Victorinox INOX vs. Casio Duro (MDV-106)

As I own or have owned both watches, I wanted to take some time to compare and contrast between the two. The INOX fills a niche for a mid-tier rugged non-diver quartz watches (~$200) and would be more comparable to the Casio Promaster Tough or numerous Seiko watches, but near the bottom the pricing category is the humble, yet respectable ~$50 Casio Duro MDV-106.

Specs

Casio MDV-106

200 meter water resistance
44 mm case width
22 mm band width
Quartz Movement (Casio 2784 / Miyota 2115)

INOX

200 meter water resistance
43mm case width
21 mm band width
Quartz Movement (Ronda 715)

INOX vs Duro

Both are approximately the same size at around 43mm case size, with the Duro coming in at shorter 12mm case height and slightly wider 22mm band width. They enjoy screw-down crowns and 200 meter water resistance. The Duro also has a rotating diver bezel so while it wouldn't make sense to compare a diver vs non-diver, I felt the Duro's price point justifies having it challenge the INOX.

In terms of price and features, the Duro beats the INOX hands-down and there is no competition here and if you are limited on price, I'd recommend the Duro everytime.

Where INOX beats the Duro

I'm not a fan of rubber/resin straps and although I own a couple (Hirsch, Cinturino), eventually find myself gravitating towards a stainless steel bracelet. To upgrade the Duro would require at least $20-50 additional cost to find a 22mm aftermarket bracelet, or possibly one from a comparable Casio brand like an Edifice, which would bring the total cost to around $75 - $100, not far off from the INOX.

I'm also not a fan of diver-style watches as I prefer actual dive watches like a Seiko SKX-007 vs. diver-style. A watch should be more honest of its purpose and intent and that's the reason I like the INOX as it doesn't attempt to anything other than a rugged quartz watch.

The big plus on the INOX, a lack of rotating bezel makes it wear smaller and fits better on smaller wrists compared to the Duro.

True Beater...go with Duro (bonus...you have the same watch as Bill Gates)

For a true beater quartz that you shouldn't care too much about and do not want to sport a G-Shock, go with the Duro. For under $50, it's hard to beat and if rumor has it even Bill Gates wears a Casio Duro, so if its good enough for one of the richest men in the world, it should be good for most anyone.

Comments

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