Head-to-Head Comparison

Casio Pro Trek PRG601-1 vs Rado True Square Automatic

Two timepieces compared — $250–$500 vs $1,500–$2,500

Quick Verdict

The Casio Pro Trek PRG601-1 ($250–$500) offers Tough Solar Quartz (No Battery Change) precision in the tier below the Rado True Square Automatic ($1,500–$2,500). The Pro Trek PRG601-1 measures 51.6mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM). The True Square Automatic counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional timepieces for their respective tiers.

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Casio Pro Trek PRG601-1

Casio

Pro Trek PRG601-1

$250–$500

Rado True Square Automatic

Rado

True Square Automatic

$1,500–$2,500

Specifications Compared

FeatureCasio Pro Trek PRG601-1Rado True Square Automatic
Price$250–$500$1,500–$2,500
Case Size51.6mm38mm (Square)
MovementTough Solar (Solar Quartz)Automatic ETA C07.611
Caliber TypeTough Solar Quartz (No Battery Change)Powermatic 80 (ETA-Based)
Power Reserve7 Months (Solar, Full Charge); 25 Months Power Save80 Hours
Water Resistance100m (10 ATM)50m (5 ATM)
CrystalMineral GlassSapphire (Anti-Reflective)
Case MaterialBio-Based Resin / Stainless SteelMonobloc High-Tech Ceramic
OriginCasio (Japan)Swiss Made

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Casio's design language vs Rado's approach

The Casio Pro Trek PRG601-1 features a Bio-Based Resin / Stainless Steel case at 51.6mm with Mineral Glass protection. The Rado True Square Automatic offers Monobloc High-Tech Ceramic construction at 38mm (Square) with Sapphire (Anti-Reflective). Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Rado

Tough Solar (Solar Quartz) vs Automatic ETA C07.611

The Pro Trek PRG601-1 runs the Tough Solar (Solar Quartz) (Tough Solar Quartz (No Battery Change), 7 Months (Solar, Full Charge); 25 Months Power Save power reserve) at standard frequency. The True Square Automatic uses the Automatic ETA C07.611 (Powermatic 80 (ETA-Based), 80 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The True Square Automatic offers a longer power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Rado

51.6mm vs 38mm (Square) — different wrist presence

At 51.6mm, the Pro Trek PRG601-1 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the True Square Automatic at 38mm (Square). Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Casio

Casio sits in the lower tier

The Casio Pro Trek PRG601-1 sits at $250–$500 and the Rado True Square Automatic at $1,500–$2,500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Pro Trek PRG601-1 uses Mineral Glass with 7 Months (Solar, Full Charge); 25 Months Power Save, against Sapphire (Anti-Reflective) and 80 Hours on the True Square Automatic. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Casio

100m (10 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM)

The Pro Trek PRG601-1 is rated to 100m (10 ATM) while the True Square Automatic handles 50m (5 ATM). The Pro Trek PRG601-1 is better suited for water activities.

Our Verdict

Casio

Pro Trek PRG601-1

Choose the Casio Pro Trek PRG601-1 if you prioritize Tough Solar Quartz (No Battery Change) engineering, Casio (Japan) craftsmanship, and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. At $250–$500, it delivers Tough Solar (Solar Quartz) with 7 Months (Solar, Full Charge); 25 Months Power Save power reserve.

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Rado

True Square Automatic

Choose the Rado True Square Automatic if you value Powermatic 80 (ETA-Based) technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 38mm (Square) proportions. At $1,500–$2,500, the Automatic ETA C07.611 with 80 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Casio Pro Trek PRG601-1 and Rado True Square Automatic represent two distinct approaches to the timepiece category — the Casio bringing Casio (Japan) tradition while Rado delivers Swiss Made engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither is objectively better — they serve different preferences. The Casio Pro Trek PRG601-1 ($250–$500) offers Tough Solar (Solar Quartz) with 7 Months (Solar, Full Charge); 25 Months Power Save power reserve, while the Rado True Square Automatic ($1,500–$2,500) features Automatic ETA C07.611 with 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Casio (Japan) craftsmanship vs Swiss Made engineering.
The Casio Pro Trek PRG601-1 offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $250–$500. However, the Rado True Square Automatic may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The Pro Trek PRG601-1 at 51.6mm with 100m (10 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The True Square Automatic at 38mm (Square) with 50m (5 ATM) is similarly capable. The Pro Trek PRG601-1 uses Mineral Glass while the True Square Automatic uses Sapphire (Anti-Reflective). Sapphire resists scratches noticeably better than mineral glass.

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.