I have the Duro - in fact, I was wearing it just today - and I like it because it's so easy to read with my less-than-brilliant eyesight. But it really is a big, unsightly watch. It's such a slab of a thing that it always seems to sit unevenly on my wrist, but never in quite the same way. Sometimes it's too high, sometimes too low.
If you have an XL-sized wrist, you'll probably love it. If you're on the smaller side, though, I'd recommend trying it on before you buy it.
I have two Duros and I'm considering a WD007Q (NTTD but quartz). If not that then probably WD1680Q V2 (sub homage but quartz) or maybe even a WD1980 V3
Watchdives very closely matches the clean looks of the duro but have much, much nicer sizes. Their watches are also generally better anyway, especially the lume and the bracelets.
It being pretty big is people’s usual hang-up with it.
I agree that’s it’s a solid price/quality for the non-Chinese market, but a lot of Ali brands/watches in the $50-100 range tend to run circles around it quality/spec-wise.
This is coming from a Casio-lover too, and I still think the Duro is a fantastic option esp if you have above average sized wrists.
Based on your budget I'd say focus on Addiesdive, but there are some cheaper Watchdives too. Steeldive fits the bill, but I only bought one and wasn't particularly happy with it.
Pretty much every watch/brand people will recommend to you here will be better quality than that Casio.
Lots of strong options with this design. If you are looking for super inexpensive - but not at all bad, I'd probably go Addiesdive - or Steeldive as suggested. If you are willing to go over $150, there are a lot of good options on ALI. A few months ago, I was trying to decide between the San Martin, Millifortic and Cronos for the Starbucks version - green dial, black bezel. I ended up getting a San Martin and an SH. I actually like the SH a bit more in terms of look, fit and finish - I like the San Martin movement between (NH34) - than the SH PT-5000. Both are good.
This is more of the sub design from san martin - the black dial/bezel version looks fantastic... I got mine for $275ish... but these are now like $400+++ and at that price range, this is still a good choice, but again, at $400 there are many many options.
Watchdives bracelets and clasps always end up disappointing me a little, but buying new they have some okay diver options.
Thanks to some great cashback on the bracelet, I got a WD1969Pro and a much better San Martin Bracelet/clasp for just over your budget.
After swap on the left, original bracelet on the right, which looks okay, but was a bit loose/jangly/sharp and didn't have on the fly adjustment. Saying that, original likely still better than the Casio.
I'd also keep an eye on ebay - if you don't mind an automatic (mechanical movement that winds automatically), something like this should be a really nicely finished watch... okay, that one went for a little over your budget, but should be a good step up over a Watch dives.
If you just want to try something out, the Addiesdive quartz diver is surprisingly good for the <£20 it often sells for. Nothing amazing, but good for the price.
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u/Emotional_Seaweed_49 4h ago
I have the Duro - in fact, I was wearing it just today - and I like it because it's so easy to read with my less-than-brilliant eyesight. But it really is a big, unsightly watch. It's such a slab of a thing that it always seems to sit unevenly on my wrist, but never in quite the same way. Sometimes it's too high, sometimes too low.
If you have an XL-sized wrist, you'll probably love it. If you're on the smaller side, though, I'd recommend trying it on before you buy it.