The $35 Mission Impossible Watch DW2901V: My Favorite Best New Beater

Today I share what is in my opinion the most underrated, affordable, and ultimate all-around beater watch. We’ll take a look at why I have fallen in love with this timepiece, its unique history, and why it’s so much more than just a watch made famous by Tom Cruise in the 1996 movie Mission: Impossible.
If you’re looking for a watch that is almost as tough as a G-Shock, but costs under $40, from a horologically important brand that has made history with a unique design, then your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to join me today to find out why this is it!
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[@elhananraphael6959]

My dad bought me this watch when I was 7, today I am 27 and still have it, a watch I would not exchange for anything in the world, and it is the watch that made me fall in love with watches, the watch still works like the day my dad bought it for me.

[@FitNessFurniture]

So I'm guessing you changed the battery in those 20 years of ownership??

[@elhananraphael6959]

@@FitNessFurniture Yes, I only replaced the battery twice, once every 10 years.

[@BLR653]

This is what watch collecting is all about. My daughter bought me this cool Casio for my birthday. I love it!

[@TheMonsterHunterTV]

Great. I fell in love with watches through Casio. Next one i will buy is the IWC Ingenieur

[@Fleming.135]

Yesterday I bought this one and Casio claiming 2yrs on CR2016. but you're claiming twice in 20 years !!!!!

[@ravan85]

When a James Bond villain reviews a Mission Impossible watch I dig it

[@KnocKoffReviews]

I thought I was the only one who thought that!

[@prabum7179]

I actually used this watch in my 2 years of military service. It was extremely reliable and probably the most functional and fuss free watch ive ever owned. A true tool watch.

[@moor7781]

TGV, I am a broke college student. You made me $36 poorer. Thank you!!! Excellent review as always.

[@keanumaikekais2202]

Nah man he gave you a $36 investment. Take care of it and you can give it to your kids!

[@hawkeye454]

I'm always impressed by your attention to detail in the Urban Gentry videos and this one is especially wonderful. Thank you for not being a watch snob as so many others are.

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Wes, that means a lot to me. Snobbery is insecurity projected outwards ;-) Onwards and upwards! Best regards, TGV

[@74vicco]

The most functional watch I ever had. I was always a huge square G-Shock fan. But that DW-290 got me immediately. Wearing it all the time.

[@sirfreakish]

"So many watches, so little time" - TGV

[@KentuckyMan30]

The irony certainly isn't lost on me.

[@ExtraLeben]

Marmite watch.. either you love it or you hate it xD ... I think its cool and will pick one up .. buuut i guess that it will cost 50-70 bicks here in germany.. we are getting ripped off on so many watches..

[@EffendiChung]

"So many G Shocks, so little cash." - Me

[@johnsellers8555]

Love that quote!

[@jmmartin7766]

@@ExtraLeben But, your country produces the BEST bier, so... *YOU win!* 🍺

[@CaptainRambunctious]

I used this as my diving watch from the age of 15. I still have it 29 years later. All the writing wears off over time. I went as deep as 48M with it and was brilliant. The luminescent backlight is incredible when diving in murky British waters and when the timer goes off it flashes so brightly it’s extremely useful… I’ll send a picture sometime… Lovely review…

[@diamondbed86]

You are the best. Just when I thought I had every Casio I could ever want. I like that it doesn’t hide which is the “light” button. Appreciate your openness to feature lower priced items. Thanks!

[@wescobts]

I have been a Casio/G-shock fan and wearer for the better part of 30 years. I'm certain that Casio would stand anything you could send its way. I have worn them in my military days, as well as my construction career. I know there are many "tool" watches out there, with names as Rolex, Tudor, Seiko...the list goes on. IMHO there no better tool watch out there than a Casio/G-Shock. Beat the living daylights out of them, dunk them in mud, muck, wet concrete, gas, oil ...wipe them off, and continue on. You can have all the Lume wars you want, nothing out does a back light when you are out in the desert, the deep woods or some Hell Hole they call a job site, and you absolutely, positively need to know what time it is. $36 dollars ! really !! and to think some spend thousands on watches that couldn't muster half of what that watch will do.

[@zayyadfoodhouse351]

This open my eyes. Damn

[@stampstepper2393]

What model was your absolute shit beater Gshock?

[@thehooch-man2657]

@webscobts Totally agree. I wondered what the deal was with Casio/G-Shocks my first couple of years in the military. Discovered they are just a darn good watch that could take whatever was thrown at it. I had a Swatch and then a Fossil, both of which broke....while I was on leave (sigh). Bought my first big boy watch ($20 Casio Diver) at the PX and it lasted the rest of my time in. I bought much more expensive watches since then, but the Casio is what I would take into field first.

[@rizza0431]

P

[@rizza0431]

P

[@johnavi]

This was the first watch my dad got me as a kid. I was so ridiculously proud of this thing. It lasted at least 10 years and was repurchased by my dad a few years ago. I believe I'll do the same soon as well. Awesome watch with lots of memories attached.

[@qchang09]

I miss seeing G-Shocks as "mission watches" for the IMF from the first few movies of this franchise. By the time Ghost Protocol came around, you saw Tudor and Rolex on agent wrists.

[@Emkei2010]

Quincy Chang... a guy called Carlos Ghosn chose G-Shock DW-5600BBN as his true “mission watch” in real life when he escaped from Japan whilst under house arrest. Out of all the luxurious collection of watches he may have, I thought he really made a great choice wearing it all the way to Lebanon via Turkey in a box. I thought what a tough watch!

[@OwynDavies]

There's a pretty cool Tissot in one of the films! Simon Pegg wears it I think.

[@JAngelD89]

I think simon pegg wears a king gshock in the burj khalifa scene

[@faizalf119]

It's funny how the first movie the rogue agent is complaining about the horrible pay they get and the reason he betray his country for money but in latter movies they use Tudor and Rolex like it cost them nothing. Gawd how I fucking despise the mi movie franchise.

[@sithlordsoup]

Emkei2010 rip nissan

[@milesskoog7675]

I absolutely adore how you tie watch aesthetics to film conceptual design. Movies take us to other worlds influenced by past and imaginations of the future and a watch can help us capture that in our everyday life. I like that you make that connection, TGV! When I get ready for work, I can take a little Blade Runner with me. 😁

[@lucmarineau8981]

One of the best episode you ever made. The images of IM in the intro were just fantastic. Tu t’es surpassé, félicitation

[@vicg5323]

Most people don't know, but this watch and the timex indeglow are favorites among NAVY SEALS, and Submariners, due to cost and tank like construction. The blue back light is a safety and security plus as night ops benefit from wide open iris. Great video. Keep up the good work.

[@QMR406]

I have these watch in the shower, every day is resisting water and heat. (During a year or more) And it works perfect, it is a tank

[@jeffventure6078]

Mine has lasted for a decade plus. Passed it to a youngster and they love it for all day everyday wear. When I asked them how it was holding up they replied. "It just works, period."

[@miticvaleric]

Just got it today, nothing less than a beauty.wish they had more of this style. It Looks like it grew naturally on my wrist I'm just in love with it. ❤

[@ElderPinto254]

this watch i have its 26years old a bought it in 1997... i felt this same love only 26 years back nobody liked it but i loved it..pound for pound the best casio ever made !! you cant brake it i wear it for 5 years with pool skating and i smacked it hard !!!

[@tenzinlekshey9765]

I work out everyday, swimming and running and I use the same g shock you have in the video and I find the buttons too recessed and end up needing to use my nails to press the buttons. I like that these buttons are more pronounced, easier to use you've convinced me to buy these.

[@MyEnemy]

That's what sold me, as well. I hate "barely there" buttons.

[@anthonystevens8683]

It took a few years of pondering and watching prices meander significantly but now I have it on my wrist as from today. Even though I could be regarded as a G-Shock nut (or more likely just a nut generally) I now completely understand the love for this piece. Rugged, simple, easy to use and with the trick backlight. I love it.

[@AdeMolajo]

I had this when i was about 10. Loved it so much and left it in a locker in a swimming pool and was gutted that I lost it. Think i need to buy one 25 years later!

[@williamtawiah908]

Always good to hear from you my good friend in these crazy times happy to see you in good health and in good spirits best regards to you and the viewers of the urban gentry

[@theurbangentry]

William!!!! Great to hear from you my friend. I am equally happy to hear from you, stay well and thank you for the inspiring positivity Onwards and upwards! Best regards, TGV

[@stevedave5673]

I hadn’t thought much about this watch until seeing this review. I really like it. One of the many great things you do is help us understand the watch and it’s heritage. Makes for a much deeper and meaningful review as I always appreciate the education beyond simple measurements and specs. Cheers to another wonderful video. Another Casio on my radar now!

[@nicholasbrown2810]

TGV, I just received this watch off Amazon for $37 yesterday, and it’s already become one of my most beloved of my now 16 watch collection. Watching your video made me want to buy the DW290 and I really appreciate your style and insight into multiple underrated watches and micro brands. Cheers

[@AlGreenLightThroughGlass]

Casio went their own way, like Seiko. Admire the fact these type of companies rated originality, developed their own style and didn't spend their life making Rolex homages. It's also testament to the fact that value and cost are two very different things.

[@theurbangentry]

So true, so dman true. Great comment, thank you Al for sharing that. Best regards, TGV

[@PACKYCSONE80]

That rug really ties the room together

[@albert333pool]

Omg... I have no idea why I didn't get this watch sooner! It looks awesome and feels amazing on the wrist and I can see why it might be your favorite watch! I have them ALL too, well, most of them, including the G Shock squares! It literally just feels right and has everything I need. Love it!

[@NickSkye]

Your intros are always so amazing!

[@ViridisWasabi]

I love this watch, especially when I travel. Hiking, biking or swimming in the ocean, been all over the world with mine. Awesome video!

[@sj6257]

Love seeing reviews coming back again! Keep doing it. My interest and love to watch collection has been greatly influenced by your videos. Thank You TGV!!

[@cannondale97]

I didn't even know it wasn't a G-Shock until about 3/4 into the video. LOL I really love how you put in so much effort into making high quality watch reviews irregardless of whether it's a high end or low priced piece. Keep up the excellent work! Cheers!

[@mrdisco99]

That teal green color definitely suggests early 90s. I remember when every other car on the road was painted that color.

[@markwaldron7string]

Your channel is awesome. I just started looking at Casio's the other night and there are so many to choose from you can get lost. I think I might need to get this one, it has the charm of the movies and now this channel. For $36 it looks like a steal.

[@mikepressley3956]

Great review! I love mine. Thanks for all the hard work on these videos. You can tell there is a lot of research and labor to the editing. Thank you so much!

I am amazed I came across this review! I own not one, but two dw-290s, the second having bought it this year. The one I wear the most I switched the accordion band for a regular casio band. I find beautiful the contrast of widths between the case and the band.

[@matthew_straw]

I have to say this is my favorite Urban Gentry video I’ve seen yet. I’ve ordered the watch, couldn’t resist. Thank you!!

[@dornierdo2172]

Working night shift got something interesting to watch on my tea break thanks TGV!👍🇬🇧

[@appalachianunderground8474]

I’ve had my DW-290 for a year or so, bought it second hand on eBay. The blue lettering has worn off but like you said..it’s a better look in my opinion as well. Your video has encouraged me to revisit this classic...I’m wearing it tomorrow. We are expecting Hurricane Sally here in Alabama USA so this is just the tool I need lol. Thanks again for another awesome watch review 🤙🏻🇺🇸

[@seekelnasr]

Just bought this watch some months ago after watching MI1, amazing one

[@dimasaditya8003]

Finally you reviewed this watch! Due to tight budget, i researched the most affordable, reliable, diver, good looking, that have a cool background history with it but no g shock (most g shock too bulky, expensive but yet still look cheap and outlandish whichever price point your g shock you bought. This was my first diver watch to accompany oxygen meter gauge. This watch is stealthy for common people, but quite cool for watch enthusiast. Good review as usual TGV!

[@xghram]

Great content. I love the intro!

[@turntable888]

Bought two of these (for my father and I) for Christmas after hearing you wax poetically about this watch and they just arrived today! I totally agree with your impassioned assessment of the situation! Thank you from Delaware…

[@curtishardman6406]

Loved the review ! I have owned this watch for about a year and love it so much

[@albertthatcher8160]

The M:I watch I was always curious about was Benji's Tissot in "Rogue Nation". Part 1 and 3 are my favorites, and I have a G-Shock similar to Ethan's in Part 3. So I love that one too.

[@heikowallauer]

Good morning TGV, just having my morning coffee (Lavazza Caffè Crema Classic) enjoying your review of the DW2901. Just like you I came to realize, and was quite surprised, that the original watch in Mission Impossible was not a G-Shock but the DW2901. I was always pondering back and forth if beside my G-Shocks I need the DW2901. But the instant NATO-compatibility makes this a winner! Great you pointed this fact out! Have a great day!

[@ServingKant42069]

Thanks for bringing this to our attention. This will definitely be my next casio purchase

[@ServingKant42069]

2 years later i finally bought the watch! mostly because i heard you say these were being discontinued in your 2022 state of the collection video. im not about to relive my regret in postponing buying the SKX.

[@Stanjara]

Knowledge and entertainment. Again TGV, fantastic content. Absolutely besotted!

[@andrewmuller1032]

I’ve been waiting for this video to come out! Great as always. I love the MI films.

[@manicsforever]

I've just ordered one of these, and I'm holding you (and Tom Cruise) responsible! Great video, really enjoyed it.

[@edhammond6911]

Awesome. I own over 50 watches and I have never bought a digital. But I’m going to buy this one tonight. I do have two Gshocks.One was given to me by my son and one form my son-in-law. I have never worn either one. Something with the shape and color about this one intrigues me. Awesome history lesson. Awesome video. Thanks TGV. SEIKO IS KING !!!

[@albertoascari3968]

Great video Tristano👍🙂 I would like to see more of these underrated watch stories. Thanks again and stay safe. 🙏😀🇮🇹

[@KrazyShark]

This actually reminded me of one of the new Casio models in 2019, the Casio DW-291H (I have the -1AV one) because of the bottom buttons with those protruding tube thingies, the overall size and shape and the 200M Water Resistance but that's about it. I feel like it's an awesome Casio beater too and I'm surprised TGV, Just One More Watch, Teddy or Ben haven't talked about it yet. That, and the Casio F-201WAM as I own both and absolutely adore. Maybe they're more of a youth model but anyways, thanks again for talking about this great Casio, looks even better on a Nato. I love when you go in-depth with them with History and References. Mad props.

[@chrisagnew1988]

Literally just bought this. Can’t wait for it to arrive

[@jonathanbridge1623]

Hi my order from Amazon has just arrived , and its a DW 290 and last week my DW 291 arrived , a slight improvement to the 290 with four chunky button protectors and a more of a square face, and Thanks for sharing your joy and knowledge

[@Dr1n1an]

Great video, amazing intro and terrific watch. Pure class TGV!

[@Knightswhosaynee]

Very nice mixing and editing all this time indoors has some benefits. Thanks for the excellent video Cheers 🍻 & Stay well

[@theurbangentry]

Haha, thank you my friend. Onwards, upwards and stay well. Best regards, TGV

[@gavinhougham841]

Nice review! And I love your MI compilation edit! So well done!

[@jacobbeaupre3940]

Always the best intros TGV!!

[@Wolfpacker]

Wow this channel subscribers literally ran out the stock of this watch everywhere! I just came across this channel a few days ago and already subscribed. Got me hunting down watches now. Great channel.

[@MrBacchus18]

I heard about this watch long ago, but forgot all about it. Thanks for the killer review TGV.

[@ggndrums]

Great edits in the intro, TGV! Ugh, that building jump with the ankle injury gets me every time. OUCH! Great review of an underrated piece!

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you George, Tom Cruise is a legend!!!! That jump was crazy, his commitment to his work is truly inspiring. Best regards, TGV

[@ggndrums]

The Urban Gentry Truly! I could care less of what people say about him. He’s definitely one of my favorite actors. Btw, every time I see that calculator watch, I can’t help but think of Ayrton Senna. I’ve seen photos of him wearing it when worked out while running on the beach. Goes to show that even the greats wear such simple pieces.

[@jonasskovby6209]

I´ve been in the market for a new beater, and I just ordered this watch after seeing your video. Can´t wait to try it out! :)

[@anshyadav6603]

Great review tgv. Thanks to you I got into watches and true horology.

[@maxstuder6477]

Incredible intro - as always. YOU won me over, too. Have to get one.

[@awesomeak47]

Thanks for the great and very thorough review of the Casio, I just pulled the trigger on one for myself. Cheers.

[@MrRoyck10]

This is not what I would usually view on KZbin but when its the Urban Gentry notification I am bound to learn something new about a brand that I have no interest in buying and that’s why I love this channel as it kills the watch snobbery in me with its educational approach. I now know better about Casio.

[@marinesr7]

I'm so pleased having to bump into this great video review on this watch. Over a week ago I got the Casio W7401v (again!) since this was the model I owned for nearly 10 years back in my late teens and early 20's. When I was looking for the model of that watch on line I ran into this "mission impossible " watch. I looked at it and I really liked it! Prices between these two watches are a bit the same, features, faces,etc. Well, two days ago I came back to my Amazon account and bought this model. I can't wait to see it and wear it. ---The back light flashing at the end of the countdown (if programmed like so) is the best feature both models have!!

[@lenaguilar501]

I already have so many watches (Garmin Fenix 3 HR; G Shock: Mudmaster, Square Red; Oris Diver, and many others, but why is it I still want to buy this beater watch? I like it. It looks cool. I’m an Officer in the Marine Corps and a certified medical first responder.

[@TwistyThreeFifty]

I've increased my G Shock collection this summer to 3; a rangeman, a G-Lide, and a square. They are great tough watches. My main gripe is how small the digits are, despite how big the watches are (often 45mm+) , their numerals are the same size of a 33mm casio, and the countdown timer only in minutes. My Timex Ironman Shock is has larger digits, and the count down timer in the seconds, it's a smaller 42mm too.

[@timecheckwatch-channel5421]

One of the underrated watches out there as well as the Protrek line of Casio. Thanks brother for this awesome vid. 😁

[@anickname6960]

Lovely video as always! PS: I know it's not the theme of the video, but that Navitimer on the RIOS strap looks sooo sweet

[@julzmax956]

After 7 years of owning this watch, it's shiny, the green lettering is missing but other than that, it still works like new and still look cool. The strap accordion part actually digged into my wrist so I swapped in another strap from a different Casio with a smooth strap and it's been perfect since. This and the Timex Ironman endure 30 are my go to for tough work.

[@sci-figuy6668]

That parakeet teal green lettering would look really good next to all the red lettering of my G-shocks. 🤔

[@chiefwahoo6223]

I watched 3 sec of this vid and immediately purchased it. Thank you good sir

[@Number_006]

Thanks for the vid, great fun as always.

[@overwatchchannel]

So many watches so little time... Great quote, I like this watch and I just added it to my Casio collection. Thanks for the review.

[@loombaron]

It became my main watch, its an incredible watch, I love it!

[@jurgenschatz8952]

I also have a dw-290 and love this robust watch. Very soon I bought a matching black silicone strap with red stitching. Looks great! The original wristband unfortunately pinches when worn for a long time. All in all a great watch.

[@lucianosilva3887]

Uma coleção de relógios sem um “CASIO” conta apenas uma parte da história. Parabéns pelo excelente vídeo TGV....👍 Forte abraço aqui do Brasil 🇧🇷

[@kennytnt06]

thx buddy for a cool review, i just ordered it , $35 bucks in my collection, very cheap, lol as always love the way you review a watch with the story behind it, thx again

[@ianii592]

I have a friend owns the Omega watch he proudly tells me was worn in a recent James Bond movie. Not cheap obviously and costs 00s to even service. He earned it of course and too right he should be proud. But now I can wear this and say “Ahhh but I too wear a watch from the movies……” haha

[@10OVO30]

phenomenal intro!!! TGV delivers again!

[@howard2501]

I have a solar G Shock arriving TOMORROW and I already want to buy this one too. Thanks TGV.

[@eduardomartinez2369]

This is a great review, and it convinced me to get the watch myself last month. I love it! Thanks for your video and review (and I feel the same way about the M:I movies, such great movies!).

[@danichicago9140]

You sir set the bar when it comes to reviews! You should be receiving a flood of sponsorship/ spokesman offers.

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Dani, very kind of you to say. Best regards, TGV

[@williammaurices]

Dam, that intro could have been the official trailer for the Mission Impossible Collectors box set. Nice!

[@paullinn1312]

Just picked one up thanks to one of your latest videos got to say I see why you like it so much great watch thanks TGV

[@lawrencecummins6480]

Cool watch, don’t own one, and now thinking of getting one. Great review as always. Love the clip of Liverpool Stanton 😊

[@jimdog9020]

WHAT AN INTRO. 👏👏👏😁 Great tribute to the Mission Impossible movies!

[@fallenangel226]

Your intro are perfect and when you work alone is a way better than before

[@THX-C]

Great vid, TGV! I’m a fan of DePalma and Tom Cruise. TC has a killer watch collection. The thing that surprised me about this watch was how comfortable the strap is. Casio straps are usually way more comfortable than the G-Shock offering. The Casio arrived the same way as the SeikoA58-5050 (getting my James Bond fix - similar to one of the Roger Moore watches I wanted as a kid.) I put the Seiko on an 18mm MN-style strap bur kept the Casio on the OEM strap. The DW-290 is the only watch that sits firmly planted on my 6 1/4” wrist; every other watch always sits at a slight angle. Again, great vid!

[@christophercutajar4020]

As soon i saw that intro.... I purchased one!! That gave me the chills...

[@Sanctified_EDC_Gear]

Wonderful Content as Always Urban Gentry !!! I love , Love My Mission Impossible Watch , just as you do. It's Strange Shape is what made me Call in love with it . Blessings 🙏👍

[@hughminor9369]

I got this one for Christmas 2020. Love it!

[@JoeyAnswer]

Great review A+ , still need to get this one I love the 6900 when I was a kid MI-2 was the movie out I fell in love with Will always be my favorite, the latest movie was amazing I can’t wait for the next in 2021, beside Tom I really like Rebecca’s character both are badass.

[@-Anthracite]

I didnt knew this model but some of these under 50$ casios are horological masterpieces no joke The w735 was my introduction to resin beaters and that thing took more abuse then all of my later g shocks together and runs without any issues

[@idletime]

Thats pretty kool 😎 . First Casio watch I ever bought was probably one of the original calculator watches when I was just a kid with my allowance and haven't owned another Casio since, until now. I recently added a new Casio SGW 500H-2BV to my collection.

[@gervers]

This video is pure class!!!! Class production, class review, class watch! Thank you

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you so much :D Best regards, TGV

[@jasetunney6385]

TGV great review as always but I was showing your channel to a friend getting into watches, and told him if the only thing you take away is watch knowledge, then you have missed a lot.. Life knowledge is very impressive and sets your channel a bit apart. All the best.