The Casio MDV-106 "Duro" Wristwatch: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

The Casio MDV-106 'Duro' is a $40 wristwatch, with mineral crystal, metal case, accurate quartz movement, and a very legible design.
Although it's got a couple of flaws, namely poor lume and a bit of excess size, and you'll want to buy a new strap for it, but on the whole, it's a very solid choice for the price.

[@fukushimadaiichi9622]

I like the fish. Looks better than that paragraph of text on the Rolex sub.

[@GS-nx2iq]

Bought this watch knowing exactly what I was getting (from all of the reviews) and it exceeded my expectations. Not one manufacturing blem and has stayed dead on for over a month of 24/7 wearing through everything from hard working outside in the elements to showers and pressure washing. Want a couple more of these now.

[@SohanMeegahage]

The fish on the dial is a nod to this watch's Marlin series heritage which I understand is Casio's series for their dive/watersport watches, I like it for some reason and think it gives the watch some character. Wish the lume was better but it is a great watch for the price

[@hawghawg381]

They removed the marlin in 2021

[@Kunta1926]

The "fish" or more specific the Marlin in Casio's indication that the watch has at least a 200 meter water resistance rating.

[@MarioRafaelM]

Nyc jewish probably

[@lawrencetendler7747]

@@MarioRafaelM Gefilte fish

[@rayseaman6204]

A 45 Dollar Dive Watch? Nick, I have to disagree with you on this one. THIS WATCH IS A FREAKING GEM !!! IT can and will compete with the Seiko SKX007 and Rolex Submariner. For 45 Dollars! Incredible! P.S. Leave the Fish Alone! LOL

[@FlyByFrancis]

I agree! This watch is an amazing timepiece. But Nick, I do appreciate your review it's very accurate. It might have little flaw, but for $45 it's a steal. AND it's a 200mm dive watch too.

[@derekvillorente4334]

This is a great value. Complaining about the fish logo is nitpicking.

[@huckinator]

@@derekvillorente4334 highly agree! If it’s good enough for bill gates, it’s good enough for anyone! Lol

[@GS-nx2iq]

The fact that I respect this affordable watch so highly makes it a luxury to own and admire no matter what else I might have or appreciate for whatever reason.

[@ShabbaRanksMF]

I fucking love your accent.

[@mrsrhardy]

REAL DIVERS use this watch as its cheap, cheerful, functional, tough and you can beat it up, scratch it on gear/corals and rocks and try to kill it. And it just keeps working. Thats what a real dive watch is for ~ I laugh when i see some idiot diving with a 15k Rolex!

[@nickkendall3764]

I also dont get it but i wouldn't laugh at someone for there choice in watch and what they do with it. Didnt your mother teach you do to others as you wish to be done to you ? In this respect do you enjoy some random guy or girl for that matter laughing at you for your choices ? Id guess no but maybe your a masochist tho and you do. To play devils advocate hear. What if your battery dies while diveing ? Timeing all gone a auto would solve this issue maybe .i wont say defiantly because machanical watches can die too machanical brake down of some sort.an interesting point dont you think ?

[@Wylder955]

The batteries last AT LEAST 12 months so you can change them a little early and problem solved.

[@brianbuchert6382]

I see people making an issue about lume while diving! I worked on the search and rescue scuba dive team at many years at the sheriffs office and the water is so dark you can’t see you watch right up against your mask and for get about the flashlight too as sentiment turns the water into black water you have a tender on the surface holding one end of the rope who keeps your down time and you as the diver swim in the bottom in an arch pattern where you do everything by feel in complete darkness even if it’s a body recovery so I’m now collecting dive watches because I got interested in them even though while diving I never owned one! I haven’t dived in years but it’s amazing at some of the places where so dangerous they’d ask for volunteers to do certain jobs which I’m proud of the team because everyone raised their hand! Dive computers where very new technology an so where very expensive! My hat goes off to all the search and rescue divers who died in the line of duty over the years we used the tight specs of navy dive tables for decompression dives I know this is long winded but just get a good dive watch even if the price is cheaper I think this Casio would be good my best diver is my citizen eco drive pro master diver!

[@Ferien7]

Michael M only on a deep dive

[@DC-ci3mg]

You should familiarise yourself with the “No true Scotsman” Fallacy.

[@robertfisher8871]

I love the marlin on the dial. I actually refer to this watch as the marlin.

[@tmmrc]

Man I just wanna say, I LOVE your voice, nice review of the watch as well! :)

[@cerleywood]

Despite the negatives you mentioned I still think it’s a great watch for the price. In fact the entire watch and new strap costs less than a strap for an Apple Watch. And I even like the fish.

[@citizen1675]

Love my duro! Like the marlin. Replaced the glass with sapphire! Still under $90.00. Put mine on a nato band too however I actually like the rubber strap so I put it back on. The indices are pressed through the back of the dial. Thought they were stuck on the front. I was wrong. So,,,for 200 meter wr with screw down crown and nice unidirectional bezel and sapphire crystal keeping time at +3.5 secs/day for just under $90.00. This is a GEM in my estimation!! Your mileage may vary.

[@googeeish]

This is the one to buy. For forty bucks you can't go wrong. The lume is terrible but it still makes a great beater watch. Strap is cheap but very comfortable. All day comfort.

[@cloudcleaver23]

I really wish one of these companies would make a solar quartz watch that took NATO straps, with a simple face, brass or titanium bezel, and sapphire glass. Can't be that hard to make at a decent price point.

[@-rjw-1035]

+The Gentleman's Den - I have 2 watches with metal bracelets that cannot accommodate nato-style or regular leather bands for that matter, because of the design of the end links, etc.. I have seen others like this, and while some are very nice, I tend to steer clear of them now just because I cannot swap out the band when the mood strikes.

[@cloudcleaver23]

rW rW Yeah, Nick's Casio Oceanus is like that.

[@panzerfaust5119]

I've had mine for 3 years and wear it 24/7.Tough and solid.This has to be one of casios best budget divers oon the market.You dont need to worry about hurting this one.For 40 dollars it's a no brainer.As for the marlin fish on the face,I think it looks cool because it is a true dive watch.Nothing wrong with this one.It has to be big for easy readability in dive conditions.For less than 20 bucks Amazon sells a great stainless band that fits nice.

[@anonanon2160]

Just had mine delivered. I LOVE it. I have a dozen dive watches. This watch has presence on a decent strap. I like it's not a 40mm subbie lookie like. Thanks as always Nick.

[@Mr-Safology]

Oh WOW IT'S MOE FROM SIMPSONS

[@mrbunnyc]

That's hilarious 😆😆😆😆

[@bigaspaulo]

My watch! Yes, the lume is a joke. The size is perfect for me, I have beefy wrists and forearms, so it looks proportional on me. And the price is right! My son and I both wear this watch on NATO straps, black for me, striped for him. I hope my youngest has a growth spurt soon, so all three of us can sport this great looking yet tough analog quartz watch. And leave the marlin alone!

[@EDCAdventures1991]

Thanks for the review Nick. I just picked one up to have a diver while I save up to get a Seiko Skx 007 and modify it with a sapphire

[@rogerauclair1670]

I bought this watch recently and replaced the rubber strap with a few “Classic Bond” NATO straps and I love it, but given a choice a 40mm case would have been ideal. I also like the marlin on the dial, similar to the Phoibos octopus and without it there would be an obvious empty space. Also the marlin is more pleasing to the eye than the usual “200 meters” water resistance. I think that there is possibly too much emphasis on how good or bad the lume and bezel of a watch is because it is very rare that any of us need to check the time in total darkness and most people won’t be using this watch for scuba diving.

[@eggXvXGoobz]

Great review. How big are your wrists? I too have small wrists and think that the watch looked alright on your wrists, but worry that mine may be even smaller, making it look off.

[@zeroed4x]

I own three of these, my favorite budget diver. Thanks Nick.

[@-rjw-1035]

Hey Nick, really appreciate your review of this Casio Duro - very helpful! Not enough watch reviews show the watch on the wrist for some reason. I would also love your take on the Invicta 8926OB or even the 8932OB and maybe the Orient Mako II ?!

[@twstrchasr]

I love mine and my watch collection ranges from a Casio Royale to a Rolex Day Date. I agree with you about it could be a bit smaller. 40mm-42mm would have been perfect. As far as lume goes, mine isn't too bad really. As far as the marlin on the dial goes I love it !! From what I understand Casio only puts a marlin on a watch if it has a depth rating of at least 200 meters. The bezel action on mine is really good. It's actually better than one of my SKX's even. The biggest gripe I have is that the second hand doesn't hit the marks very well but as you would say, hey, it's a $45 watch !! Good review as always !!

[@itsallrobbish]

Just got one of these last night, it is amazing for the money. Yes, it can't live with my SKX007 for lume, but the build is unbelievably good for the dosh, it is the most comfortable watch I possess, mainly because I have large wrists and even the band is better than you'd think, bit short for a diver, but oh so flexible and comfortable. The bezel has a noisy but precise action and it just stands proud of the case, similar in style to a Pelagos, yes, I've compared it to a pelagos. If you have 7.5 inch wrist like mine, this watch has the ideal proportions, showing real presence without being comically big. It's my new work/ beater watch and I'm really looking forward to wearing it soon, maybe on a black NATO. Good review, but I think it's almost insane to criticise it unfavourably.

[@folksurvival]

Do you still have it?

[@tghartman321]

I know I'm commenting on a 5 year old video, but before watching this I already had it in my Amazon cart with a black and grey "007" NATO strap, as I thought the resin strap looked tacky. Decided to check out some reviews before pulling the trigger, even though I've heard plenty of good things about the Duro. Once I saw the same setup in the thumbnail, I knew I made the right choice!

[@Milkman4279]

I bought this watch yesterday. It's rock solid and looks really cool. Being water proof to 200M (656ft), it is a tank.

[@YR7A]

the batteries for the watch are like 1 dollar for 5 on amazon, and it's dead simple to replace them.

[@leegreveson]

Good overall review, you did say the good the bad and the ugly and we should remember this is built to a price, so probably only cost £15 to make in the first place (maybe not, but who knows after the mark up) . Glad you showed it on the NATO strap too. However, the point I wanted to make was this, the second hand lands over each marker perfectly, this is something I have noticed isn't always the case, and pardon the pun, it kinda winds me up that other brands can't get this right. This watch is hard to find in the UK.

[@aussie8114]

I got this one and I love it. It looks beautiful and works perfectly.

[@jeffthomas4382]

Nick I'm surprised you haven't relumed yours yet! I did mine and it turned out great,one of my favorite watches now. I also took a scothbright pad to my case and added a very nice brushed effect. Mine glows every bit as bright as my sumo.

[@godfatherNYC]

Did you do yours yourself? Any particular tutorial or supplies you can recommend?

[@jeffthomas4382]

I used Noctiluma..great product. If you do a search on re luming watches you can find good info...mostly in the watch forums.

[@godfatherNYC]

Jeff Thomas Thanks!

[@MRrobert7200]

Hey Nick, great watch review as usual. I love your presentation style! I have only recently jumped onto the Casio "Duro" bandwagon and can honestly say that I really like and appreciate this very budget friendly dive watch. I can agree with most of your comments, however, I firmly disagree with your thoughts about the "fish"! In my opinion, the Leaping Marlin is one of the more compelling and recognizable design features of the "Duro" and, I believe it has helped to establish this watch as the iconic cult watch just about every collector recognizes. One last point, it is February 2023 and I was able to pick up four of the six available color-ways for the very low clearance price of $11.00 from Walmart, which makes this watch even more appealing and affordable. All the best and please keep the great watch reviews coming . . . ! 😎

[@randallace]

Purchased a duro today based on your review - thanks

[@ccooper8040]

Nick, Very nice review. Mine is on a nice leather strap. Yes it is a little too large. Lume not so good. Mine is very accurate +2 secs a month. My biggest complaint is the 377 battery only last 15 months. Overall a great watch. Very accurate & durable for a $40 watch.

[@sargera1]

price of accuracy mate, 2sec per month is a no brainer movement for this class already try the sea urchin black seiko wkwkw

[@chimpninja2000]

probably already mentioned, but I agree that the lume is not good by any stretch of the imagination, but comparing it to watches that cost probably 20X or more may not be the fairest comp.

[@mountainmanwatchreviews8081]

Have this is on my wrist now and my first automatic is on the way. Got the orient mako II. Only took a few months to spend more on a watch then I've ever spent on a knife.

[@snipethebadguy]

Yeap...its a dangerous venture indeed. You can brag anywhere and be proud and look lovely in a watch rather than with a knife.

[@elflakeador09]

Did you use the two pins from the original rubbers strap to secure the nato strap?

[@georgemole9790]

I just picked up one of these, the Batman, and I really like it. My biggest gripe is the small date window. Many watches have date windows that are too small, in my opinion, but this one is smaller than most. Other than that, I think it's an excellent watch, and it looks like it should cost more than it does.

[@net144]

Great review. I've got one and love it! This not meant to be critical but I've never heard an accent like yours before. I'm guessing NYC but would really like to know what part of NYC because I study accents and can usually tell what part of the country or state somebody is from just by talking and listening to them.

[@oklahomahank2378]

I am guessing Philly.

[@void1984]

It's too big also for my wrist. Do you have a list of favorite affordable watches for your wrist?

[@PMSCOTT68]

I love the fish!

[@edmund8954]

so does everyone but...vegans.

[@kjm6135]

is it possible to do a bezel swap on this watch?

[@brokeboytactical]

This will be my first watch. I think I did good can't wait till it comes in the mail

[@folksurvival]

You still using it?

[@LordCinnamon]

Nick, what is your watch equivelant of the z-hunter? Please do a video of the crapest vs more quality watches. Love the videos and your honest opinions.

[@keithshwalbe6981]

Nicely done. Thanks Nick.

[@thebudkellyfiles]

Nick, another great vid. Thanks.

[@Rick-ve5lx]

I bought one. It loses about 4 seconds a month. There is one thing though, the minute and hour hand reveal a bit of play in the movement. If it's showing 12 o' clock and you hold it upright then rotate it from side to side you can see the hands move slightly backwards and forwards.

[@TheKRiddler]

I love the watch reviews I own alot now because of this series

[@mikestephens5426]

This is a true divers tool watch, it's supposed to be big. This watch is made for diving. Casio puts the Marlin on their watches that are 200mm or more. My Casio Duro watch is nothing like the watch you described in your video. My bezel is tight with no play, I don't have that cheap plasticly look on the dial, as you described with the watch in your video, my lume is pretty decent. I actually prefer my Casio Duro Dive Watch over my Citizen ProMaster EcoZilla Dive Watch for diving.

[@marksman4004]

Mines is the same way as yours

[@RobertEWaters]

Is there some kind of a permanent sticker glued to the dial?

[@petervernelen6784]

Great watch especially at this price point and yes it's a tad oversized even on my 7.4 inch wrist, strap exchange is a necessary though since that bulky ridged rubber one makes it even bigger.

[@philipjanes]

I think it's great as is. Well, with a Nato. A cheap, reliable, durable beater watch that can actually go diving and actually looks pretty good unless you get real close. I think I might get one!

[@alpollick4599]

The wavy rubber band part is to over tighten before the dive. At depth your wrist shrinks, then it'll be at regular tightness.

[@KakashiHatake-ou7mp]

Nice watch and a nice review

[@ViceCommando]

I agree that there should be more 40mm or less watches with rotating bezel... Why all of these has to be so large?

[@ryandelehanty8368]

so you can read it under water easily

[@pikijuiyii777]

Is not that the watch is too large, is that your wrists are too small.

[@MayDayDevinci]

@@ryandelehanty8368 most people don't wear these watches for diving

[@excelerater]

These are super accurate,cheap,bezel could use some more grip but the Duro is tough to beat . I like it better than the SKX

[@kenweller2032]

Doesn't the Oceanus series start at like 10 times the price??

[@salomonmorenoruiz7796]

What is the another casio?

[@nightsquats]

I was worried about the lume when I made the switch from the timex weekender. I loved the addition of the rotating bezel and the higher water resistance, but the indiglo from timex was the big plus that kept me from doing situps in bed at 3 a.m. to see my clock. I will say however that I had better luck than you seem to have with my duto lume. Maybe they have upped their game over time, maybe it just didn't bother me as much as it did you. I will say that in the end, if I charge it with a flashlight from my headboard before my journey to the land of nod, it is functionally legible all night long for me. Some other folks make the classic mistake of expecting it to stay "just charged" bright longer than it does, but that is any lume. If you have realistic expectations, it can function just fine. Don't get me wrong, if this were backlit or indiglo it would be one to end my search (😂) but as it is I am loving mine for the value. Thanks for the vids!

[@gunterwillemse7206]

I get five hours of readable lume on the hands of my Marlin Duro. The indices are gone earlier but if you can tell the time on a watch you can easily work out the time just by looking at the hands. Best value watch on the market.

[@firepower9966]

Love casio style, just wish they do a smaller 40mm or less version. too big for my 6" wrist.

[@SURENITY]

A year ago, I dropped my prized blue Casio Dive from a 10 story, 120 foot tall buisiness tower. Just for kicks. It has never felt so alive! Ticks as well as the day that I got it!!

[@calebmakepeace2189]

Hi Nick! love your channel! I have had a love with pocket knives ever since my grandfather gave me my first Barlow when I was 10. I'm wondering if you could throw in a few more reviews of more budget related blades once in a while. not sure cheap. but things like the kershaw knockout or camber. knives in that sweet spot of say $50-$100. I love the your knife reviews. but the chance of me affording most of the ones you review are pretty slim. but I love your reviews so much I want to be able to bring them more into "my world" after watching. thoughts?? love your channel Nick!! You could be Hilary and Trump hands down! :)

[@donp2166]

Amazing watch amazing price. A Casio gem.

[@solihin17sz]

Hi. may i know whats th bandwidth of th nato strap?

[@NickShabazz]

This was a 20mm strap, but 22mm is better suited to this watch.

[@justinealcanices9044]

nick, can you buy for me a similar watch like this casio duro

[@waikikirod]

My everyday watch, upgraded with a Blue Shark NATO strap. Think I will add a date magnifier. Good manly watch for the money.

[@mikestephens5426]

I've got the Black Alpha Shark NATO watch band by Blue Shark on my Casio Duro. Blue Shark NATO watch bands of the best.

[@williamjc7195]

after watching this review, I purchased this watch. Very happy :))))

[@dude28405]

I have no idea what size it is you didn’t use the Spyderco Delica

[@victorcreed8856]

I picked mine up for $20 bucks. Unbelievable value for money. I own other "cheap" quartz watches that retail for $100+ but don't even come close to the materials, build quality, or attention to detail of the Duro. My Fossil, for example, ticks like a freakin grandfather clock at night whereas my Duro is dead silent. The lume does suck....it's terrible. Might as well not even be lumed at all if I'm being honest, but I wear this thing to the lake, and I'm not swimming at night so not a big deal. Well worth it. Two thumbs up.

[@redletterl78]

There is a stock bracelet option from Casio. Search Ebay. Runs about US$25.

[@jasonz777z]

Hey Nick, if you're into legible solar quartz watches, check out the Citizen BM8475-34E. I've got one, seems alright. It is 42mm though.

[@skynet_cyberdyne_systems]

For the price, it's a very good looking watch and very functional except the lume.

[@Davemac1116]

I love the nato strap on this watch.

[@RondelayAOK]

I've got average sized wrists, bought this, tried it on and it felt like I was wearing a dinner plate. Wrist-clock. Returned the watch disappointed. Let's hope this size it right next time.

[@briantaylor9266]

Seems like your influence is rubbing off on me. I ordered this watch last week, with the intention of putting a NATO band on it. I intend to use it for SCUBA diving, but not down to the rated 200 m.

[@briantaylor9266]

I'm happy to report that my Duro is performing admirably for SCUBA. Down to 140 feet, no issues. Ditto for my Casio MRW-200H.

[@NickShabazz]

+Brian Taylor Excellent to hear!

[@mikestephens5426]

I've been down 160' with my Casio Duro, on a shipwreck dive. I had no problems with my watch.

[@Lonewolf-kw8gg]

Excellent review!

[@alpollick4599]

There is a Casio metal bracelet (folded link & button release) for it. Casio Part Number 10391237. Have yet to install, looks nice. Pacparts, Casio's U.S. West Coast distributor, took about a month to get mine (backordered.) One aftermarket has 2 piece end links that break.

[@mikeyblueeyes8449]

I like the marlin I find it gives it a unique touch:)

[@sublyme2157]

The fish is great!

[@davidglazener7921]

It is annoying that YOU don't want a rubber watch band on a dive watch. It is meant to be around water!! I wear mine EVERYDAY. Always enjoy your reviews! Oh yeah, it has terrible lume!

[@amlesh8638]

The marlin is essential for me lol

[@marksman4004]

My Favorite watch

[@huckinator]

I’d like to point out that there IS a bracelet for this watch. Check out the channel “just one more watch” to see the mods he does to it.

[@richardmcginnis5344]

the marlin has to do with something casio and water resistance but i forgot what

[@Alamina5.0]

That’s how deep the fish swims

[@nikakakulia5827]

The fish looks beautiful!

[@GeckoCkCkCk]

For $40, you can replace the watch instead of the battery to ditch the scratches and the risk the watch will leak after getting the battery changed.

[@John..18]

Thanks for showing it on the Spectre Nato, I've just ordered one from Amazon, (very cheap), together with the cheap Omega /Rolex homage watch,, I'll be like a cheap version of Daniel Craig,, ha ha ha,, Seriously,, tho, these are fantastic watches for the money,, imho,,,

[@jeffreydahmer3995]

Is it me, or does the marlin on the face look more like a sailfish?

[@toenhev17]

What do you want for this price? It's a great watch! Buy 1 now, you'll get it without the marlin on the dial! Personally I love the marlin 👍

[@mugensamurai]

Nick, you're a watch snob but you're right about the strap, the nato looks way better than the fake dive band.

[@robertbraun4708]

$54.95 in Phoenix, Az on 1/22/19.

[@hgncbdfx]

Next Holiday/Celebration, you should Paint your nails to celebrate during the review.

[@forsythstreet474]

Worse thing about his watch is the shiny polished sides. Great shark or barracuda bait while diving..lol. Do yourself a favor and use a dremel or rotary tool and brush the steel to match the tops of the lugs. It's very easy and takes about 5 minutes. GIves it a much more authentic dive watch look. Message me if you need any help.

[@Martrex296]

Another watch that would be great if it was about 39 - 40mm.

[@dimatha7]

Nick don't you change the batteries yourself? It's not hard at all. It would probably cost 80$ with superluminova. So double price wouldn't be such a great watch for it's cost.

[@sirgigachad1894]

Idk now it seems big for your wrist meaning its gunna be bad for mine so yea I'm not getting this anymore

[@brianschaible3992]

This is the quintessential BOND watch IMO. It don't say ROLEX but it is the epitome of the dive watch.

[@eddiemoss5703]

Leave the fish alone

[@Trex100]

“What’s with the fish” - LOL

[@Trex100]

Enjoyed this review

[@bryanstone654]

I just picked one up on clearance at Wally World for 11.

[@Kobayashhi]

the fish ha! nice review.