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Why We Love This Deal
Buying an affordable watch of any kind of quality is trickier than it sounds, considering that most options are either cheaply made or overly styled. But every so often, especially around the holiday season, a few proven models surface with discounts. That’s precisely where Casio’s Marlin Duro sits, and now, with a nearly 30% discount on Amazon, one of the nicest wallet-friendly dive watches just got even lower in price.
Now just $60 on Amazon, the Casio 44mm Duro Black Dial Dive Watch is not only one of the most accessible price points in the dive watch category, but it is sought out by millions who have fallen for its allure and have added it to their collection. Translation: It’s a solid watch—regardless of its cost—that’s received nearly 30,000 five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers that back its value.
Casio 44mm Duro Black Dial Dive Watch, $60 (was $85) on Amazon
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What Shoppers Should Know
- Design: Dive watch
- Movement: Japanese quartz
- Size: 44mm
- Strap: Silicone
- Bezel: Unidirectional
- Subdial: Date window (3 o’clock)
This tough diver is the definition of punching above one’s weight class. Initially released in 2011, the MDV106 quickly became known as one of the best dive watches under $100, largely thanks to its performance. It’s water-resistant up to 200m, features a screw-down caseback, a clean, easy-to-read dial with a rotating bezel, and larger lume-filled hands. While it may not be an ISO-certified dive watch, for pools, swimming, snorkeling, vacation travel, or daily wear, it’s built like a tank and has developed somewhat of a cult following—even Bill Gates has been seen wearing one.
It’s also more than just a pretty price; it’s a pretty watch, too. Collectors love its simplistic look. The now-infamous Marlin logo sits at the 6 o’clock position, and the unidirectional bezel and the classic black on silver layout make this one feel like an Omega or Rolex, and at 44mm in size, it’s got the heft of a Sea Dweller Deepsea, too. And because it uses an ultra-reliable Japanese quartz movement, all you have to do is set it and forget it.
Most enthusiasts consider the Duro the best entry-level diver on the market, as it matches the quality of models priced $300 to $800 and up. It’s one of the few models that will consistently show up as the top budget pick on “best watches” lists, and it’s a pick even pro divers carry as a backup.
In terms of cost, this offering is among the lowest. Both Kohl’s and Walmart list it at $68 and $67, while the brand’s own website has it available at full price, $85.
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What Collectors Are Saying
With tens of thousands of five-star ratings, it’s a pretty safe bet that you can’t go wrong with buying one. As one collector put it, they (like millions of others) eventually bandwagoned to the hype and purchased the “venerable” Duro. “Like so many others, after finally seeing the Duro in the flesh, I succumbed to its charms,” they remarked, with similarities to their Omega Planet Ocean, in that this is their new daily beater they enjoy wearing most.
Another called it a “reliable and stylish” everyday dive watch that wears comfortably, with its resin band.
Price aside, you’ll want to jump on this deal, as Casio is no longer producing this Marlin logo Duro watch internationally due to licensing issues, so add that into the mix. Grab them while you still can, before collectors buy them all up.
