Review: Casio MDV102 Duro 200 "Super Illuminator" Diver

[avusblue]

Don't let the low price scare you off!

This is a great watch, and an amazing value! The Casio MDV102-1AV "Super Illuminator" Diver. I was skeptical that a watch this inexpensive ($42) could be any good. But I was very pleasantly surprised. The fit and finish, the classy appearance, its heft, its highly legible dial and hands, the smooth and precise action of the bezel, and the overall quality are all excellent. On your wrist, this watch looks and feels like it could have cost twenty times what it did. The double LED illumination works amazingly well, and is a unique and practical feature I've not seen on other watches at any price. It's vividly bright and useful!



This is a full sized watch, just a little bit boldly styled with the polished case and crenellated bezel, but it stops short of being "big and blingy". It's tasteful. There are some little "extra" touches that add refinement, like the slightly domed contour to the crystal, the chrome bordered applied hour markers, the red-tipped second hand, the engraved classic Casio Marlin on the polished screw-on caseback. The timekeeping on mine is extremely accurate; it picks up about a second or two per week. Excellent.



I found the included plastic strap to be just fine; it is comfortable and durable, and "fits" the character of the watch. That said, I personally prefer the look and feel of leather so I replaced it with a dark brown oil-tanned leather strap that makes for a great combo.





Overall, the MDV102 is highly recommended. Step out of your comfort zone and spend very little on this great watch; I expect you'll be quite pleased with it.

Thanks, and Cheers,

Dave

[zippofan]

Nice review and great pics
My teen son has one and hasn't been able to kill it yet...and it looks great.

[Brasseye]

I agree, very good review, I have the same watch, for the money I think it's unbeatable.

[Lester Burnham]

The dual crown looks really cool. Almost JLC Master Compressor-like. I also dig the edge of the bezel, looks pretty tough, thanks for your review!
-> quickly browsing to eBay

[edit] Just a bit of a shame that shipping to EU is 47,50 for a 42,99 watch...

[avusblue]

I had posted my same review to the Amazon product page for this watch. Another guy made the following review immediately after me, and I really liked his sentiments. Enjoy:

The CASIO 1AV SEA ANALOG is a honey of a buy. I am quite sure that it keeps the same precise time as my wife's $1100 TAG. I'm sure that the quartz mechanism is every bit as good, and that the grade of stainless steel is, well- stainless steel. There is only one negative to this otherwise superb device-- it has the word "Casio" printed discreetly on the face. How much of a negative that is, is up to you. If you want a prestige timepiece, don't even consider the Casio. If you want a prestigious-looking timepiece, the Casio will fit the bill perfectly. If it bore the name "Omega" or "Rolex' on it, this watch would set you back a few grand. Bear in mind that this is not an Omega or Rolex replica. It has it's own distinct style and is nobody's wanna be. I pose this question to you- are you man enough to wear a $46 watch without feeling inferior? If so, read on. If not, Switzerland will be more than happy to take your money. If you choose the Casio, don't worry--I won't tell anyone. For that matter, feel free to tell the world that you paid $250 for this beauty. No one will know the difference with the possible exception of your Uncle Marvin the jeweler.

Now, to address some of the other reviews. It could be said that the watch face is not black, but a dark grey. It sure looks black to me! Regarding the plastic band, it is pretty much standard issue these days for water sport gear. After all, this is supposed to be a divers watch. The band will go perfectly with your shiny black wet suit or spandex if your sport is biking. I read as well that the second hand does not click precisely on the indices. Not so in the case of my Casio which was purchased 11/18/10. I have one minor style negative, and this is purely a matter of taste. The watch is very shiny indeed. I think a brushed finish would have looked a little nicer. So, when you buy this watch, and I hope you do, be prepared to behold a watch as shiny as a Christmas ornament. Since this is stainless steel, and not some chrome-plated junk, there is no need to fear premature wear and tear on the finish. If you love shiny, then that will be another plus. Regarding the led illumination, allow me to explain. The traditional luminescence is still there and nicely done at that. The additional led's allow you to light up a darkened bedroom without spoiling the romantic moment. It is a very nice feature indeed.

In conclusion- If you looking for a handsome timepiece for work or play, this Casio will fit the bill perfectly. It is stylish and sexy and will set you back the price of a night out at the movies. Go ahead and buy this beauty. For the money, there is no way that you can go wrong.

Can't disagree with anything he says, and I liked the way he said it!

Cheers,

Dave

[regnaD kciN]

I've had one of these for the past year, and have very few complaints, except that the band is very uncomfortable for those with thick wrists. For smaller wrists, it might be fine, but those molded curves near the lugs are echoed with curves on the underside, terminating in very sharp points that, on people with large wrists, are guaranteed to dig into your skin. I lasted with mine for two days before removing the band and replacing it with the first of several attempts to find a good alternate. Right now, I've got a Bond NATO type strap on it, which feels great, but really seems only fitted to casual days in summer, and seems downright weird to wear in winter. I suppose I need to do as you did and try leather, although I think I'd go with black rather than brown.

[peewee102]

I concur with Dave! There's only 3 things I didn't love about the watch. And I fixed 2 of them!. [1] Watch case too shiny. Took a Scotch Brite pad to the sides and top of band lugs, I think it looks great! [2] Watch band. Too stiff, saw this post with a gray Zulu, looked cool, now mine sports one also. [3] Weak lume. I would prefer brighter, but it does last all night, so I will give this point a passing grade too.

[flori78]

I miss this watch. I think there was a model with a bracelet but I don't find it anymore.

[kwisatz]

I love my bracelet model :http://www.outdoorgb.com/pi/casio/MTD-1054D-1AVEF1.jpeg
The LED makes an emergency light.
One of my favorite timepieces.
Here is a short vid from a guy who doesn´t talk : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nOnjatTjh8

[biker]

Agree that this watch represents amazing value - I have one too.

I only have one slight complaint - design wise - the sub second hash marks all around the dial are not really appropriate for a quartz movement. Other than that, this is good looking diver at good value and works as it should.