Casio's MWA300H Chronograph Offers Full-Metal G-Shock Style for Just $70

Casio is bringing a trio of MWA300H Chronograph references to the U.S. market this month that feature full metal covers — in a move that brings them a bit closer to what we see in the company's G-Shock realm while still keeping the price well under $100. While not technically G-Shock watches, the new MWA300H references bring plenty of personality to the table, and, with the addition of a steel bezel piece, also bring plenty of value. Three dial colors pair with resin cases and an integrated strap, making for a strangely compelling package as a whole, and one the likes of which we rarely see at this price point.

Whether you’re taking a step back from the pricier side of the watch-collecting hobby, or making your first foray into this space, it’s important to keep in mind that there are a myriad of options available that won’t break the bank. Owning expensive watches should never be viewed as a requisite to being an enthusiast. Thankfully, there are loads of fun watches to be discovered at all price points, and this new chronograph from Casio is a great example. 

The MWA300H is being introduced to the American market with three dial colors: black, green, and blue. The green dial reference is also offered on a forest green strap, while the other two get a black unit to match the resin case. The straps integrate neatly and taper around the wrist, which helps with overall wearability. On that note, these aren’t small watches, measuring in at about 52mm in diameter and 14.2mm in thickness, but they weigh a mere 50 grams, so the size shouldn’t present any major issues in day-to- day wear. 

These new Casio watches enjoy a traditional analog chronograph layout capable of totalizing minutes, seconds, and 1/10th-second measurements. There is a stopwatch mode and split timing functionality, along with a date aperture at 4 o’clock on the dial. The only downside is that there does not appear to be a light built into the dial for visibility in low light situations; however, the hands do get an application of lume. 

The real draw here is the addition of a steel bezel plate that brings the look in line with some of the more upscale G-Shock references to be released in recent years, and Casio has made it available at a far more compelling price point of just $70. This is a great all-around watch that could serve a multitude of purposes, from weekend beater to daily driver, and there’s no shortage of Casio charm in tow.