Most rugged / durable Casio digital watch?

Can anyone recommend which of the Casio watches are most rugged/durable in your experience? I spend a bit of time swimming/surfing so water resistance is a must. Otherwise I care little about the features/appearance just want it to last. Quality seems to have changed a lot with Casio since the days when I was a kid and they were made in Japan. Most recent one I bought (G-7900 series) lasted 2 years then stopped working. Budget is flexible….how much do I need to spend to get something that lasts? Would be great if I could one in the $50-$100 range but as I said, I could be persuaded to spend more if I have to.

Comments

  • i think the g shock series is supposed to be the most durable line

  • +3

    DW5600E-1V was quite recently just under $60 on amazon.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/681610

    From amazon comments

    It's the watch your dad had in 1989. It is cool for this fact because you are now the same age as your dad in 1989. You never understood this basic watch in your younger years since you always wanted a Rolex or Omega. You always wanted a Lamborghini or Ferrari too but guess what? You are older and drive a paid off Camry and just like that Camry this little beauty is the most practical thing ever and can probably survive WWIII. It can get beat up, neglected, you can leave it on at the neighbor's pool party and it will always be there to tell you happily that lunch time is in 10 minutes.Yeah 10 minutes can you believe that the morning went so quick for a Tuesday? Also remember it is now March. Yeah February kinda flew by right? It is a certain confidence that lets the world know you aren't compensating for any lack of character. It's not even solar. Keep of the light button and the battery will last 11 years no problem but, you will probably drop it on a cruse before then and have a archaeologist in 3789 C.E. find it in the now drained ocean and think it is a ancient symbol of our god 'Casio'. Yeah it is tougher than nails. And yes button 'A' is recessed more than the other buttons so your grubby mitts won't accidentally hit it and engage the 'change time' mode and eff up you perfectly synced quartz Feng Shui. Casio has got you bro.

  • If you manage to break a casio you've done well, they're pretty much bombproof

    I'm pretty active and spend a lot of time as a mechanic as well as swimming, running etc. I've had a Tag, Oris and now Rolex and none have broken, just scratched.

    All casios are pretty indistructible and even then, $100 for 2 years of rugged wear is a fairly good trade.
    I'd consider Luminox if you don't mind analogue.

    • I've had a Tag, Oris and now Rolex

      Nice flex

      • *not at the same time.

        Ain't got that money.

        • I would like to withdraw my earlier statement

  • I don't know how one can kill a gshock. My GA110 still working after 10 years of abuse. One of the screw is loose but I still swim with it. You probably just got a factory defect unit.

    • Good choice brother - I have a 10+ year old GA110 too. Other than a battery replacement, it has been solid.

  • +1

    I highly recommend the G5600E, which is the Tough Solar variant of the classic DW5600E. It costs more, but IMHO it’s worth it, as believe it includes a superior module that offers a nicer LCD (improved legibility), extra functions and a better backlight. I’ve worn mine during all sorts of heavy duty tasks and it has shrugged off a surprising number of solid impacts.

    There’s just one caveat, which applies to all watches with resin components, really: the case and band are vulnerable to insect repellant and sunscreen.

    I got a fine mist of insect repellant on my watch, and it ended up with a (very cool) speckled finish that looked a bit like urban camo. I was actually happy with that, but unfortunately when I went kayaking I got sunscreen all over one side of the case and it went all shiny and looked shite.

    Luckily, replacement cases are about $12 from the Australian distributor, so I’ve ordered one to replace now and one as a backup.

  • Mifit band for $30
    Just need to charge it
    Otherwise they're waterproof and durable

  • The GW-5000 (~AU$440) and GMW-B5000 (~AU$550+) series watches are the ones you want. Made in Japan and not sold in Australia because Casio AU don't think highly of us.

    Check eBay and sites like https://www.seiyajapan.com/collections/casio/products/g-gw-5…

    If you have a feel for quality, you will immediately notice the difference between these and the models made in China and Thailand

  • Cool. Ok thanks for the suggestions.

    highmargin - I had no idea there was a Japanese-made version available (albeit overseas). Now you have me thinking!

  • G shock

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