Seiko SKX vs Casio Duro (MDV-106) — Best Budget Dive Watch
The Seiko SKX (now discontinued but still widely available) and the Casio Duro MDV-106 have both achieved legendary status in the budget watch world. The SKX is the king of affordable automatic dive watches. The Duro is arguably the best watch under $50 ever made. Which one deserves your money?
Seiko SKX007/009
Explore Seiko Collection →Price$250 – $400 (used/NOS)
Movement7S26 automatic (no hacking, no hand-winding)
Water Resistance200m (ISO 6425 certified diver)
Case Size42mm
Power Reserve41 hrs
HeritageProduced 1996-2021. One of the most modded watches in history. True ISO diver certification.
Strengths
- ✓True ISO 6425 certified diver
- ✓Automatic movement — no batteries
- ✓Massive modding community
- ✓Incredible heritage and collector following
- ✓Screw-down crown and caseback
Weaknesses
- ✗Discontinued — prices rising
- ✗7S26 movement is dated (no hacking/hand-winding)
- ✗Hardlex crystal (not sapphire)
- ✗Accuracy: +/- 15-25 sec/day
Casio Duro MDV-106
Explore Casio Collection →Price$40 – $60
MovementQuartz
Water Resistance200m
Case Size44mm
Power Reserve3 years (battery)
HeritageOften called 'the best watch under $50.' Bill Gates famously wore one.
Strengths
- ✓Unbeatable price ($40-60)
- ✓Accurate quartz movement
- ✓200m water resistance
- ✓Looks far more expensive than it is
- ✓No maintenance needed
Weaknesses
- ✗Quartz (no automatic charm)
- ✗44mm wears large
- ✗Resin/rubber bezel (not ceramic or aluminum)
- ✗Mineral crystal
- ✗Cheap bracelet (better on a NATO)
Our Verdict
If you want an automatic diver with modding potential and collector cred, hunt down an SKX. If you want the absolute best bang-for-buck dive watch to actually wear in the ocean, the Duro at $50 is nearly unbeatable. The SKX is a hobby purchase; the Duro is a practical one.