Diver versus Diver-Style Watch
The Casio MRW200H is a diver-style watch and not a true diver. True dive watches are certified to be at least 200 m water resistant, have a unidirectional dive-timing bezel that cannot be knocked out of place, and a screw-down crown that prevents the inner mechanism of the watch from flooding.
Since the MRW200H is water-resistant to 100 m, has a friction bidirectional bezel, and a push-pull crown, it cannot be considered a true dive watch. Nonetheless, the 100 m rating should give confidence that, so long as the crown is firmly pushed in, the watch will be perfectly functional doing pretty much any water-related activity except scuba diving.
If you are, however, searching for a truly capable diver without breaking the bank, you’ll find plenty to choose from here.
The Perfect Budget-Friendly “Beater”
Many watch magazines, blogs, and forums have described the Casio MRW200H as a “beater” watch—but what exactly does that mean? Literally, it’s a watch that can withstand a beating, so its construction should be solid. A beater should also perform well in harsher environments where it might get a few scratches. So, ideally, a beater should be fairly inexpensive. In the case of the MRW200H, if you smashed it against a rock and it broke, you wouldn’t be too upset because it only cost you $20.
Indeed, to test the MRW200H I took it to the mountains for some hiking and swimming in several waterfalls. Small, light, and unpretentious, the watch held up very well on my trip. The dial with neon green numerals was fairly legible, and it easily withstood swimming and a few knocks along the way.
The NASA Connection
After spending billions on the space race during the Cold War, NASA looked to a humble Casio when it decided to fit MRW200Hs to the outside of the flight suits of their WB-57 aircraft pilots. Opting for frugal pragmatism over opulence, the MRW200Hs have soared to heights of 60,000 feet on various high-altitude research missions.
NASA’s use of the MRW200H is a testament to the reliability and durability of this model and speaks volumes of the excellent reputation Casio has earned when it comes to build quality and functionality.
Bracelet & Strap Alternatives
For $20 USD you should not expect too much from the included resin strap, though it is functional and suits the aesthetic of the watch well. However, it is not very supple and is prone to fraying or snapping after frequent use. With a lug width of 18 mm, it’s easy to find replacement straps from online suppliers.
Archer Watch Straps silicone bands are supple and feel extremely soft on the wrist. At $14.99, these straps feel high-end at an affordable price. I also think that these silicone bands keep the watch in place on the wrist better than the supplied resin. Archer straps also come with quick-release spring bars, which makes it a breeze to swap out straps.
Archer Watch Straps canvas bands offer a more rugged and militaristic look than the silicone bands. They are also suitable for the water and are extremely durable. The “sand” colored version contrasted nicely with the black and green dial, and gave an army-style look to the watch. The canvas bands, like the silicone, also feature quick-release spring bars. Note, however, that this band costs $20.99 USD (the same as the watch itself).
Price/Quality Ratio
The clunkily named Casio MRW200H might just be the best value for money watch in the world. It is remarkable that for only $20 you can buy a watch that’s this tough and accurate.
Casio is a world leader when it comes to affordable watches, and this particular offering is the greatest bargain of the bunch. Those trusty words “Casio” and “100 m” on the dial give great reassurance that this watch is ready for an adventure.
You can get it wet, muddy, and scratched up without worry that it will fail you. And, if something should happen, it won’t break the bank to replace it.
Obviously, for $20, you cannot expect to get a sapphire crystal, automatic movement, or 200 m water resistance, but you are getting a highly practical watch that could last many years even if you treat it badly.
Do we recommend the Casio MRW200H?
If you’re also in the market for a high-end, Swiss dive watch, you should probably purchase a MRW200H as well. It’s ideal for those occasions when you don’t want to worry about having an expensive watch on your wrist—crowded flea markets, rock climbing, pounding surf breaks. That’s when you take out the hardy Casio.
The MRW200H is the ideal travel/adventure/beach watch. It comes in lots of different color combinations, and you’re getting an accurate, water-ready timepiece that does what it needs to do.
Also, due to the relatively compact lug-to-lug distance of 47mm, this watch will suit a variety of wrist sizes. It would make the ideal first watch for a child over 10 years old, precisely because it is lightweight, compact, and highly functional.
Specs & Features
| Case diameter | 42 mm |
|---|---|
| Case thickness | 12 mm |
| Lug-to-lug distance | 47 mm |
| Lug/strap width | 18 mm |
| Movement | Japanese quartz; three-hand plus day-date complication |
| Case material | Resin |
| Strap material | Resin |
| Crystal | Acrylic |
| Bezel | Friction bidirectional |
| Water resistance | 100 m (330 feet) |
Take a moment to look at this.
