scenario. Its stainless steel construction provides strong resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for workouts, and its water resistance rating means you can even take it for a swim. While the premium materials can handle some wear and tear, I wouldn’t necessarily classify it as a ‘beater watch’—especially considering the price point. Of course, that assessment is subjective and depends on your personal budget and how you value your timepieces
This watch is highly practical—easy to read, simple to operate, and reliable for everyday use. It stays securely on your wrist, helping you stay organized and punctual. Powered by a quartz movement, it offers low-maintenance convenience, with battery changes needed only about every three years. It delivers the retro aesthetic you’re after without the complications that often come with vintage timepieces
In conclusion, I appreciate its blend of sporty elegance, featuring a clean dial, sapphire crystal, and durable stainless steel build. Its quartz movement ensures reliable, low-maintenance performance, while the retro motorsport-inspired design and 100-meter water resistance add both style and versatility. Offering premium features and versatility at an affordable price it a win in my opinion.