Last updated: 20 Mar 25 01:21:17 (UTC)

Casio Duro Marlin

“The Casio Duro wristwatch, often referred to as the “Marlin”, is widely celebrated for its exceptional value, classic style, versatility and robust build quality, making it a standout choice for an affordable analog dive watch.” ―Michael


Table-of-Contents


Casio Duro MDV-106

In many ways, this watch trumps rivals at ten times the expense, with a surprisingly elegant case finishing, a 200m water resistance rating, a screw-down crown, a 44mm rotating bezel, and a date window.

The Duro is stylish enough to wear at wedding, funerals, business meetings and high-fashion social events. But it equally at home at the bowling alley and the beach. It’s inexpensive enough (~$50) that you’ll never stress about scratching it, or even losing it.

While the stock resin strap is functional but basic (often swapped for aftermarket options like NATO or metal bracelets), and the lume could be brighter, these minor drawbacks pale in comparison to what the Duro delivers for its price. It’s a no-frills, dependable timepiece that punches well above its weight, perfect for enthusiasts and casual wearers alike.


Specs & Features

  1. Impressive Water Resistance: With a 200-meter (660 feet) water resistance rating, the Duro is a true dive watch, suitable for recreational diving, swimming, and other water activities. Its screw-down crown and screw-lock case back enhance its water-tightness, ensuring reliability underwater.

  2. Durable Construction: The watch features a stainless steel case (44mm diameter, 12mm depth) that’s both rugged and polished, offering a sturdy, masculine appeal. It’s paired with a mineral crystal dial window, resistant to scratches and impacts, making it ideal for everyday wear or adventurous pursuits.

  3. Accurate Quartz Movement: Powered by a reliable Japanese quartz movement (Casio module 2784), the Duro delivers precise timekeeping with an accuracy of approximately +/- 20 seconds per month — often performing even better in practice. Its battery life lasts up to three years, adding to its low-maintenance appeal.

  4. Functional Design: The counter-clockwise rotating bezel with 120 clicks allows precise tracking of elapsed time, a key feature for divers. Luminous hands and markers ensure excellent legibility in low-light conditions, while a date window at 3 o’clock provides practical utility.

  5. Affordability: Priced typically around $50-$70, the Duro offers premium dive watch features at a fraction of the cost of competitors, making it accessible to a wide audience. Its value is often highlighted by its cult following and even notable fans like Bill Gates.

  6. Classic Aesthetic: The Duro’s design, reminiscent of iconic dive watches like the Rolex Submariner, features a clean, sunburst-finished dial and the distinctive Marlin logo, adding character and charm without being overly flashy. It pairs beautifully with the Grip6 Belt

  7. Date Window. “Marlin,” features a date window as part of its minimalist dive watch design. It is located at the 3 o’clock position on the dial. It’s a simple, functional element without a magnifying lens, which keeps the watch’s aesthetic clean and uncluttered.


Maintenance

  1. Spring bars, BluShark, 22mm. $4 for a set. I recommend getting six sets. That gives you a backup for all six watched for just $36.

  • Watch Repair Tool Kit, BluShark. $22. This kit comes with the tools to open the watch to change the battery and removed the spring bars - and much more.

  • Watch Batteries 1.5V. $7 for 20 batteries. These will last you a lifetime. i found that new batteries last at least two years in a Duro. However, the battery that comes with your watch has probably been sitting in there for a long time, so your first replacement may come sooner.


What $600 Buys You

  1. Buy all six color ways. $50 x 6 = $300
  2. Buy the watch repair/maintenance kit. $22
  3. Buy six set of spingbars. $36
  4. Buy a set of 20 batteries. $7
  5. With the remaining $235 buy between 7 and ten watch straps (see below)

Don’t ask, “How can I afford a Rolex?”

Instead, spend $600 for complete set of Casio Duros with many color and style options that will last you a lifetime.


Resources


The MDV-107

The MDV-106 and MDV-107 are virtually identical, outside of some minor differences, including the absence of the Marlin icon on the 107. They each come in a variety of colors not available with the MDV-106 (and vice versa).

The MDV-106 is officially only sold in North America while the MDV-107 is only officially sold outside of North America.


The Six Current Colorways

Though there are technically eight different colorways, two are discontinued. Here are the six current flavors available:








collection


Straps

My preferred strap style is the “single pass” – a single strap that’s easy and quick to swap out. While I enjoy NATO straps, I find them too bulky for my taste and a bit cumbersome to change. I’ve realized I’ve ended up spending more on straps than on the watches themselves. I own them in an assortment of materials, colors, and patterns, which lets me mix and match for any event and coordinate with my outfits.

  • Strap width: 22 mm


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