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| The all-black Casio MRW-240H-1E1JF, pictured. |
A red-and-blue rotating bezel is arguably one of the most recognizable things in watch design, and it usually costs much more than ¥6,050. Casio's MRW-240H-1E2JF gets one anyway.
All three colorways went on general sale in Japan yesterday (Aug 7), effectively ending the preorder window that opened at the end of July. The trio arrived as part of a big Casio Collection drop — the F-B100W, LTP-B150 and MTP-1440DJ shared the same August 7 release date — and it is the cheapest of the group.
Alongside the Pepsi version sit the all-black -1E1JF and the black-and-green -1E3JF, priced identically at ¥6,050, roughly $38. That puts the MRW-240H series firmly in impulse-buy territory, especially for anyone who has ever gazed longingly at a certain Swiss brand's GMT master but balked at the five-figure price tag.
What You Get for ¥6,050
The Casio MRW-240H-1E1 is a resin case with an aluminum ring set into the bezel top, which is the one place Casio spent on material rather than style. The watch measures 47.9 × 44.6 × 12.3 mm and weighs just 39 grams — light enough to forget you're wearing it until you need to check the time.
Water resistance is 10 bar, suitable for swimming and snorkeling, and there is a date window at the 3 o'clock position. Inside ticks module 5058, which keeps time to within ±20 seconds a month on an SR626SW cell rated for about three years of battery life.
The Acrylic Trade-Off
Casio specifies resin glass — acrylic, in other words — rather than mineral or sapphire. This choice is worth understanding before you buy. Acrylic resists shattering better than either alternative, making it a sensible pick for a watch designed for water and rope. The downside? It scuffs from ordinary contact, so that pristine crystal will eventually show signs of wear.
The Casio MRW-240H-1E3 green-and-black variant faces the same reality. There is still no ISO 6425 certification, so the dive-timer bezel is a look rather than a rated instrument. At this price, however, no one was expecting that in the first place. The bezel rotates and functions as a countdown timer for casual use, but serious divers should look elsewhere.
Where to Buy — and Where to Save
Japanese retailers have already begun undercutting Casio's suggested retail price. NEEL has listed the -1E1JF at ¥4,840, a straight 20% cut that makes an already affordable watch even more tempting. Yodobashi and TiCTAC are both carrying the range as well, so there is no shortage of stock for domestic shoppers.
The question for international buyers is more complicated. Casio has not confirmed release outside Japan for any of the three models. For anyone thinking of importing the watch, that gap is worth weighing against proxy fees before going back to Casio's own store. The savings from Japanese retailers can quickly evaporate once shipping and service charges are added.
Final Verdict
The MRW-240H series is Casio doing what Casio does best: delivering unexpected value in an accessible package. A Pepsi bezel at this price point is practically unheard of, and the aluminum ring adds a touch of durability where it counts most. The acrylic crystal and lack of dive certification are compromises, but they are honest ones for a watch that costs less than a dinner for two.
For collectors, this is an easy addition to the rotation. For anyone who just wants a fun, colorful watch that tells time accurately and survives a swim, the MRW-240H delivers. Just remember to factor in those import costs if you are shopping from outside Japan — or hope that Casio eventually brings this trio to global markets.
