I am always amazed at some experts online who tell me that soldiers all wear G shocks. Having served 10+ years, I noticed maybe 2 or 3 every now and then. About 65% wore a Casio F91 including me, a lot of junior soldiers when in training are told to go and buy one, its cheap its tough and easily replaceable. I never needed to replace mine after years of abuse, nor did I change the battery and it is still working now. I think you hit the nail on the head with the G shock marketing. Most people aren't into the watch collecting hobby. They see two plastic watches, one costs £10.99 and one costs £85. You can guess which one most people working in a tough environment would buy. I have had countless different models of watches throughout the years, including some marketed as "military" watches, yet I always went back to the Casio F91. The only downside is my girlfriend tells me its a kids watch, I still haven't emotionally recovered from that hurtful comment.
About New Year's i took my F-105 to beach. Dives, submersion, swimming, sun, sand, it survived it all. The backlight button is a bit less responsive, but may be just a personal impression. I believe that the G-Shocks expand the existent resistance of the smaller vintage digital models - my F-105 is already on a NATO as the original strap broke, and perhaps it wouldn't resist many vacations while a G-Shock would - but i agree with your sentence in the description "but I honestly maintain that ANY of the cheap Casio's (f91w, w86, w59, etc.) are easily all the tough watch you actually need".
I picked up two cheap Casio watches during the malaise: an F-105, which is the F-91W with the Illuminator backlight - and an A168 to look a little better in jeans. Both are fantastic and I'd recommend them equally, depending on your use case.
G-Shocks are amazing but I have to agree that their durability is a bit over the top to the point where it doesn't even make sense anymore :D I have a couple of Casio watches and my favorite one so far is AE2000WD on a rubber band and man, it is a G-shock killer. I can't imagine what in this world could destroy it. It has 200m WR, saphire glass, the case is made of the same material as G-shock cases + it has a matal reinforcement on top of it. I dropped it countless times, went swimming with it multiple times, wearing it to the gym and it looks brand new after nearly 7 years of use and abuse. I will most likely die before that watch breaks.
That ae2000 is a cool looking watch! Nice! I do get that g-shocks are tough but, yeah, pretty much all digital watches are tough as there’s not really any moving parts to break. The g-shocks have been a wonderful bit of marketing though, that I have myself bought into over the years, but I much prefer a smaller, slimmer watch these days ✌️
@@accoutrements4469 Heat, sweat & salt water are a deadly combo ☹️ Really happy about AliExpress knockoff Casio straps, case bezels and NATO strap adaptors 👍
Happy Friday Mr. A, I am a lifelong Casio fan but I have never owned a G-Shock, not even when I was in the IDF. I currently own 2 budget priced Casio's - the A178WA-1A Illuminator Stainless Steel Watch and the Vintage CA-53W-1CR Calculator Watch, my 3rd current watch is the slightly more expensive Invicta Men's 23384 Pro Diver Analog Display Quartz Silver Watch. On average I have watches for 10 or more years & a number of times in the past I have bought the same watch again such as the CA-53W-1CR Calculator Watch having worn the calculator buttons down from years of using it at work or on the go.
Hello Steve! Great to hear of your Casios! Yeah, G-Shocks are good and *some* of them look quite cool imho, but they’re really not necessary as a tough watch - I much prefer the cheaper Casios which do they same job and are virtually as durable. Have had the A178 but never had one of the calculator watches - I It’s pick one up!
@@accoutrements4469 I am now on my 3rd CA-53W-1CR Calculator Watch having worn the rubber calculator buttons down on the 2 previous ones from frequent use, at the price they cost of $24 replacing them is very affordable.
I love the G shock as well and wear the 5610 as my daily, perfect beater but when I worked offshore I rocked some 25 quid vibration alarm world timer Casio and it was bombproof. Great light, easy access button and 10 Yr battery.
I really do think the cheap ies are more than tough enough to withstand what most folks would normally put them through. Main choice I suppose is which you prefer the style of. Although of course some of the G-shocks have cool extra functionality (compass, thermometer, altimeter, etc)
Scuba diving is no problem for an F91W. My uncle kept one clipped to his dive gear for hundreds of dives so he could tell time during surface intervals. This was back before our dive computers had a time display. We regularly went down to 40m.
Hello again Mr. A, its all your fault ! You are a Bad/Good (take our pick) influence on me, after watching your video I re-checked Amazon for another Casio watch that I was looking at the Casio Men's Military 3HD MRW-210H-3AV Quartz Watch a few weeks ago & found that its on Sale from $35.95 to $29 so on impulse I added it to my cart with a few other items already in my cart & since my purchases amount to over $49, I now qualify for free delivery to Israel. I had this watch or a similar one when I was still an IDF reservist and although it didn't have a LED light it did have glow in the dark hands on the dial which this one seems to have too!
@@accoutrements4469 Happy Saturday Mr.A. Update: I got my Casio Men's Military 3HD MRW-210H-3AV Quartz Watch just over a week ago & its bigger on my wrist than I expected but I like it a lot & it keeps good time!
I can confirm, 13 years with a F91, but be prepared to change the straps. It is still working and looking great (it got a glossy finishing in time). But it is retired in my collection after 13 years when I changed the battery for the first time. You can wash with it no problem, despite only 3atm wr. But buttons are not as new.. They work but look a little shorter.
@@accoutrements4469 Its original straps cracked after few months. Then I installed an old cheap steel elastic bracelet that resisted just fine (but now my wrist is a little thicker and it can't fit properly).
@WetLettuce-kc2qm I had cheaper watches with strap lasting 4 years, but with no wr. That 4 months strap was faulty I am sure. It should last a few years.
@@bestopinion9257 I've had my F91W for a year now and the strap is as new. I do wonder what some of you are doing to trash the strap. I suspect you're just exceptionally sweaty and never wash, meaning your strap rots because of all the gunk and bacteria.
@@johntate5050 Trashing the strap? I just relate what happened in my case, I do not even say that this is the case with every F91 strap. Read above, I already said that I suspect the strap for MY F91 was faulty one. Geez! In any case, cheap plastic straps last few years, but the watch lasts many years. So yes, be prepared to replace the straps, holds.
I have a G-Shock, an f91w, an AE1200, and so forth and so on. I probably am going to buy more Casios. I don't think anyone really "needs" more than the f91w. Just wear what you like. I wouldn't know about the f91w strap durability. I wear mine on a nato strap.
I couldn't agree more. I like the look of some of the g shocks but wear an f91w at work. I work in construction and maintenance. It's pretty much indestructible.
after having all the iconic GShocks I feel the 5610u(square) and GAB2100(Casioak) are relevant if you want one. The rest are marketing for sure, the GW-9400(rangeman) was awful to wear, would dig in the back of my palm when driving from from being so big, and would not work with any cuffs. I do find most casio more tough and reliable than stated but the F91w for me is too small and can have any watch without a timer. Dont get me started about automatic, still regreat purchase of two, they do have good bracelets that I prefer over rubber.
I totally agree about the classic square and the Casioaks being the best g-shocks! I have a couple of those and do really like them. The others, imho, can just get a bit silly! I do like the idea of automatic watches and still have a couple of them but honestly I don’t have the patience for them in general - not as accurate as quartz and a pain in the ass for keeping them powered up, having to manually adjust date sometimes, etc. I’ll take a cheap quartz any day in practical terms!
You should try SGW 100. It has a compass and a thermometer. It's like Gshock for the poor. As for me gshock is an exaggeration because why do I need a watch that will survive my death in an accident.
I did have an sgw100 but I didn’t find the thermometer or compass very accurate so returned it. Might have been a bad one-off I suppose. Great features to have though! Sure, g-shocks are tough but so are ALL the digital Casios in my experience- no moving parts to break (unlike mechanical watches) and the resin models in particular have more than enough protection for almost any abuse imho! ✌️👍
Yeah that’s what’s always put me off - I saw they released a slightly smaller version recently but the reviews have all said it’s not very good, so think Casio dropped the ball on that one. Glad to hear you like your Duro!
@@accoutrements4469 I put off getting one for a long time because I thought it would be too big, as generally I prefer a 34-40mm, but the size is actually fine and it doesn't look or feel too big. That extra bit of size it does have over my other watches improves the legibility from a distance and it has become one of my favorites overall. It's also very accurate. I understand why it's so highly regarded.
My beater/camping watches inc a Casio non-G digital and a £10, 2nd hand Pulsar field watch with Seiko movement. G shocks are too big and over designed.
It’s great marketing for sure making folks think they NEEEEEED a g-shock, but yeah I tend to agree they’re too big and a bit unnecessary. I really do prefer my cheap and small watches 👍
Haha, yes indeed, I did realise that after making the vid but I couldn’t be bothered to load a new battery into it just for the video. I certainly don’t wear that watch any more - just look at the state of it! Lol You’re right though, & thanks for the comment 👍
Yeah, I’m absolutely convinced from personal experience they’re easily up to the rigours of daily abuse the average person could put them through! Smaller, lighter, cheaper than G-shocks.. I definitely know which I prefer! 🤘
There's a big range of US$30 Casio watches with 100m ratings that are just as good as an overpriced G-Shock. I've got a W735H Vibe alarm & AE1400WH World time. Both are big chunky watches with 10yr battery and incredible value for money 👍😆
@@accoutrements4469 I've got 4 of them. The Amphibia's are amazing for accuracy, water resistance & reliability. They're fun & cheap to mod and have been pressure tested to over 700m 👍 Meranom is one of the best places to get them.
Yeah, a bit too bulky and unnecessary imho. It’s been fantastic marketing though, convincing everyone that a g-shock is what you need if you want a tough watch.
@@accoutrements4469 yes, their digital watches are pretty good. Their f91w homage is better than the actual f91w. They're the best beater. Casio especially gshocks cost a fortune here(third world country) would spent half a year earnings for a beater.
I am always amazed at some experts online who tell me that soldiers all wear G shocks. Having served 10+ years, I noticed maybe 2 or 3 every now and then. About 65% wore a Casio F91 including me, a lot of junior soldiers when in training are told to go and buy one, its cheap its tough and easily replaceable. I never needed to replace mine after years of abuse, nor did I change the battery and it is still working now. I think you hit the nail on the head with the G shock marketing. Most people aren't into the watch collecting hobby. They see two plastic watches, one costs £10.99 and one costs £85. You can guess which one most people working in a tough environment would buy. I have had countless different models of watches throughout the years, including some marketed as "military" watches, yet I always went back to the Casio F91. The only downside is my girlfriend tells me its a kids watch, I still haven't emotionally recovered from that hurtful comment.
Love this comment, thanks for posting it!
And I hope your missus hasn’t influenced your proud wearing of the f91w too much!
were captured by the yanks because you were one and that is why is still in pristine condition?
@@rm9sbg93zxjzg what?
Like I give a damn what a woman would say about my watch or any other thing for that matter. Nobody asked her opinion.
@@silvervisage5096 it’s satire and made in a light hearted nature mate no need to worry too much 😂
Very good point, f-91 are strong enough for most people.
Most definitely! ✌️
About New Year's i took my F-105 to beach. Dives, submersion, swimming, sun, sand, it survived it all. The backlight button is a bit less responsive, but may be just a personal impression. I believe that the G-Shocks expand the existent resistance of the smaller vintage digital models - my F-105 is already on a NATO as the original strap broke, and perhaps it wouldn't resist many vacations while a G-Shock would - but i agree with your sentence in the description "but I honestly maintain that ANY of the cheap Casio's (f91w, w86, w59, etc.) are easily all the tough watch you actually need".
Yeah, the f105 is a great tough watch too! Glad yours is holding up!
Casio F91, best watch ever.
Fantastic watch for sure!
I picked up two cheap Casio watches during the malaise: an F-105, which is the F-91W with the Illuminator backlight - and an A168 to look a little better in jeans. Both are fantastic and I'd recommend them equally, depending on your use case.
I love the A168 - one of my favourites! But not got an f105 yet - must pick one up!
The F105 is my sleep watch. Perfect for my old eyes in the middle of the night. ❤
G-Shocks are amazing but I have to agree that their durability is a bit over the top to the point where it doesn't even make sense anymore :D I have a couple of Casio watches and my favorite one so far is AE2000WD on a rubber band and man, it is a G-shock killer. I can't imagine what in this world could destroy it. It has 200m WR, saphire glass, the case is made of the same material as G-shock cases + it has a matal reinforcement on top of it. I dropped it countless times, went swimming with it multiple times, wearing it to the gym and it looks brand new after nearly 7 years of use and abuse. I will most likely die before that watch breaks.
That ae2000 is a cool looking watch! Nice! I do get that g-shocks are tough but, yeah, pretty much all digital watches are tough as there’s not really any moving parts to break. The g-shocks have been a wonderful bit of marketing though, that I have myself bought into over the years, but I much prefer a smaller, slimmer watch these days ✌️
Straps break much more in tropical environments. In northern Australia, Casio straps only last 3-5yrs tops !
Ah, I can see that would make sense in hotter/more humid environments! Not so much of a problem here in England... Lol
@@accoutrements4469 Heat, sweat & salt water are a deadly combo ☹️
Really happy about AliExpress knockoff Casio straps, case bezels and NATO strap adaptors 👍
Yeah, absolutely!!
Happy Friday Mr. A, I am a lifelong Casio fan but I have never owned a G-Shock, not even when I was in the IDF. I currently own 2 budget priced Casio's - the A178WA-1A Illuminator Stainless Steel Watch and the Vintage CA-53W-1CR Calculator Watch, my 3rd current watch is the slightly more expensive Invicta Men's 23384 Pro Diver Analog Display Quartz Silver Watch. On average I have watches for 10 or more years & a number of times in the past I have bought the same watch again such as the CA-53W-1CR Calculator Watch having worn the calculator buttons down from years of using it at work or on the go.
Hello Steve! Great to hear of your Casios! Yeah, G-Shocks are good and *some* of them look quite cool imho, but they’re really not necessary as a tough watch - I much prefer the cheaper Casios which do they same job and are virtually as durable. Have had the A178 but never had one of the calculator watches - I
It’s pick one up!
@@accoutrements4469 I am now on my 3rd CA-53W-1CR Calculator Watch having worn the rubber calculator buttons down on the 2 previous ones from frequent use, at the price they cost of $24 replacing them is very affordable.
Yeah, good old Casio - cheap enough to be able to replace them if they wear out!
I love the G shock as well and wear the 5610 as my daily, perfect beater but when I worked offshore I rocked some 25 quid vibration alarm world timer Casio and it was bombproof. Great light, easy access button and 10 Yr battery.
I really do think the cheap ies are more than tough enough to withstand what most folks would normally put them through. Main choice I suppose is which you prefer the style of. Although of course some of the G-shocks have cool extra functionality (compass, thermometer, altimeter, etc)
Scuba diving is no problem for an F91W. My uncle kept one clipped to his dive gear for hundreds of dives so he could tell time during surface intervals. This was back before our dive computers had a time display. We regularly went down to 40m.
That’s fantastic to hear!! I love when people share their stories about how durable and useful these wonderful little watches are! Thank you! 🙏
I my F91w ever breaks, I dread to think what condition my wrist will be in.
It wont break! lol
Hello again Mr. A, its all your fault ! You are a Bad/Good (take our pick) influence on me, after watching your video I re-checked Amazon for another Casio watch that I was looking at the Casio Men's Military 3HD MRW-210H-3AV Quartz Watch a few weeks ago & found that its on Sale from $35.95 to $29 so on impulse I added it to my cart with a few other items already in my cart & since my purchases amount to over $49, I now qualify for free delivery to Israel. I had this watch or a similar one when I was still an IDF reservist and although it didn't have a LED light it did have glow in the dark hands on the dial which this one seems to have too!
Ha ha, sorry Steve! But it’s always a good value to treat yourself to a new Casio! I’ve eyed this model up many times - looks great!! 👍👍
@@accoutrements4469 Happy Saturday Mr.A. Update: I got my Casio Men's Military 3HD MRW-210H-3AV Quartz Watch just over a week ago & its bigger on my wrist than I expected but I like it a lot & it keeps good time!
Glad to hear you're liking it, Steve (& sorry for this extremely delayed reply!)
I can confirm, 13 years with a F91, but be prepared to change the straps. It is still working and looking great (it got a glossy finishing in time). But it is retired in my collection after 13 years when I changed the battery for the first time. You can wash with it no problem, despite only 3atm wr. But buttons are not as new.. They work but look a little shorter.
I’ve never ever had a problem with the straps perishing. Maybe it’s the climate where I live?? 🤷♂️
13 years!? Man, u did very well there! 🤘
@@accoutrements4469 Its original straps cracked after few months. Then I installed an old cheap steel elastic bracelet that resisted just fine (but now my wrist is a little thicker and it can't fit properly).
@WetLettuce-kc2qm I had cheaper watches with strap lasting 4 years, but with no wr.
That 4 months strap was faulty I am sure. It should last a few years.
@@bestopinion9257 I've had my F91W for a year now and the strap is as new. I do wonder what some of you are doing to trash the strap. I suspect you're just exceptionally sweaty and never wash, meaning your strap rots because of all the gunk and bacteria.
@@johntate5050 Trashing the strap? I just relate what happened in my case, I do not even say that this is the case with every F91 strap. Read above, I already said that I suspect the strap for MY F91 was faulty one. Geez!
In any case, cheap plastic straps last few years, but the watch lasts many years. So yes, be prepared to replace the straps, holds.
I have a G-Shock, an f91w, an AE1200, and so forth and so on. I probably am going to buy more Casios. I don't think anyone really "needs" more than the f91w. Just wear what you like.
I wouldn't know about the f91w strap durability. I wear mine on a nato strap.
Great that there's so any choices out there 👍
I couldn't agree more. I like the look of some of the g shocks but wear an f91w at work. I work in construction and maintenance. It's pretty much indestructible.
Yeah, folks should wear G-shocks by all means if they like em, but the F91W is plenty tough enough for sure 🤘
after having all the iconic GShocks I feel the 5610u(square) and GAB2100(Casioak) are relevant if you want one. The rest are marketing for sure, the GW-9400(rangeman) was awful to wear, would dig in the back of my palm when driving from from being so big, and would not work with any cuffs. I do find most casio more tough and reliable than stated but the F91w for me is too small and can have any watch without a timer. Dont get me started about automatic, still regreat purchase of two, they do have good bracelets that I prefer over rubber.
I totally agree about the classic square and the Casioaks being the best g-shocks! I have a couple of those and do really like them. The others, imho, can just get a bit silly!
I do like the idea of automatic watches and still have a couple of them but honestly I don’t have the patience for them in general - not as accurate as quartz and a pain in the ass for keeping them powered up, having to manually adjust date sometimes, etc. I’ll take a cheap quartz any day in practical terms!
You should try SGW 100. It has a compass and a thermometer. It's like Gshock for the poor. As for me gshock is an exaggeration because why do I need a watch that will survive my death in an accident.
I did have an sgw100 but I didn’t find the thermometer or compass very accurate so returned it. Might have been a bad one-off I suppose. Great features to have though!
Sure, g-shocks are tough but so are ALL the digital Casios in my experience- no moving parts to break (unlike mechanical watches) and the resin models in particular have more than enough protection for almost any abuse imho! ✌️👍
Do you have a Casio Duro?
Hiya, no I don’t - I keep meaning to get one though! Superb watch by all accounts! U got one? 🙂
@@accoutrements4469 Yes and I am impressed by it but I was thinking you might consider it too big.
Yeah that’s what’s always put me off - I saw they released a slightly smaller version recently but the reviews have all said it’s not very good, so think Casio dropped the ball on that one. Glad to hear you like your Duro!
@@accoutrements4469 I put off getting one for a long time because I thought it would be too big, as generally I prefer a 34-40mm, but the size is actually fine and it doesn't look or feel too big. That extra bit of size it does have over my other watches improves the legibility from a distance and it has become one of my favorites overall. It's also very accurate. I understand why it's so highly regarded.
I will pick one up sometime to try it, thank you for the info 😃👍
My beater/camping watches inc a Casio non-G digital and a £10, 2nd hand Pulsar field watch with Seiko movement.
G shocks are too big and over designed.
It’s great marketing for sure making folks think they NEEEEEED a g-shock, but yeah I tend to agree they’re too big and a bit unnecessary. I really do prefer my cheap and small watches 👍
I gotta say though, showing a not working watch as a proof that it's as unbeatable as a G-Shock is a pretty good bait.
Haha, yes indeed, I did realise that after making the vid but I couldn’t be bothered to load a new battery into it just for the video. I certainly don’t wear that watch any more - just look at the state of it! Lol You’re right though, & thanks for the comment 👍
No, i agree. They are far more durable than people give them credit for.
Yeah plenty durable in my experience!
Casio F-91W is much better than g-shock.
Yeah, I’m absolutely convinced from personal experience they’re easily up to the rigours of daily abuse the average person could put them through! Smaller, lighter, cheaper than G-shocks.. I definitely know which I prefer! 🤘
There's a big range of US$30 Casio watches with 100m ratings that are just as good as an overpriced G-Shock.
I've got a W735H Vibe alarm & AE1400WH World time. Both are big chunky watches with 10yr battery and incredible value for money 👍😆
Yeah, there's no moving parts in any of these watches so they're all gonna be very durable. 👍
@@accoutrements4469 Not as durable as my Vostok Amphibia 👍
Never had a Vostok - really like the look of some of them though!
@@accoutrements4469 I've got 4 of them. The Amphibia's are amazing for accuracy, water resistance & reliability. They're fun & cheap to mod and have been pressure tested to over 700m 👍
Meranom is one of the best places to get them.
Ae 1200 beats all.
G shock are bulky
Yeah, a bit too bulky and unnecessary imho. It’s been fantastic marketing though, convincing everyone that a g-shock is what you need if you want a tough watch.
I bought the simillar looking SKMEI. They have better lighting and slightly cheaper.
I’ve seen the Skmei watches online - so quality ok with them??
@@accoutrements4469 yes, their digital watches are pretty good. Their f91w homage is better than the actual f91w. They're the best beater. Casio especially gshocks cost a fortune here(third world country) would spent half a year earnings for a beater.
@@accoutrements4469 their 5600 homage can also be modded with a Gshock case so if you want added durability just buy a bullbar and a Gshock case.
Thank you for the useful information, Samson :o)
Can i have your gshock 😁
Ha, I’ve now sold all but three of my g-shocks!