Ask any watch nerd what the most affordable watch in their collection is, and they'll almost certainly pull out a Casio. The legendary Japanese brand is one of the few in horology that truly transcends class, race, and nationality. You're just as likely to see “buy anything” watch nerds like John Mayer rocking a six-figure Audemars Piguet or Patek Philippe alongside a G-Shock. Casios just look cool and function well. From on-screen use in everything from Back to the Future to Stranger Things, a Casio deserves a place—or several—in every serious collector's watch box.
Casio offers a wide assortment of models that appeal to everyone, at all price points. Here are the favorites that I've seen and tried, from simple classics to advanced modern smartwatches.
Be sure to check out our other watch buying guides, including the Best Cheap Watches Under $1,000, the Best Seiko Sports Watches, and the Best Smartwatches.
An Affordable Legend
Photograph: Parker HallSave to wishlistSave to wishlistCasio
F91W
$30 $22 (27% off)Amazon
$30Casio
Casio's iconic F91W has been worn by millions for decades. Introduced in 1989, it has already become a classic. This thin watch with a slim rubber band handles all the basic timekeeping you need and retails for less than $30 new.
You can get it in a ton of colors (I like my wife's brass bezelled version), but even the classic black goes with any outfit. When the band inevitably comes apart after a couple of years, just replace it with a new one. My wife claims this is the most common watch she sees among Pacific Northwest surfers, because it easily fits under a wet suit, and you don't mind if you lose it accidentally.
The only downside I've found over a decade of wear? The light to illuminate the screen in the dark is hilariously bad. You can still sort of tell the time, but if you want a better backlight, check out the Illuminator model (F105W-1A, $30), which fixes this ancient problem, and looks nearly identical.
A Classic G-Shock
Photograph: Parker HallSave to wishlistSave to wishlistCasio
DW5600
$100 $65 (35% off)Amazon
$100Casio
There are hundreds of variants of the DW5600 on the market, each modeled after the first-ever G-Shock. It was designed by legendary Casio engineer Kikuo Ibe, who, after dropping and breaking a watch his father had given him in the late 1970s, became obsessed with creating a watch that was indestructible. Regardless of which movement variant you get (solar, atomic, classic, inverted dial—there are countless to choose from), each watch is designed to what Casio calls Triple 10 principles: 10-year battery life, 10-bar (100-meter) water resistance, and protection against a 10-meter fall onto concrete.
Needless to say, this is a rugged watch that will take a lifetime of abuse, as long as you change the battery (or get a solar model). This basic G-Shock is the foundation of much of Casio's acclaim as a buy-it-for-life watch brand, and there are so many cool versions to choose from. Mine comes from a collaboration between skate brand Preduce and a Thai artist, a limited release that my wife picked up when visiting her family there. There are tons of other cool variants; my brother has a NASA one, and I have another made with ocean plastic for a charitable foundation.
All of my DW5600s, which I typically wear when doing the dirtiest tasks in my life, still look great after tons of gross, greasy adventures, and they have a timeless look you really never get over. Just find a version you like, because in my experience, you're never going to stop wearing it.
A Full Metal G Shock
Photograph: Parker HallSave to wishlistSave to wishlistCasio
GMW-B5000-D1
$539 $509 (6% off)Amazon
$600Casio
If the DW5600 above isn't quite rugged enough for you, Casio also has a version of the classic G-Shock in full metal. This watch is solar powered, comes with radio-based atomic time, and can pair to your phone via Bluetooth to adjust settings.
The silver review unit Casio sent my way turns heads, but to be honest, if I had purchased it myself, I'd have gone for the insanely flashy gold model. Everybody loves a big, gaudy Casio, and for me, the more flash the better. The case is heavy and robust, and the band actually tapers nicely to a milled metal clasp, making it as secure as you'll find for adventuring.
A Watch for World Travelers
Photograph: Parker HallSave to wishlistSave to wishlistCasio
AE1200WH
$40 $30 (25% off)Amazon
$40Casio
As someone with family across the world, it's genuinely useful to have a watch with a world time function because it lets me easily tell what time it is in Bangkok for my toddler's FaceTime calls with the grandparents. This is perhaps the coolest global timer I've ever seen and used, with a tiny world map in the upper right, a clock face for home time in the upper left, and a digital lower face to show you the current or away time. This means you can have two time zones on the same face at once, which makes it super easy to check.
These look so cool, they've earned the nickname Casio Royale, in homage to the Seiko watch worn by Roger Moore in 1983's Octopussy. I could easily see a classy lad like Moore wearing the Casio version. Variants of this watch are incredible value; you can get one for about the same price as the entry-level F91W above, but this is a much better watch per dollar.
A Math Watch
Photograph: Parker HallSave to wishlistSave to wishlistCasio
CA53W
$40 $30 (25% off)Amazon
$40Casio
The Casio calculator watch is another classic you'll want to wear because it brings you joy, not necessarily because you enjoy doing math on a tiny calculator that's much harder to use than your cell phone. You buy it for the nerd appeal that spans decades of famous wearers, both on- and off-screen. Marty McFly rocked this watch in the second and third Back to the Future films before it also graced the wrist of Walter White in Breaking Bad.
Features include the eight-digit calculator, a stopwatch, dual time zones, and an alarm. There is also a full calendar that's accurate through 2099. You'll always know what date it is, unless you meet a real-life Doc Brown. With a slim profile, it feels surprising for a watch with this many buttons.
An Apple Watch Dupe
Photograph: Parker HallSave to wishlistSave to wishlistCasio
MTPM305MC-1AV
$135 $120 (11% off)Amazon
$135Casio
The shape and metal band on this Casio might make folks think you're wearing an Apple Watch, but below the mineral crystal glass lies a cool moonphase quartz movement that is wonderfully stunning for the price.
Two subdials show the day and date, while a third dial is set to the phase of the moon where you're currently living. This has been my favorite watch to wear when tracking the Artemis space missions, because I can see how the moon will look in the sky at night while reading the news. It comes in several dial colors (silver, blue, and black), and can also be had with a leather band.
A Smart G-Shock
Photograph: Parker HallSave to wishlistSave to wishlistCasio
GPRH1000
$550Amazon
$550Casio
The massive 53.2-mm wide, 20.3-mm thick G-Shock Rangeman is what I'd expect real adventurers, soldiers, and roughnecks might use in lieu of an Apple Watch Ultra. This outdoor hybrid smartwatch is equipped with a heart rate sensor, GPS, solar charging, a thermometer, an altimeter, and an accelerometer and gyroscope for swim tracking. There are modes for different types of exercises, Bluetooth for connecting to your phone for notifications and time setting, and all the other functions you've come to expect from a modern digital Casio.
Why do I use a massive G-Shock that seems designed for the apocalypse? I desperately wanted a Casio that connects with Strava to track runs without having to bring my phone, and this does! I also think the big hunk of wrist tech just looks cool, and with 200 meters of water resistance and shock protection, plus how easy the large side buttons are to use with gloves, I find myself wearing it for my harshest gardening, brewing, or workout tasks and not worrying about damaging it. After months of abuse, it still works like new.
A Modern Icon
Courtesy of CasioSave to wishlistSave to wishlistCasio
GA2100
$108Amazon
$120Casio
As a kid, I grew up wearing chunky plastic G-Shocks, and the GA2100—colloquially called the “CasiOak” for its resemblance to the much, much more expensive Audemars Piguet Royal Oak—takes me back to those days with its nostalgic design. I like the classic styling, but there are also features I appreciate as an adult, like a weekday dial in case I forget whether it’s Wednesday or Thursday. It’s perfect for travel, with digital time zone controls for the analog hands to quickly switch times, and 200-meter water resistance for any adventure.
Best of all, for people who like to match outfits, you can pick one up in basically any combination of colors and materials, including frequent collaborations with celebrities, designers, and other brands, and they typically sell for less than $150. That’s an absolute steal for the style and functionality on offer here, and I have a small, growing collection that I wear regularly. —Brad Bourque
A Cute and Smaller G-Shock
Courtesy of CasioSave to wishlistSave to wishlistCasio
BGD10L
$95Amazon
This adorable Baby-G comes with colorful loops that you can add to customize the watch band. A small, pixelated animation appears in the upper-right when you press the light button; you may see a surfer, dancer, dolphin, blowfish, dog, or cat scamper by.
I like that this is smaller (43 x 39 mm) than most G-Shocks but still offers the same 100-meter water and 10-meter drop-shock resistance, making it rugged enough that you (or your kids, if you buy them watches this nice) don't have to worry about breaking it. If you're an adult who needs a bit more whimsy in your life but who doesn't want the distraction of a smart watch, seeing a dolphin swim across the screen when you're checking the time is as joyful as it seems.
A Sleeper Classic
Courtesy of CasioSave to wishlistSave to wishlistCasio
AQ240E
$75Amazon
$70Casio
I didn't realize how much I would enjoy the look and feel of this vintage Casio design until I got it on my wrist. The dial is gorgeous in teal, and the case and integrated bracelet are sleek and thin enough to fit under even the tightest cuffs.
I like that the digital time can be set to another time zone, in addition to showing the day and date, and I also like that there is no second hand to make things look cluttered; the seconds are shown on the digital readout. It's all very 1980s in the best possible way.
Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that's too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.
Comments
Back to topTriangle
Parker Hall is a former longtime senior editor of product reviews at WIRED. He focused on audiovisual (A/V) and entertainment products. Parker is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he studied jazz drums with Billy Hart (Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock). Prior to WIRED, he was a senior ... Read MoreWriter and ReviewerTopicsapparelWearablesShoppingbuying guideswatchesCasiolifestylefashionGet Up to $100 Off at Logitech This MonthScore up to $100 off refurbished premium products, free shipping on orders of $29+, and more at Logitech.Molly HigginsTop Nomad Goods Promo Codes: Get 25% Off in April 2026Save up to 25% on Nomad Goods accessories such as Nomad phone cases, Nomad wallets, and more this April.Brenda StolyarWhat Is the Best Garmin Watch Right Now?We tested Garmin’s GPS-enabled fitness trackers and found the perfect picks for casual hikers, backcountry skiers, and more.Adrienne SoThese Premium Soundbars and Wireless Speakers Compete With Fancy Wired SetupsSoundbars just keep getting better, but some rise above the rest. These are the best high-end soundbars and wireless A/V speakers I’ve tried.Ryan WaniataTop B&H Photo Promo Codes and Deals This AprilEnjoy top deals on cameras, computers, and tech essentials at B&H Photo.Scott GilbertsonTop Loop Earplugs Offers: Quiet 2, Sweet Dreams and Gift Set DiscountsSave on Loop Earplugs, including Quiet 2 and popular gift sets for improved sleep, focus, and comfort.Louryn StrampeThe Best Ski Clothes for Staying Warm and Having FunFrom weatherproof jackets and pants to puffers, gloves, and socks, WIRED’s winter sports experts have you covered.Chris HaslamThe Simple, Affordable Coros Pace 4 Gives Garmin a Serious Run for Its MoneyThe Coros Pace 4’s long battery life, training tools, and accessible price point are all reasons why you should reconsider getting a Garmin.Kieran AlgerThe Best Apple Watch Bands for Every OccasionWe’ve been testing bands since the first Apple Watch launched in 2015. From silicone sports straps to leather bands, I’ve rounded up the best for every occasion.Boutayna Chokrane The Best Deals From the Amazon Spring SaleThis sale ends tonight, and it’s full of fake “deals.” We hunted to find truly good prices on gear we’ve tested.Louryn StrampeThe Best iPhone 17 Cases and Accessories—We’ve Tested More Than 100Protect your expensive iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone Pro, or iPhone 17e with our favorite cases and screen protectors.Julian ChokkattuThe Best Apple Watch AccessoriesYou finally caved and bought an Apple Watch. These are our favorite bands, screen protectors, and chargers to go with your new smartwatch.Adrienne So
Wired Coupons
T-Mobile Promo CodeGet Only the Essentials With the Coremobile Plan
Squarespace Promo CodeSquarespace Promo Code: 20% Off Annual Acuity Subscriptions
LG Promo CodeLG Promo Code: 20% Off Your First Order
Dell Coupon Code10% Off Dell Coupon Code for New Customers
.png){kind=logo}
Samsung Promo Code30% Samsung Coupon - Offer Program 2026
Canon Promo Code10% Off Canon Promo Code + Up to 30% Off
