Casio's $70 Retro Watch Looks Way More Expensive Than It Is

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Casio just dropped a watch that looks like it time-traveled from 1985, and honestly, that’s exactly why it works.

The new AQ-240E is part of their Vintage line, and while it’s a completely new design, you’d swear you’ve seen it on someone’s wrist in an old family photo. The rounded rectangular case, the integrated bracelet, that sunray dial catching the light – everything about it screams retro in the best possible way. But here’s the thing that makes it interesting: Casio isn’t dusting off some forgotten archive model and slapping a reissue label on it. This is a brand-new watch that just happens to nail that throwback aesthetic so perfectly you’d never know the difference.

⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons)
Price: $70
Where to buy: Casio

What makes this watch special is the analog-digital combo display that somehow manages to be both nostalgic and super practical. You get traditional watch hands doing their thing on that gorgeous sunray dial up top, while a digital display sits at the bottom showing the day and alarm status. It’s the kind of watch that makes checking the time feel effortless, whether you’re glancing at the analog hands or catching the digital readout. That dual-display setup isn’t just for show either. The digital portion handles the practical stuff like day tracking and alarm indicators, while those analog hands give you that classic watch aesthetic that never goes out of style. Plus, there’s something undeniably cool about having both options right there on your wrist, like getting the best of two different eras without compromise.

The case itself is stainless steel measuring 35.8 millimeters across. Small? Maybe by 2015 standards when everyone wanted dinner plates strapped to their wrists. But right now, when people are finally realizing that massive 44mm watches aren’t the only option and that proportional sizing actually looks better, this compact case makes perfect sense.

What’s clever is how Casio designed it. The case might look square at first glance, but it’s actually rectangular with those deceivingly rounded edges that soften the whole profile. The integrated stainless steel bracelet flows right from the case with an adjustable clasp, giving it that sporty-yet-refined look that works whether you’re at your desk, out grabbing coffee, or actually doing something that requires knowing the time without pulling out your phone. The integration is seamless too, which is something you usually see on watches costing ten times more.

Now let’s talk colors, because this is where Casio really nailed it.

They launched with two options available right now: an all-silver version (model 7A) that’s clean and classic, and a teal dial variant (model 3A) that absolutely pops. That teal is the kind of color that makes people do a double-take, because it catches the light differently throughout the day. It’s bold without being loud, interesting without trying too hard. The sunray finish on the dial means it’s constantly shifting and playing with whatever light hits it, going from deep and rich to bright and vibrant depending on the angle. It’s the kind of detail that makes a $70 watch feel more expensive than it has any right to be.

The all-silver version takes a different approach. It’s understated and versatile, the kind of watch that disappears on your wrist in the best way possible. Not boring, just confident enough not to demand attention. It’ll match everything, work in any situation, and never make you think twice about whether it fits the occasion. There’s also a third all-gold version coming at some point, though Casio hasn’t said when it’ll hit shelves. When it does, expect the same price point, and expect it to sell out fast because that’s how these limited colorway drops always go.

Here’s where things get really interesting though: the price.

Speaking of price, let’s talk about the number that makes this whole package feel almost ridiculous: seventy dollars. Not $700, not $170, not even $99. Just $70 for a stainless steel watch with an integrated bracelet, dual displays, and genuine style. That’s less than most people spend on their monthly streaming subscriptions. It’s less than a decent pair of sneakers. It’s less than dinner for two at most restaurants. For context, there are plastic watches with fabric straps that cost more than this all-metal piece.

Inside is a reliable quartz movement running on a single SR920W battery that’ll keep going for about three years. No winding, no fuss, no maintenance beyond swapping a battery every few years that costs a couple bucks at any drugstore. This isn’t just affordable to buy but also cheap to maintain, which is something people forget to factor in when they’re comparing watch prices. Some mechanical watches need servicing that costs more than this entire watch every few years just to keep running properly.

The AQ-240E isn’t trying to pretend it’s a luxury piece or compete with watches ten times its price. It’s not claiming to be a Swiss masterpiece or an heirloom you’ll pass down for generations.

Instead, it’s doing something arguably harder: being exactly what it needs to be without apologizing for it. It’s a fun, well-built watch that brings vintage vibes to your wrist without requiring you to think twice about the purchase. You don’t need to save up for it, you don’t need to justify it, you don’t need to worry about scratching it. It’s just there, looking good and telling time accurately, which is literally all a watch needs to do. Everything else is just bonus.

In a world where watch prices keep climbing and “affordable” often means $300 or more, Casio’s new throwback feels like the kind of deal that shouldn’t exist but somehow does. It’s the watch equivalent of finding a twenty-dollar bill in an old jacket pocket. You know it’s real, you’re holding it in your hand, but part of you can’t quite believe your luck. The fact that it looks this good while costing this little almost feels like Casio is playing a joke on the rest of the watch industry.

The silver and teal versions are ready to ship, while the gold version remains a mystery for now. If that teal dial is calling to you, don’t sleep on it. These colorway drops have a tendency to disappear faster than you’d expect.

What we like:

That $70 price point for an all-metal watch with integrated bracelet is borderline absurd
The teal dial colorway is a genuine standout that catches light beautifully
Compact 35.8mm case size fits the current trend toward proportional sizing
Analog-digital combo display gives you nostalgic style with practical functionality
Three-year battery life means minimal maintenance hassle