The Top 5 Most Iconic & Best Value Casio Digital Watches Under $50 - Reviews & Brief History
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ม.ค. 2018
- Today I take a trip down memory lane and review 5 watches that offer the best value for money when it comes to iconic digital timepieces under $50.
Without a doubt, Casio has one of the most interesting and unique legacies when it comes to producing watches, and this legacy is perfectly highlighted by the watches featured in this video.
First we take a look the ultra retro cinematic legend that is DataBank CA-53W made famous by the Back To The Future movies. We then compare it to its successor and pinnacle of the DataBank range with the DBC-611. Next we move on to the most iconic and successful watch ever made by Casio - the small but mighty F-91W. We look at its fascinating history, variants like the A-158W and also the dark side of its horological narrative.
We conclude the video with a tried and tested favorite that has survived space flights and is favored by military all over the world. We are of course talking about the DW5600E-1V which is one the modern descendants of the original G-Shocks and maybe the best beater watch ever made under $50.
To view the article mentioned in the video on "The Original Smartwatches", check it out here:
www.theverge.com/2015/6/29/88...
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I love how you handle all watches the same, regardless of their (monetary) value!
Thank you my friend.
I would not have it any other way! ;-)
Best regards,
TGV
Just one of the reasons why TGV, Marc of Long Island Watches & Jody of Just One More Watch are my top three favorite watch video channel hosts: they're all obviously successful, and yet humble watch guys...
The philosophy of Casio reflects the philosophy of the Japanese after WW2. In order to rebuild their country and attain their former glory (which they did eventually), the Japanese would develop various technologies (such as cars, robotics, general electronics) which would rival their European counterparts but at a fraction of the cost of their European counterparts. For instance, the Japanese DW5600 is a $50 NASA certified watch that definitely keeps accurate time more effectively than the $4000 Swiss Omega Speedmaster NASA certified watch.
I learned about Japan’s rise in the tech industry after the war and became a huge fan of anything Japanese. I buy only Japanese tech, all watches are Casio.
Rival? The exceeded due to their philosophy of over-engineering. They engineered things that didn't break. That was their success.
And Tokyo would go on to host the 1964 Olympics. Very impressive for a nation hurt so badly in the first half of the 20th century.
Wow! That intro! Casios amazing watches, so much value and retro appeal. Thanks for the vid.
Thank you, I could not agree more, always a pleasure sir.
Best regards,
TGV
The intro cost more than the watches!
Valuable comment from a another Valuable Man ! respect ! Yeah the intro is amazing and glad the CA-53W is still on my wrist
Jody, you are like a dog with a bone when it comes to Casios 🤣
As a new collector and one who isn’t ready for high end watches, I really appreciate you spotlighting affordable watches. Looks like I’ll be adding a few Casios along side my Seiko 5’s! Thank you!
Extremely appreciated my friend. I will ALWAYS cover all levels. Seiko 5s and Casio, I like your style sir!
Thank you for sharing that, it motivates me greatly.
Best regards,
TGV
I love the way you talk with the same enthusiasm and passion regardless whether it's a 30 quid Casio or a Patek. Keep up the great work
Yeees, thats why I like this channel so much, the prise shouldn't matter, I like my omega watches as much as I like my casio watches and all the other watch brands
My personal F91w from childhood still runs with the original battery, already from 19 years. Real Icon.
Also, "BOOBS" on the Databank. Very useful feature.
The most important feature! ;-)
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
:D
Mindresting +1 brother! Hahahaha!
80085
80087355 :-(
had F91-W when i was kid , it made me more happier than buying a high end gaming pc today
I am now addicted to Seikos because of you
Haha, enjoy! The best addiction a watch enthusiast can have.
Thank you Sam :D
Best regards,
TGV
What ones you got mate? I'm loving Seiko's myself.
Casio's are beasts man and I litterally wear my f 91w just as often as I do my Rolex GMT master 2. Different in pretty much every way possible, but I cant help having the same amount of respect for the casio. Great brand, iconic models, durable, reliable, highly functional and absolute killer value for money. A definite must-have in any level of collection and absolutely deserves all the wristtime that it gets!
Great video. My F91-W is my cheapest watch and I was probably the most excited to receive it when it was delivered!
Very glad to hear it! :D
Thank you for sharing that and keep enjoying it.
Best regards,
TGV
I have the F-91W, Databank, World Time (Casio Royale), DW5600BB and a Duro. All great watches and fun to wear! When people who don't get it ask why I have 5 Casio watches, I simply reply "Why not?". Thanks for the great video!
Cheers,
JMM
I so nearly got the World Time myself. Great line up you have my friend.
haha "why not", why not indeed!!!
Thank you Justin, always a pleasure.
Best regards,
TGV
Holy crap TGV, that intro tho!!! Well done sir!
I'm gonna get the Casio CA-53W because Bryan Cranston wore one in Breaking Bad
Submariner one week - Databank the next! Great work TGV, love the complete absence of pretentiousness towards brands and models here.
I bought a Databank in Tokyo about 15 years ago and the battery has only just gone!
Keep up the great work!
F-91W is definitely water resistant for swimming!
Thank you Chris, deeply (and I really mean deeply) appreciated my friend.
Wow 15 years on one battery!!! So cool.
Best regards,
TGV
F-91w is a great watch. Data bank has a cool look though. You bought yours in Tokyo? That’s really cool.
Absolutely love the the f91w. Recently I've taken to wearing the w-217h. Just fits better on my wrist and the light is a thousand times better. These watches are almost g-shocks in themselves. They can take an awful lot of torture. And the little scratches and dings that are inevitable on all plastic/resin watches just add to the character of these amazing little watches.
Great video!
Those little scratches feel like the war marks
Hi, I just wanted to say thank you for making these great video's. A few weeks ago I was searching for a new watch and after seeing an Instagram post by John Mayer where he shows his Casio TwinGraph I started searching to what Casio has to offer in the retro 1980's style look and your video of the Casio F-91w popped up and I just got hooked on the retro Casio watches. And because they are so affordable and so durable a small collection has come along.
I'm a mechanic and I wear the Casio W59 or the F-91w at work every day and these two watches see water, oil, dirt, sand almost every day and just keep going without any issues.
Love the channel and really learning alot from this channel, thank you and greetings from Belgium!
I love that you chose a picture where the watch shows "BOOBS" at 3:05
SeanoStang Because everything is better with boobs.
Including watches.
TGV confirmed breast man
I've had or have all of these . Wearing an AE1200WH daily now. These are all iconic. My dad often wore his Casio calculator while he was working as an engineer.
Really enjoyed this one. I'm recently fascinated by vintage analogue/digital pieces - would love to hear your take on this genre. Thanks for all your great videos!
TGV Thank You for coming through and once again, giving us AMAZING coverage on an Iconic Timepiece! 🍻
Loving your videos! I really enjoy how you look at watches at all price points not turning your nose up at cheaper watches, rather evaluating each piece on it’s merits. Great!
Thanks a lot for this video (and the others too), it is still very useful and fun today. Sharing the time stamps as a thank you if you want to make it a sticky:
- Casio Databank CA-53W 2:35
- Casio Databank DBC-611 8:40
- Casio F91W 15:15
- Casio A158WA 20:32
- Casio DW5600e-1V 22:39
What a great review of these classic watches.
Very in-depth. Thank you for this.
After starting my collection with budget automatic dive watches and moving to G Shocks and more fully-featured “regular” Casios, I finally bought an F-91W, which I didn’t think I’d like at first, but it really grew on me!! It doesn’t do as much as my other Casios (except for my Duros, which are my 2 non-automatic divers-almost forgot to mention them!!), but what the F-91W does, it does well..I’m even getting used to its size!!
Dude try collecting the real deal vintage casio marlin.. they are indestructible & much more better than G-shocks.. I bought 3 kinds of casio marlins 2 of them from ebay.. they are the perfect casio watch ever made..
Wow. I'm so glad that I've 2 of these iconics. A158W & 5600E. Thank you for the info.
LOVE that intro! Your Passion for watches has reignited me thinking about gettign one, thinkg about a casio GW-M5610-1ER and then maybe a Seiko SARB033, already draming about all the straps im getting for that :D
wow that intro is amazing
I recently bought a Casio World Timer (AE-1200WHD-1AVEF) love it
Yeah, I was hoping to see the "Casio Royale" in this video....
Same, it's great and I'm surprised it isn't in here. Clicked on this video hoping to see what TGV thought of it. It's got the charm of the ones shown here + 100m water resistance, dual-LED, fairly useful function (if you have certain jobs or travel a lot), 10 year battery like the F91W, and for only £20!
I was about to mention this watch, since I don't see it ever being mentioned. It has the same functions as some of the most high end digital watches out there, but at a fraction of the price.
I came here to sugest it. I was expected to find it in this review.
That intro made me want to buy every single Casio watch in existence! Awesome video as always.
Loving this intro...Great music selection! Thanks for this much deserved study break. This is far beyond anything I've ever known about the Casio brand. I had a Q-bert watch. Cheers!
I'm just saying 10/10 for the synthwave, keep it up
What a Great Video , so many Good Memories with these iconic watches! I used to have the c80 it was brown with golden keys.
For anyone wondering, like I was, the intro tune is “Enclave” by Volkor X.
Enjoyable and always informative.
Love this episode! Brings a lot of my childhood memories in the 80's.
Love the video TGV, wearing my CA-53 today, brings a smile to my face for less than $50 and I think thats the charm of them, you can throw them on every now and then and put a smile on your face for barely anything. I would have added in the AE1200 as well :)
An awesome lineup of legendary retro Casios! Always had a soft spot for Casios, especially Data Banks. Had a DB-310 when I started high school in 1991. (wanted calculator but dad couldn't afford it) and absolutely loved every second wearing it. Now I own a DB-E30-1A as well as STB1000-1EF Bluetooth watch and an Outgear SGW-100B-3A2. Also owned a GW-M5610 G-Shock but sold it...
That blade runner intro is just so soothing. Just ordered a 158W- With the goldish colored face for a little extra class. When I was in junior high Those hourly beeps were going off everywhere! As always, I love your eclectic content. No one can romanticize watches like you TGV. Thank you
Great video! Thanks.
Great video! I 've worn Casio watches for years and I remember Dad wearing both Database types. The F91 is a great and simple watch that almost everyone had at least once. I've had 3. Even it's chrome version has been used by almost everyone. The DW5600 is a G-Shock and a true classic, also worn for decades and still popular. Great job.
Another great Horological history video! Keep em coming TGV👍
Enjoyed this video. After all these years I am still enamored with Casios. My son who just graduated from high school wears a Casio CA53W. I have tried to get him to upgrade to a higher model with a light but he like his CA53W. He is even on his second one. It is amazing how many demographics Casios especially G-Shocks bring together from rappers to country music stars. My favorite watch company for sure.
As a college student that is constantly on the go, I have started almost exclusively wearing my f91w and it's so addicting. I have nicer automatic watches, but as I'm running out the door it's so easy to strap on this lightweight watch that is guaranteed to be correct. Also works great on days where I'm going to the gym and not returning home, so I can wear the same watch and have no problems!!
I must say this video two years ago revive my passion for Casio an encourage me to start my small but proud Casio classics collection. Back in the day Iike you, I use to have a F91W and got lost later after. Now 20 years later I own one again along with the classic calculator Ca-53w (back to the future is my favorite movie ever and wearing such an iconic and childhood bond with this watch is priceless). Last but not leas and I may say my personal favorite one the classic Databank DBC-611-1D. Being and enthusiast for retro style design and technology like Giugiaro's Delorean, 80's Macintosh's and Sci-Fy I made my match with this watch. Thank YOU TVG.
TGV before I make any comments. ..😀😀😀wow!! classic intro@ some great memories looking at those retro watches...I used to use my pencil to type on the calculator ha ha! keep up the great info vids Godbless😊
Very informative video! Brings back some memories seeing some of these models. :-)
discovered your channel since a few weeks... great videos... ciao from Italy
Fantastic review. Thanks much.
I LOVE CASIO! My first watch was also Casio...so good memories watching this interesting video. Thank you, and great introduction, by the way.)
Wow! Brought back memories. Great episode, i am getting addicted. I was born in 81 and remember everyone at school had one, kids and teachers. I had a TS-100, DBF-50W and a G-Shock (not sure of the model), that are floating around my parents house somewhere that i now want back! And at present a lovely massive bright orange G-9100R Gulfman (that my toddler loves). Im kind of glad i was an 80’s child because if i lust after one i can blame it on not having that one as a child rather than it being a fashion accessory haha.
I've had a Casio CA53w strapped onto the handlebars of my motorcycle for almost 5 years. The resin bands have cracked and fallen apart so now its just tied on with string. Somehow the watch is still working after years of rain and outdoor winter storage.
WOW, very cool.
Thank you Harry for sharing that.
Best regards,
TGV
This is the first video of yours I've seen and my god that intro is god damn awesome instant subscribe
Very interesting video. I'm starting a casio collection and I aim to collect those you have too. Greetings from Paraguay, keep up.
Thank you Pablo! Happy hunting.
Best regards,
TGV
P.s. Cool to hear form viewers in Paraguay :D
I have just purchased a F-91W-1YER while watching this, really love the channel it has really my broadened my view on the watches I buy , I am now thanks to another video of yours buying watches for better reasons and hence enjoying and keeping them , and not spending as much and that keeps my wife happy. Just need to add another g-shock to my collection as they are perfect for my line of work.
The data bank series are my favorite, I've collected about 20+ of them. I love Data Bank and Star Trek TNG, and I really like their logos are in very similar fonts. But nowadays it's so hard to get the real 80's models...
I Just ordered one on Ebay for 25 dollars i grew up in the 80s these watches bring me back to my youth years
Thoroughly enjoyed the whole video :) Quality content and awesome intro.
WOW!!!! Fantastic video, AMAZING INTRO. Thanks :)
I own a DW-5000 Gold from 1983, got it as a gift in 1990 from my Godfather. Has seen plenty use, 3 new original Casio rubber straps and bezels so far, and still running strong. In fact, that's the only downside...rubber is perishable. Not a single failure, even the LED still works. Awesome stuff.
That intro was Pure fire!
The only content creator on this website whose intros I look forward to. Well done, and another fantastic video!
Good gawd TGV! Fantastic intro, Flaming!!! 🔥🔥🔥. Great tribute to the classics. The FW91 used as a trigger mechanism, knew this and nice narrative. Curious on how many Data Bank timepieces are still produced annually? Well done.
Great vid as always and a killer intro!
Man I love how he carefully handles the watches
I’m wearing the same OD green Gravity master shown in the G-SHOCK intro.
I purchased a Casio AE-1000W while my daughter was on a missions trip to Bulgaria. The duel time feature was very helpful. It lead to the purchase of my G-SHOCK.
I had a CASIO C-80 in 1982, at the ripe out age of ten. It as a reward for doing well in school. I don't know what happened to it, but I miss it and wish I still had it.
A sadly lost piece of my childhood.
Brings back memories. I had the Casio databank telememo 30. Was cutting edge at the time back in the 1980s. Casio G-shock is nice but the Casio g shock 100b 1A is the only one that suits my collection. Its understated and not overly aggressive looking.
I've just bought the data-bank because of you..love it, thanks for the Casio history
Greetings from Romania!
I bought the DW5600 g shock because of him. He’s natural with promoting products
Kid of the 80s, I have that calculator at 2:08 and love my retro 80s look casio watches. Awesome video bro!
My friends and I used to play a game with the stop watch on a watch similar to the F91W. We would see who could double tap the start stop button fastest and get the quickest time. Wow this video brought back a lot of memories.
I LOVE Casio, especially the vintage/unique ones!. I have, and wear regularly, the DBC-611-G (gold model) and love it. Great quality, comfort and looks. Next I'm going to grab the CA-53, for nostalgia reasons mainly.
That was hands down the best video intro ive seen in years loll good job gents 👍
Awesome intro! Thx for your efforts👍
TGV underlayed by Bladerunner opening sequence...inspired.i never fail to learn from your vids.this is no exception.good work fella.
Fantastic intro i had to play it back twice! the A158W in gold brings back memories, my brother used to have one years back and i could not take my eyes off it.
Thank you sir! :D
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry Look forward to your next video there is never a poor one, quality content and style to match.
Fantastic video....you had me at the Blade Runner opening. I am adding Casio’s to my collection slowly. And the best part is that they are not expensive at all. Thanks again
One of the best channels on TH-cam well done
This was, in my opinion, the best intro yet, if not the subjectively best Ive ever seen. Its exactly what I think about when seeing Casio watches: Synthwave, 90s Action heroes and ironically Miami Vice. Love the colors, the shinyness and, of course the watches. This is the exact reason my three watch collection includes a Submariner and a G-Shock GW-M5610. Greetings from Germany!
Great serendipity here -- just yesterday as I was cleaning out my dresser, I dug out my USAF-issued DW-5700 G-Shock. It hasn't been worn in forever, and the bezel literally fell apart in my hands as I was cleaning it. The keeper on the strap has been lost also, so it looks like I'm off to eBay for some vintage G-Shock parts. I'm looking forward to putting it in the formal collection. Cheers.
Great review... I'll point out that the little ridges (notches) on the case of the CA-53W probably actually do perform a useful function as a 'strengthening' element for the molded case design... Thanks, I enjoy your reviews and overall presentation!
Wow! That opening was tripped out to the max dude! I love your channel and have watched every vid of yours binge style. Do you suggest a safe way to purchase real vintage casio digital crom 80s 90s.
What a nice video!! U made me buy a casio right away!!!!
Hi . I'm a great fan of your channel. Keep up the good work. Adrian in Sheffield England.
I love my CA-53W for work. I work retail and once in a while need to calculate discounts, but also love comparing it to modern smart watches.
Casio's "Illuminator" has several lighting variants. That bright blue lighted display that you demonstrated Casio calls "Electro Luminescent"
Best intro to any youtube vid keep it up your on tbe way to 1,000,000 subs!
Very interesting video!
synth glory all over the place! as an 80s child, that music on the intro just felt spot on!!!
My ‘birth year’ watch is the f-91w and I love that lol
Hey TGV, I had the Casio melody 30 twice when I was at school. Someone stole the first one during PE when we had to store them in the office. I loved it so much I got another. I now badly want one. Have you ever seen one or listened to those 30 tunes? What a time.
Loved the video. I am a big fan of G shocks. Classic TGV video reminded me of the videos you used to do much more of
Tristano, are you the one making these intros?! That's crazy! Now I'm pumped up for some retro Casio's...and a light saber!
For me my favorite Casio is probably the f-91w. I wear one. It is very durable. I like that it is water resistant, lights, simple to operate, and inexpensive. I’ve accidentally hit this watch against a wall and cracked the screen. This was two years ago. And still works fine, and still water resistant!
This is an amazing intro, good work as always Tristano 😊
Thanks to your videos I now have a drawer full of casio watches. Change them almost daily. I like the digital better than the analog now because I get an exact time. It helps me on my job. Thanks TGV
Fell in love with and bought the tough solar Casio Pro Trek prg-650 in black. Replaced the black strap with a chestnut 24mm Panatime leather one. Gives it a whole new persona. Awesome look, awesome watch.
World time, perpetual calendar, dst, compass, barometric pressure in inches of mercury or hPascals, temperature in F or Centigrade, altitude in feet or meters, trip logging, etc. Incomparable digitally programmed complications that give today's watches real meaning and relevance and reflect the natural evolution in horology the mechanical purists can no longer deny.
The other one is the G-Shock F20 Pro Trek smartwatch with GPS and Google mapping, though like all smartwatches tethered to cellphones, it only can go days or hours before it requires recharging. Can't touch the ProTrek 650 +10 yr battery life combined with its continuous charging solar collector dial face. Also have the gulfmaster coming with tidal graph and moon phases and their dive watch version too. Totally hooked on Casio. Keep an eye on the Japanese only issues of the Edifice and the Oceanus Manta domestic dress watches.
Once again you've put together a great video and that intro must have other youtubers thinking of just calling it a day and just giving up. Great ultra modern fill but also making it very 80's. Any way my job is a manually demanding work and iv always rocked a Gshock. But now i think i will defently give a f91w a go
Finally I can watch one video and say: I have that..also have that.. that one too.. :D
The intro TGV has worked with is from The music video "Starfighter" by Wice.
NewRetroWave goes great along with 80's nerdy Casios!
CA53W is an unreal watch. I’ve had it for years and it works like new. It is impossibly wonderful. Incredibly useful and so efficient and sleek.