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| Pictured - The Casio Beside BMS-300D-1AV with sapphire crystal. |
If you think of Casio and your mind jumps straight to indestructible G-Shocks or calculator watches, the brand’s latest release is a stylish reminder of its quieter, more refined side. Kicking off 2026, Casio has unveiled a fresh lineup of its Beside collection watches, reaffirming its commitment to classic, accessible elegance for the everyday wearer.
For the uninitiated, the Casio Beside line is where the brand leans into traditional watchmaking aesthetics. Think clean analog faces, polished cases, and a focus on straightforward timekeeping—no smart features or sporty complications in sight. It’s the go-to for someone who wants a reliable, handsome dress watch without the fuss or the luxury price tag.
What’s New in the 2026 Beside Lineup?
This new batch stays true to the Beside DNA but expands your options. The launch includes two distinct series: the BMS-100 models and the slightly more feature-rich BMS-300 models. The specific references are:
- BMS-100 Series: BMS-100L-5AV, BMS-100D-8AV, BMS-100L-1AV, BMS-100D-7AV, and BMS-100D-1AV.
- BMS-300 Series: BMS-300L-5AV, BMS-300L-1AV, BMS-300D-1AV, and BMS-300D-7AV.
The alphanumeric soup translates to a appealing mix of styles. Across both series, you’ll find a choice between stainless steel bracelets and leather straps, with dial colors covering the classic spectrum: deep black, clean white, subtle gray, and warm champagne. This variety ensures there’s likely a configuration to match both your personal style and your wardrobe.
Build & Design: Where the Value Shows
One of the standout features across all these new Beside models is the use of sapphire crystal. For those not deeply into watches, sapphire crystal is highly scratch-resistant, second only to diamond in hardness. It’s a premium feature often reserved for more expensive timepieces, so seeing it on accessible Casio models is a significant win for durability and perceived value.
The cases and bezels are crafted from stainless steel, offering a solid, polished feel. Dimensions are consistent at 46mm in length, 40.7mm in width, and a slim 10.1mm in height. This creates a presence on the wrist that’s substantial but not overwhelming, fitting neatly under a shirt cuff.
There’s a notable difference in heft depending on your strap choice: the bracelet versions weigh in at 119 grams, offering a solid, traditional feel, while the leather strap models are a featherlight 55 grams for all-day comfort. With a 50-meter water resistance rating, these watches are built to handle daily accidents like handwashing or rain, though they’re clearly not intended for swimming or sports.
Under the Hood: Reliable Quartz Timekeeping
The Beside collection is about simplicity and reliability. Powering every model is a standard quartz movement known for its accuracy and low maintenance. Casio rates the timekeeping accuracy at ±20 seconds per month, and the SR927SW battery should keep things ticking for approximately three years before needing a replacement.
Dial layouts vary slightly between the two series. The BMS-100 models typically offer a clean three-hand configuration (hours, minutes, seconds) for a minimalist look. The BMS-300 series introduces additional functionality with sub-dials that can display the date, day of the week, and a 24-hour time indicator, adding a touch of practicality without cluttering the classic aesthetic.
Pricing, Availability & Final Thoughts
As of launch, Casio’s official pages have not listed precise pricing or retail availability. However, with a confirmed January 2026 release, that information is expected to surface at any moment. Looking at the history of the Beside line, especially models featuring sapphire crystals and steel bracelets, we can anticipate a competitive price range between $150 and $300 in the US market.
For watch enthusiasts or anyone seeking a versatile, durable, and classic dress watch, the 2026 Casio Beside collection presents a compelling argument. It blends traditional design, a premium scratch-resistant crystal, and Casio’s renowned reliability into a package that’s hard to ignore.
Ready to explore one of Casio's other classic value-driven timepieces? You can check out the popular Casio FT500WVB-5BV on Amazon. It’s proof that in a world of smartwatches, there’s still a strong desire for straightforward, elegant timepieces that just tell the time—and do it well.
