Casio F-91W
Best for
The smallest proven everyday pick
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensions38.2 × 35.2 × 8.5 mmWeight21 gWater resistanceSplash Resistant
Consider: The backlight is dim, and the stopwatch is very basic.
Reviewed Watch Catalogue
Compare digital watches I have actually tested.
I wear each watch for at least a week before reviewing it. See how it feels, what works well and what to know before you buy.
Showing 25 tested watches plus the Freestyle Shark range
Casio F-105W
Best for
A bright backlight in a compact Casio
Case dimensions39 × 35.4 × 9.6 mmWeight21 gWater resistanceSplash Resistant
Consider: The F-91W is thinner, but this watch has the much better backlight.
Casio CA-53W
Best for
Retro character and a practical calculator
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensions43.2 × 34.4 × 8.2 mmWeight25 gWater resistanceSplash Resistant
Consider: There is no backlight. The tiny calculator keys are easiest to press with a fingernail.
Casio A700W
Best for
Slim retro metal style
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensions37.4 × 35.5 × 6 mmWeight50 gWater resistanceSplash Resistant
Consider: It has fewer features and less water resistance than the rugged models.
Hands-on reviewed
Casio AE-1200 Royale
Best for
Functions, personality and a deep mod ecosystem
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensions45 × 42.1 × 12.5 mmWeight39 gWater resistance100 m
Consider: The lens scratches easily, the alarm is quiet, and sand can collect around the case.
Casio AE-1500
Best for
Large, easy-to-read digits
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensions54.4 × 51.2 × 15.7 mmWeight57 gWater resistance100 m
Consider: It is large, the fit can feel bulky, and the resin lens scratches easily.
Hands-on reviewed
Casio W800H
Best for
Affordable durability and mod potential
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensions44.2 × 36.8 × 13.4 mmWeight37 gWater resistance100 m
Consider: The plain design and a few small usability issues will not suit everyone.
Mod-friendly
G-Shock GW-M5610U
Best for
The proven solar square
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensions46.7 × 43.2 × 12.7 mmWeight52 gWater resistance200 m
Consider: The buttons are hard to press, and the stock strap can feel stiff or tight.
G-Shock GBD-200
Best for
A modern high-contrast display
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensions48.4 × 45.9 × 15 mmWeight58 gWater resistance200 m
Consider: Its smart tools are limited, and they make the menus harder to use.
Borrowed and reviewedMod-friendly
G-Shock GBX-100
Best for
Surf features and a crisp display
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensions50.9 × 46 × 14.7 mmWeight66 gWater resistance200 m
Consider: It costs more than a basic G-Shock, the buttons feel stiff, and the screen can fade in bright sun.
Seven-day wear testWritten review
G-Shock GMW-B5000
Best for
Premium full-metal square
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensions49.3 × 43.2 × 13 mmWeight167 gWater resistance200 m
Consider: It is expensive, the bracelet fit can be fussy, and the app and charging take patience.
Mod-friendly
G-Shock GD-350
Best for
Vibration alerts and sports timing
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensions53.4 × 50.8 × 18 mmWeight75 gWater resistance200 m
Consider: The large case will feel too big on some wrists.
SKMEI 1123
Best for
The lowest-cost retro metal look
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensions33 × 15 mmWeight56 gWater resistance30 m
Consider: The clasp feels cheap, the screen is hard to read at an angle, and the finish is below Casio quality.
SKMEI 1988
Best for
A low-cost GBX-style format
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensions51.2 × 45.4 × 13.8 mmWeight47.8 gWater resistance50 m
Consider: It feels cheaper and may not last as long. It is not as tough as a G-Shock.
SKMEI 2091
Best for
Comfortable budget statement styling
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensions49.3 × 45.7 × 14 mmWeight49.7 gWater resistance50 m
Consider: The screen, backlight and buttons feel basic. I also found a function that did not work as expected.
SKMEI 1628
Best for
A comfortable entry into rugged styling
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensions49 × 44 × 14 mmWeight42 gWater resistance50 m
Consider: The low price shows in the materials, and it may not last as long as a Casio.
Mod-friendly
Casio A158W
Best for
Compact silver retro style
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensions36.8 × 33.2 × 8.2 mmWeight46 gWater resistanceSplash Resistant
Consider: The backlight is weak, the features are basic, and the shiny case is plated resin rather than metal.
Mod-friendly
Casio A500W
Best for
Blingy retro style with world-time functions
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensions39 × 34 × 9.6 mmWeight50 gWater resistanceSplash Resistant
Consider: The case is plated resin, and the stiff bracelet may pinch or fit poorly.
Casio W-219H
Best for
Bold blue styling and easy everyday comfort
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensions48.1 × 47.1 × 13.9 mmWeight40 gWater resistance50 m
Consider: The stopwatch is basic, the backlight is uneven, and the strap keeper can move around.
Mod-tested
Casio WS-1700H
Best for
Tide data, long battery life and unapologetic tool-watch character
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensions52.5 × 48.6 × 15.2 mmWeight48 gWater resistance100 m
Consider: Dual time has a known fault, and fitting a different strap is harder than it first looks.
Compared
Baby-G BLX-560
Best for
A shock-resistant compact square with tide data and broad unisex appeal
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensions44.7 × 40 × 12.5 mmWeight44 gWater resistance200 m
Consider: The small buttons and Baby-G branding will not suit everyone, and stock can be hard to find.
G-Shock DW-6900SP
Best for
A transparent statement G-Shock with classic 6900 presence
Case dimensions53.2 × 50 × 16.3 mmWeight67 gWater resistance200 m
Consider: The fit can feel awkward, the buttons are stiff, and the clear resin may turn yellow.
Mod-friendly
SKMEI 1412
Best for
A tiny-price F-91W alternative with a dramatically brighter backlight
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensions38 × 35 × 9 mmWeight20 gWater resistance50 m
Consider: The case and strap feel cheap, and the screen is hard to read at an angle.
Written review
SKMEI 1998
Best for
Royale-style looks at the lowest sensible entry price
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensions42 × 45 × 13 mmWeight42 gWater resistance50 m
Consider: The build and features are below the AE-1200. It is a cheaper lookalike, not a true replacement.
Mod-friendly
SANDA 6133
Best for
A colourful low-cost Royale-style watch with genuine mod appeal
Current options
Available colours
Case dimensionsØ 42.5 × 13.3 mmWeightNot PublishedWater resistance50 m
Consider: The module will not fit a real AE-1200 case, and the finish is below Casio quality.
ClassicSurf-ready
Freestyle Shark Classic
Best for
Bright colour, beach days and a light, comfortable fit
Case Width38 mmWeight32 gWater Resistance100 m
Good to know: Pick a colour and strap style that you will enjoy wearing often.