which casio watch has lasted the longest?

I have a pile of Casio watches I've owned for long enough to determine which models last the longest.

What I've found out is that there are three things that determine a Casio's longevity. Strap, buttons and battery life, but not necessarily in the way you would think.

Most Casio watches either come with a PUR (polyurethane resin) strap or metal bracelet.

All PUR straps will crumble apart at some point. Even if the watch is kept in a box in a cool, dry place, that strap will naturally crumble apart over time, and there's nothing you can do about it. It's not a matter of if the strap will crumble apart but when.

Even the cheapest metal bracelet on a Casio will outlast a PUR strap, provided it's not worn too tightly. The only thing that can really go wrong is the clasp might start getting loose where it snaps shut. However, I've never had one outright break on me.

Buttons are a weird thing since they all depend on springs.

Digital Casio watch buttons a.k.a. pushers all have a very small metal piece that acts as a spring to push the button back out after it has been pressed. On a few Casios I've had, the spring fails and the button stays permanently pressed in. But I've only had this happen on the cheapest models. I'll be covering the models in a moment.

There isn't any fix for a bad spring other than to replace it. Worth it? No. At that point you're better off just buying another watch.

A battery can be replaced on most Casios, but if the battery is more difficult to get to, the sooner the watch will break.

The winners and losers

The longest running Casio I have that's still 100% original is the AE1000W that's now over a decade old. The battery has been replaced twice. Once because I just felt like doing it, and the other time when it actually needed it. PUR strap is still holding, all buttons work, and the watch still works as it should.

Model W218H has also been a real trooper. Years old at this point, still on original battery and original PUR strap. Flawless, quick button operation, outstanding night light. And although I don't own it, I'm certain the W219H is just as good but with a more rounded case shape.

Model B650WD, which is basically like the W218H, is still running strong and by far has the best bracelet. The clasp in particular still has a good tight snap when closed. Buttons aren't as nice to use as the W218H, but I've had no issues with them. This one is also still on the original battery.

Model B640WD (has more features than the B650WD including a timer with auto-repeat) is still working fine, still on original battery, and metal bracelet has no issues. The only problem is there are some small dings where the lugs are, but that's just a cosmetic thing.

Model AQ230 has had its battery replaced several times, and the bottom left button is acting up a little bit. Everything still works, but I now have to be gentle with it whenever adjusting a setting. It is understandable why this one needs the battery replaced more often, since it uses the SR920SW a.k.a. 371 coin cell, and it's an ana-digi that physically moves watch hands.

Model A178 is still on the same battery even with some years on it (probably 7 or 8 by this point) and the metal bracelet is still a-okay. The clasp still has a good snap when closed, and no issues with the buttons.

Model A158 is one I had to outright replace because the bottom left button spring failed. Worked fine otherwise.

Model W213 (no longer made) had its PUR strap crumble apart. I've since bought a replacement, but the exact same thing will happen to its PUR strap at some point.

Model F-91W had a strap crumble apart. I've not replaced it.

Model F-201WA also had its strap crumble apart.

Model WS1600H still works fine, but the strap is starting to look overly shiny whereas it originally didn't. Will it last? Time will tell.

Overall...

...the A158 is still one of my favorites to wear, even though I had to replace it. It does not have a good night light, and barely any features, but it's thin and ridiculously comfortable.

However, the fact my AE1000W is still working is amazing, because I've not treated that watch well at all. The crystal has been scratched up enough to where I had to apply Polywatch a few times to clear it up. Again, still works.

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Published 2026 Jan 26