Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated September 5, 2026

Casio MTP-S120L Solar Field vs Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm

Casio's field watch meets Timex's timepiece

Quick Verdict

The Casio MTP-S120L Solar Field ($100–$150) offers Casio Tough Solar Quartz precision in the tier below the Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm ($250–$500). The MTP-S120L Solar Field measures 42mm (49 x 42 x 10.9mm) and is rated 100m (10 ATM). 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.

CasioMTP-S120L Solar Field$100–$150 Check price View the dossier

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Casio

MTP-S120L Solar Field

$100–$150

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Timex

Marlin Automatic 40mm

$250–$500

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Specifications Compared

Feature	Casio MTP-S120L Solar Field	Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm
Price	$100–$150	$250–$500
Case Size	42mm (49 x 42 x 10.9mm)	40mm
Movement	Solar-Powered Quartz	Automatic Miyota 8205
Caliber Type	Casio Tough Solar Quartz	Miyota Automatic
Power Reserve	Months on a full solar charge; no battery replacement	40 Hours
Water Resistance	100m (10 ATM)	30m (3 ATM)
Crystal	Mineral Crystal	Mineral Crystal
Case Material	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Origin	Casio (Japan)	Made in Japan (Movement)

Category-by-Category Analysis

🎨

Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Casio's design language vs Timex's approach

The Casio MTP-S120L Solar Field features a Stainless Steel case at 42mm (49 x 42 x 10.9mm) with Mineral Crystal 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

Solar-Powered Quartz vs Automatic Miyota 8205

The MTP-S120L Solar Field runs the Solar-Powered Quartz (Casio Tough Solar Quartz, Months on a full solar charge; no battery replacement 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.

📏

Wearability & Fit

Edge: Timex

42mm (49 x 42 x 10.9mm) vs 40mm — different wrist presence

At 42mm (49 x 42 x 10.9mm), the MTP-S120L Solar Field has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Marlin Automatic 40mm at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Casio

Casio sits in the lower tier

The Casio MTP-S120L Solar Field sits at $100–$150 and the Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm at $250–$500. On the specs that outlast any price: the MTP-S120L Solar Field uses Mineral Crystal with Months on a full solar charge; no battery replacement, against Mineral Crystal and 40 Hours on the Marlin Automatic 40mm. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

💧

Water Resistance

Edge: Casio

100m (10 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM)

The MTP-S120L Solar Field is rated to 100m (10 ATM) while the Marlin Automatic 40mm handles 30m (3 ATM). The MTP-S120L Solar Field is better suited for water activities.

Our Verdict

Casio

MTP-S120L Solar Field

Choose the Casio MTP-S120L Solar Field if you prioritize Casio Tough Solar Quartz engineering, Casio (Japan) craftsmanship, and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. At $100–$150, it delivers Solar-Powered Quartz with Months on a full solar charge; no battery replacement 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.

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The Bottom Line

The Casio MTP-S120L Solar Field 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 MTP-S120L Solar Field is the better buy if you want solar power and quartz accuracy with no servicing. For water, the Casio MTP-S120L Solar Field is rated 100 m against 30 m, which is the difference between swimming and diving on one side and splashes on the other. On price, the Casio MTP-S120L Solar Field sits a band lower ($100–$150 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 MTP-S120L Solar Field offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $100–$150. However, the Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.

Both are suitable for daily wear. The MTP-S120L Solar Field at 42mm (49 x 42 x 10.9mm) with 100m (10 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Marlin Automatic 40mm at 40mm with 30m (3 ATM) is similarly capable. Both use Mineral Crystal.

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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.