Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated

Casio Duro MDV106 Black vs Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm

Casio's diver meets Timex's timepiece

Quick Verdict

The Casio Duro MDV106 Black ($50–$100) offers Casio Quartz (Battery) precision in the tier below the Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm ($250–$500). The Duro MDV106 Black measures 44mm and is rated 200m (20 ATM) Diver. The Marlin Automatic 40mm counters with Made in Japan (Movement) craftsmanship and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.

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Casio Duro MDV106 Black

Casio

Duro MDV106 Black

$50–$100

Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm

Timex

Marlin Automatic 40mm

$250–$500

Specifications Compared

FeatureCasio Duro MDV106 BlackTimex Marlin Automatic 40mm
Price$50–$100$250–$500
Case Size44mm40mm
MovementQuartz Module 2784Automatic Miyota 8205
Caliber TypeCasio Quartz (Battery)Miyota Automatic
Power Reserve3-Year Battery40 Hours
Water Resistance200m (20 ATM) Diver30m (3 ATM)
CrystalMineral GlassMineral Crystal
Case MaterialStainless SteelStainless Steel
OriginCasio (Japan)Made in Japan (Movement)

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Casio's design language vs Timex's approach

The Casio Duro MDV106 Black features a Stainless Steel case at 44mm with Mineral Glass protection. The Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm offers Stainless Steel construction at 40mm with Mineral Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Timex

Quartz Module 2784 vs Automatic Miyota 8205

The Duro MDV106 Black runs the Quartz Module 2784 (Casio Quartz (Battery), 3-Year Battery power reserve) at standard frequency. The Marlin Automatic 40mm uses the Automatic Miyota 8205 (Miyota Automatic, 40 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Marlin Automatic 40mm offers a longer power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Timex

44mm vs 40mm — different wrist presence

At 44mm, the Duro MDV106 Black has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Marlin Automatic 40mm at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 200m (20 ATM) Diver vs 30m (3 ATM).

💰

Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Casio

Casio sits in the lower tier

The Casio Duro MDV106 Black sits at $50–$100 and the Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm at $250–$500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Duro MDV106 Black uses Mineral Glass with 3-Year Battery, against Mineral Crystal and 40 Hours on the Marlin Automatic 40mm. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Casio

200m (20 ATM) Diver vs 30m (3 ATM)

The Duro MDV106 Black is rated to 200m (20 ATM) Diver while the Marlin Automatic 40mm handles 30m (3 ATM). The Duro MDV106 Black is better suited for water activities.

Our Verdict

Casio

Duro MDV106 Black

Choose the Casio Duro MDV106 Black if you prioritize Casio Quartz (Battery) engineering, Casio (Japan) craftsmanship, and 200m (20 ATM) Diver water resistance. At $50–$100, it delivers Quartz Module 2784 with 3-Year Battery power reserve.

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Timex

Marlin Automatic 40mm

Choose the Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm if you value Miyota Automatic technology, Made in Japan (Movement) heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $250–$500, the Automatic Miyota 8205 with 40 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

View the dossier

The Bottom Line

The Casio Duro MDV106 Black and Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Casio bringing Casio (Japan) tradition while Timex delivers Made in Japan (Movement) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm is the better buy if you want a mechanical movement; the Casio Duro MDV106 Black is the better buy if you want quartz accuracy with no servicing. For water, the Casio Duro MDV106 Black is rated 200 m against 30 m, which is the difference between swimming and diving on one side and splashes on the other. On price, the Casio Duro MDV106 Black sits a band lower ($50–$100 against $250–$500), so it is the cheaper way into the category. Neither is better at everything; the spec table above shows movement, case size, water resistance and crystal side by side so you can weigh what matters to you. We do not test units, so this is the makers' data, not a bench result.
The Casio Duro MDV106 Black offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $50–$100. However, the Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The Duro MDV106 Black at 44mm with 200m (20 ATM) Diver water resistance handles everyday situations. The Marlin Automatic 40mm at 40mm with 30m (3 ATM) is similarly capable. The Duro MDV106 Black uses Mineral Glass while the Marlin Automatic 40mm uses Mineral Crystal.

How This Page Was Made

Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.