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| The new Duro trade resin for fabric |
Casio has finally given its legendary Duro MDV106 a fresh look after more than a decade of minimal changes—and watch enthusiasts have plenty to talk about. The budget-friendly dive watch that became a cult classic is ditching its standard resin strap for a woven fabric band, but the upgrade comes with a noticeable price increase.
Three New Variants to Choose From
The new Casio Duro MDV106C lineup introduces three distinct colorways. The MDV106C-1AV features the classic black dial and bezel combination with a matching black cloth strap—a safe choice for traditionalists. For those wanting something with more personality, the MDV106C-3AV pairs a green sunray dial with an olive fabric strap, giving it a rugged outdoor aesthetic. There's also a tan-strapped variant with a matching tan seconds hand for a more casual, everyday look.
Beyond the strap change, Casio has refreshed the dial design significantly. The familiar applied circular and rectangular indices are gone, replaced with bold Arabic numerals that give the new Duro a distinctly utilitarian field-watch vibe. It's a departure from the original's more traditional dive watch aesthetic, but one that adds character and arguably improves legibility.
The Specs That Made the Duro Famous Remain
The good news for Duro loyalists is that Casio hasn't messed with the formula that made this watch a legend. All three new models retain the same 44.2mm case diameter and 12.1mm thickness. The 200-meter water resistance rating stays intact, making these watches perfectly suitable for swimming and snorkeling. The screw-down crown, unidirectional aluminum bezel, mineral crystal, and that iconic Marlin emblem at 6 o'clock all carry over unchanged.
Power comes from the same reliable quartz movement with approximately three years of battery life, and the watches weigh in at 96 grams. The case size fits wrists between 175-215mm, making it accessible to a wide range of wearers.
A Legacy Worth Preserving
First introduced in 2011, the Casio Duro quickly earned its reputation as the best affordable dive watch on the market. It famously caught the attention of Bill Gates, who was photographed wearing one on multiple occasions. The appeal was simple: genuine dive watch capabilities, classic styling, and bulletproof construction at a fraction of what competitors charge.
The Price of Progress
Here's where things get complicated. The new fabric-strap models retail for $110, which represents roughly a $40 premium over the resin-band versions. Those original variants can often be found for under $70 through various retailers, making the new models a tougher sell for budget-conscious buyers.
That said, the fabric strap does address one of the most common complaints about the original Duro—its stiff resin band that many owners replaced immediately after purchase. For those who appreciate the convenience of a comfortable strap right out of the box, the premium might be worth it. If you're looking for a great deal on the classic version, you can often find competitive pricing through retailers like Amazon.
Availability
The new Casio Duro MDV106C lineup is now available in the United States directly from Casio's official website. There's no word yet on when these models will reach international markets, though given the Duro's global popularity, it seems likely they'll eventually make their way worldwide.
Key Specifications
- Case size: 48.5 × 44.2 × 12.1mm
- Water resistance: 200 meters
- Movement: Quartz with 3-year battery life
- Glass: Mineral crystal
- Bezel: Unidirectional aluminum
- Crown: Screw-down
- Weight: 96g
- Price: $110
For anyone who has been waiting for Casio to refresh this icon, the wait is finally over. The question is whether the fabric strap and new dial design justify the higher price tag—and that's a decision each buyer will have to make for themselves.