Swatch Vs Casio...what you get.

scottish steve · Nov 27, 2010

I hadn't bought a watch for weeks, so it was obviously time for another purchase. I've been reneging on my G-Shock-only vow from a few months back...much to my disapointment, as I have to admit to a Watch Acquisition Disorder which I just can't quit. Anyway, for a long time now (several months) I've been hankering after a Swatch. I really like some of the styles and whenever I see someone wearing one I just assume their educated and a nice person...sort of like the Saab of watches. So I finally narrowed it down to a "diving" model and was about to buy it when I checked the Casio stand, just for confirmation of my choice and all thoughts of getting a Swatch went out the window.
This is the Swatch model I almost bought, but it was a std Irony, pseudo-diver with bold sword hands and a seconds subdial, with orange bezel. It was pretty nice-looking until you look at what you got...

The Swatch
-cheap-feeling steel case ad bracelet with very utilitarian finishing on the back.
-Proprietary strap...very difficult to change, with friction clasp
-non-serviceable movement
-water resistance of "splash-proof"
-acrylic crystal
1060 renminbee

Casio MTP-1291
-nicely brushed stainles steel case, caseback and bracelet
-Screwed-in caseback
-std bracelet fitting (though 23mm. Fine for a leather strap), with a locking, sprung clasp.
-accessible/cheaply and easily-replacable japanese mvt
-water resistance of 50m
-toughened and hardened mineral glass
548 renminbee

I ask you....

SRock · Nov 28, 2010

Personally I'm not a fan of either. I've always thought of Casio as a functional/reliable watch good for work wear but never saw the as classy. As for Swatch their plastic/rubber late 80's disasters have completely ruined them for me.

Go West Young Man · Nov 28, 2010

You're in China, get the knockoff version!

Thebigspendur · Nov 28, 2010

yea neither are exactly up there in watchdom. Casio is a great beater watch and swatch has come out with a few nice models but basically they are disposable watches.

scottish steve · Nov 29, 2010

I'd agree that when a Swatch gives up its completely understandable to bin it, but I'd say Casio are sadly under-rated as watchmakers. The fit and finish on my 548 yuan model is in no way inferior or second-rate, the second hand aligns perfectly with every single second marker. Its neither gained nor lost any detectable time in 3 days (was at plus 0.5s when I set it and try as I might I can't switch my eyes back to the reference quickly enough!). Their Oceanus range is definitely worth the money. I'd say the "problem" with Casio is they make a huge range of models at all price-points and most people don't investigate the entire line as having "Casio" on your wrist isn't a badge of exclusiveness, despite the fact that you can spend $1,500 on one, in complete confidence of its quality.

Thebigspendur · Nov 29, 2010

scottish steve said:
I'd agree that when a Swatch gives up its completely understandable to bin it, but I'd say Casio are sadly under-rated as watchmakers. The fit and finish on my 548 yuan model is in no way inferior or second-rate, the second hand aligns perfectly with every single second marker. Its neither gained nor lost any detectable time in 3 days (was at plus 0.5s when I set it and try as I might I can't switch my eyes back to the reference quickly enough!). Their Oceanus range is definitely worth the money. I'd say the "problem" with Casio is they make a huge range of models at all price-points and most people don't investigate the entire line as having "Casio" on your wrist isn't a badge of exclusiveness, despite the fact that you can spend $1,500 on one, in complete confidence of its quality.

What you say about Casio could in great part also apply to Seiko and it's general perception. The problem is, and I agree about their higher end watches , is that most folks won't pay $1500 for a quartz watch and if they do they want it to say something like Omega on the dial.

Jwolf24601 · Nov 29, 2010

If you're in china get a Sea-Gull

scottish steve · Nov 29, 2010

There is a totally reputable Sea-Gull stockist within 10 mins walk of my apartment and I've looked at and handled a couple. I agree it would be a doubt-free and intelligent purchase, but I bought an Orient "Metro" instead as there is also a great Orient stockist near my office.
BTW The Oceanus range is as far as I'm aware, totally mechanical.

I have 3 G-Shocks, a retro digital and that Diver at the moment as well as a Pro-Trek PRG-80 and I have never had any doubts as to the quality of any Casio product I've bought. Although I don't want to inadvertantly praise myself, I have to say if a man looks like he knows what he's about AND has the confidence to wear something by Casio, I think it rather counts in his favour more than against.