A Classy Vintage Watch For $45

Casio A178W


Digital Casio’s are legendary for reliable inexpensive offerings and some of our most esteemed online watch reviewers have sung their praises. This one cost just $45 and more than half that expense is attributed to the leather strap.

The choices in digital watches are bewildering. There are different sizes, shapes, finishes, features, colours, textures, and purposes.

This is only my second digital watch in recent years. Back in the 80’s I owned a variety including a calculator watch and a data bank. A few years ago I purchased a Casio DW5600 but then sold it because I simply couldn’t read it easily – my poor eyesight, not the fault of the watch.

But, you can only go so long without a classic digital, and after an enjoyable bit of research I settled on the Casio A178W. The outstanding feature of this watch is the larger numerals. I have included a photo comparing the A178W with the venerable F-91W and the difference in readability is clear.

Casio F91W


The A178W cost  A$19.95 on special just before Christmas from a local Melbourne online supplier. I notice it has now gone up to an exorbitant A$24.95. Seriously unbelievable value for accurate time keeping.

The steel watch band that came with the watch was quite comfortable but I wanted something a bit more in keeping with the watch’s vintage quality and went for a vintage leather Spiedel band that cost A$25. Yes, the band cost more than the watch, but I love the look. The unity between the black screen surround and the black leather band seems to work well. The bands swapped out easily.

So, there you have my $45 classic watch and once again I sing the praises of this wonderful hobby of watch collecting and the variety of journeys it takes us on. 

Casio A178W

Casio A178W

Casio A178W

Casio A178W


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