Casio MDV-107-1A1VEF review

What it is

The MDV-107 belongs to Casio's Duro family, a line of straightforward dive-style watches that has been around for many years and is often called a budget Seiko alternative. This 1A1 reference has a black dial and a black bezel. It sits at the lowest rung of the dive-watch ladder in the catalogue and is aimed at people who want the look and the rating without a big spend.

It is a simple, honest tool watch: no sapphire, no fancy bracelet, just the rotating bezel, the lume and the rating.

The movement

It is a plain quartz watch with three hands and a date, powered by a battery that Casio quotes at around three years. It is not solar and not radio-controlled. Accuracy is within about 20 seconds a month, comfortably better than a mechanical watch. When the battery runs out you will need to replace it, and for a watch rated to 200 m the seals should be checked at that point so that the rating is maintained.

On the wrist

The case is around 44 mm across, so it is a big watch, though the resin strap keeps it lighter than its size suggests. The strap is a simple resin band that is comfortable and easy to rinse, although it does not have the polish of a steel bracelet. Some owners swap it for a NATO or rubber strap. The dial is clear and the large hands are easy to read.

Water and everyday wear

Its 200 m rating makes it suitable for swimming, snorkelling and recreational diving in the way the standard describes, although you should check that the markings on the watch match the rating you need. The crystal is mineral, which is fine for everyday use but will scratch more easily than sapphire. The hands and markers carry lume, and the unidirectional bezel is a proper diver feature. It is a rugged, no-fuss watch for holidays and the beach.

Against the alternatives

The Casio MDV-107D-1A1VEF is the steel-bracelet sibling and the Casio MDV-107-1A3VEF has a different dial colour. The Citizen Promaster Diver BN0150-28E is a solar diver with a more complete spec. The Orient Kamasu RA-AA0002L19B gives you a mechanical diver with a sapphire crystal for more money.

Who it's for, and who should skip it

It suits people who want a dive-style watch with a real water rating for as little as possible, or a beach and travel watch they will not worry about. Skip it if you want a sapphire crystal, a refined bracelet or a movement that never needs a battery.