The Picks

CASIO F-91W Digital Classic

CASIO F-91W Digital Classic

$20

The most recognised watch on earth. Alarm, stopwatch, Illuminator backlight, 7-year battery. $20 and absolutely zero apologies....

View on Amazon →
CASIO MQ24 Analog

CASIO MQ24 Analog

$15

The ultimate minimalist watch. Simple three-hand analog, water resistant, featherlight. At $15 it's the most honest watch ever made — time, nothing more....

View on Amazon →
CASIO A168 Vintage Digital

CASIO A168 Vintage Digital

$25

Retro stainless steel bracelet, EL backlight, stopwatch, alarm. The watch that defined the 80s aesthetic — still looks better than most things made today....

View on Amazon →
CASIO MRW200H Sport Diver

CASIO MRW200H Sport Diver

$30

Casio's unsung hero. 100m water resistance, rotating bezel, date display, LED backlight. A proper sport diver for under $30 — absurd value....

View on Amazon →
CASIO A158WEA Gold Vintage

CASIO A158WEA Gold Vintage

$23

The A168's gold-tone cousin — same DNA, warmer personality. EL backlight, stopwatch, alarm, stainless bracelet. Pairs with everything from a white shirt to a suit, and costs less than a decent lunch i...

View on Amazon →
CASIO AE-1200WHD World Time

CASIO AE-1200WHD World Time

$30

Known in watch circles as the "Casio Royale." World time across 48 cities, analog-style LCD display, 100m water resistance, 10-year battery. It looks like it does more than any watch in this price ran...

View on Amazon →
CASIO G-SHOCK DW9052

CASIO G-SHOCK DW9052

$44

The round G-Shock — rounder case, cleaner profile than the square DW5600E, same legendary toughness. Shock resistant, 200m water resistant, EL backlight. For people who want G-Shock protection with a ...

View on Amazon →

The Verdict

Under $50 doesn't mean cheap — it means smart. Any of these watches will outlast trendy fashion brands that cost ten times as much. Dad will use it.

Want to see the full list? See all watches under $100 →