Casio, our favorite watchmaker, is releasing a new, smaller version of the popular Casio Duro (also called the Casio Marlin). The new watch is the MDV-10D-1A1V, which measures 38.5 mm across compared to the original MDV106-1A Duro at 44 mm. It still sports an anti-reverse rotating bezel, and even comes with a stainless steel 3-fold clasp bracelet. The expected retail price is around $100. But unfortunately, you’re not really getting what you pay for.
In contrast, the original MDV106-1A Casio Duro provides tremendous value for the price. Retailing for around $50 US, the MDV106-1A is a classic stainless steel dive watch with three hands, a date complication, fluorescent hands and indices, a rotating bezel, screw-down crown and caseback, 200m water resistance rating, and the stylish marlin logo at the 6 o’clock position.
It packs a decent array of features, rugged construction, and appealing looks that have made it hugely popular. Compared to the newer, smaller, and more expensive MDV-10D-1A1V, the original MDV106-1A remains one heck of a bargain that delivers plenty of watch for the money.
However, the new “mini” Casio Duro seems to be missing something from the original – the marlin logo. Why is that? This is likely because the MDV-10D-1A1V only has 50 meters of water resistance, compared to 200m on the original MDV106-1A.
For a watch marketed as a “diver,” 50 meters is quite poor and calls into question whether this new model can even be considered a true diver watch. The lack of a marlin logo seems to suggest as much, with its reduced water resistance rating. It simply does not adequately capture the spirit and functionality of the rightly popular original MDV106-1A. By omitting the marlin, Casio seems to acknowledge that this new iteration misses the mark in delivering a compelling and worthy successor to the affordable diver classic.
Specs:
- Case: 42 × 38.5 × 10.4 mm
- Weight: 85 g
- Case and bezel: Stainless steel and aluminum
- Band: Stainless steel, 3-fold clasp
- Water resistance: 50 meters
- Battery: 3 years on SR626SW
- Glass: Mineral
- Module number: 2784
- Features: Anti-reverse bezel, date complication
Get out and adventure with a smaller, more compact take on the ever-popular MDV-107 design. This sporty timepiece adds a unidirectional rotating bezel to the classic hour, minute, and second hand design.
Casio MDV-10D-1A2V
Casio Duro and the Marlin Logo
Casio has traditionally used the marlin logo to denote watches with strong water resistance, usually 100 meters or greater. From what I’ve noticed, any watch bearing the marlin logo has at least 100 meters of water resistance. However, not every 100-meter Casio watch will have the marlin marking.
Looking at some vintage print advertisements, you can see the small blue marlin logo used consistently to signify the 100-meter water resistant models. This must be why the new MDV-10D-1A1V is sans logo. It has a measly 50 meters of water resistance. Click the images below to view the larger versions showing the marlin logo on these vintage divers clearly:
I love looking at these old advertisements. The clarity of the LCD screens, the perfect bands and bracelets, unscratched bezels, it’s just beautiful.
Based on a 1985 Casio dealer manual, 50m water resistance means the watch is “wearable around sinks, during athletic sports, in shallow waters, but not while scuba or professional diving.” Whereas 100m water resistance is suitable for “poolside diving, but not highboard diving and surfing.” Which is odd, because the product page above clearly shows two dudes surfing right in the ad. Have a look for yourself at this handy water resistance chart:
Not only does the new Casio Duro (if it really warrants that name) not have good water resistance, but it doesn’t even have a screw down crown. So water is probably going to get in there. I don’t think people who buy the Casio Duro are going deep sea diving, but at least peace of mind would be nice when going swimming with the kids.
But at least the rotating bezel is anti-reverse. When I first heard about this watch I was excited because of my 6.75 inch wrist size. But honestly, this feels more like a fashion watch than a diver watch. So it’s definitely a no-go for me. If you do pick this one up, don’t wear it in the rain! Kidding.
At least it comes in additional colors:
If you want the authentic diver feel from a Casio Duro, definitely go for the MDV106. It comes in black, gold, and blue. The latter I reviewed a while back on YouTube:
Seriously though, buy the black one from Amazon now. You won’t regret it.
Or, if you’re looking for completely different styles, check out the new Casio MTP-M305, or a couple of other stylish options.