Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated

Casio MRW-230H vs Stauer 1920s Retrograde

Casio's timepiece meets Stauer's dress watch

Quick Verdict

The Casio MRW-230H (Under $50) offers Casio Quartz (Battery) precision in the tier below the Stauer 1920s Retrograde ($100–$150). The MRW-230H measures 44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm) and is rated 100m (10 ATM). The 1920s Retrograde counters with Stauer (USA brand, imported) craftsmanship and 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.

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Casio MRW-230H

Casio

MRW-230H

Under $50

Stauer 1920s Retrograde

Stauer

1920s Retrograde

$100–$150

Specifications Compared

FeatureCasio MRW-230HStauer 1920s Retrograde
PriceUnder $50$100–$150
Case Size44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm)43mm
MovementQuartzQuartz
Caliber TypeCasio Quartz (Battery)Quartz
Power ReserveApprox. 3-year battery (SR626SW)Battery
Water Resistance100m (10 ATM)100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer
CrystalResin GlassMineral crystal
Case MaterialResin case, aluminum bezel ringGold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel)
OriginCasio (Japan)Stauer (USA brand, imported)

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Casio's design language vs Stauer's approach

The Casio MRW-230H features a Resin case, aluminum bezel ring case at 44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm) with Resin Glass protection. The Stauer 1920s Retrograde offers Gold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel) construction at 43mm with Mineral crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Draw

Quartz vs Quartz

The MRW-230H runs the Quartz (Casio Quartz (Battery), Approx. 3-year battery (SR626SW) power reserve) at standard frequency. The 1920s Retrograde uses the Quartz (Quartz, Battery reserve) at standard. Power reserves are closely matched.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Stauer

44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm) vs 43mm — different wrist presence

At 44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm), the MRW-230H has a bolder wrist presence compared to the 1920s Retrograde at 43mm. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer.

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Casio

Casio sits in the lower tier

The Casio MRW-230H sits at Under $50 and the Stauer 1920s Retrograde at $100–$150. On the specs that outlast any price: the MRW-230H uses Resin Glass with Approx. 3-year battery (SR626SW), against Mineral crystal and Battery on the 1920s Retrograde. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Draw

100m (10 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer

The MRW-230H is rated to 100m (10 ATM) while the 1920s Retrograde handles 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. Both offer identical water resistance ratings.

Our Verdict

Casio

MRW-230H

Choose the Casio MRW-230H if you prioritize Casio Quartz (Battery) engineering, Casio (Japan) craftsmanship, and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. At Under $50, it delivers Quartz with Approx. 3-year battery (SR626SW) power reserve.

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Stauer

1920s Retrograde

Choose the Stauer 1920s Retrograde if you value Quartz technology, Stauer (USA brand, imported) heritage, and 43mm proportions. At $100–$150, the Quartz with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Casio MRW-230H and Stauer 1920s Retrograde represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Casio bringing Casio (Japan) tradition while Stauer delivers Stauer (USA brand, imported) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

On price, the Casio MRW-230H sits a band lower (Under $50 against $100–$150), 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 MRW-230H offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at Under $50. However, the Stauer 1920s Retrograde may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The MRW-230H at 44.6mm (47.9 x 44.6 x 12.3mm) with 100m (10 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The 1920s Retrograde at 43mm with 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer is similarly capable. The MRW-230H uses Resin Glass while the 1920s Retrograde 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.