I love watches. I love collecting watches. Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of money. I’ve read some good things about the Casio Duro “Marlin” (because of the Marlin logo on the face) watch and since I was looking for another ‘everyday watch’, I went ahead and bought one. I bought the version with a blue face and rotating bezel.
Here are the main specs:
| Make | Casio |
| Model | MDV106B-2AV |
| Display Type | Analogue |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Case Diameter | 44 millimeters |
| Case Thickness | 12.3 millimeters |
| Weight | 5.44 ounces |
| Dial Window | Sapphire Glass |
| Calendar | Date display |
| Movement | Quartz |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
This is what the blue Marlin looks like with the resin strap. 44mm case. The shade of blue will change depending on the angle and source of light.
The main things I look for in an ‘everyday watch’ are: analogue display, sapphire crystal (for scratch resistance), good water resistance (min. 50m), luminous hands. The sapphire crystal glass sits convex on the watch. That is, it extends outwards in the middle very slightly.
While I have never had an problems swimming with a 5 ATM (50m) water resistance watch, a 20 ATM watch gives good peace of mind. The Marlin has 200m WR.
Last night I checked the luminosity on the hands, and it was pretty good. I have a 350 euro watch whose hands are less bright than the Marlin. It wasn’t as bright as a Seiko (which tends to be exceptional in that area), but it was bright enough to easily read the time.
I am using a rubber strap instead of the bracelet, which came with a missing link. The resin strap is comfortable and overall the watch sits lightly on the wrist. The 44mm case width is slightly large on my wrist since I have small-ish wrist. I tend to wear 42mm watches or less. It’s by no means huge or awkward, though.
If a date complication is important to you, make sure that you have very good eyesight, because the date box is very, very small. I can’t read it. I use my phone for the day and date.
Conclusion:
After wearing it for a few days, I’m very happy with it. I bought the watch for 100 euros, and I think for that amount, it’s outstanding value. I can wear it and forget it. It’s a good-looking watch, if a tiny bit big on my wrist. The lume works very well and 200m WR at this price is outstanding. I would recommned you try it out. At 100 euros (or less) I think it’s a bargain.