Head-to-Head Comparison

Casio Vintage A168WA vs Mido Ocean Star GMT

Casio's chronograph meets Mido's diver

Quick Verdict

The Casio Vintage A168WA (Under $50) offers Casio Quartz (Battery) precision in the tier below the Mido Ocean Star GMT ($1,000–$1,500). The Vintage A168WA measures 36.3mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Ocean Star GMT counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 200m (20 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.

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Casio Vintage A168WA

Casio

Vintage A168WA

Under $50

Mido Ocean Star GMT

Mido

Ocean Star GMT

$1,000–$1,500

Specifications Compared

FeatureCasio Vintage A168WAMido Ocean Star GMT
PriceUnder $50$1,000–$1,500
Case Size36.3mm44mm
MovementQuartz Module 3298Automatic Caliber 80 (Base ETA C07.661)
Caliber TypeCasio Quartz (Battery)Automatic (ETA C07.661 base)
Power Reserve80 Hours
Water Resistance30m (3 ATM)200m (20 ATM)
CrystalMineral GlassSapphire with Double-sided AR
Case MaterialStainless Steel & ResinStainless Steel
OriginMade in JapanSwiss Made

Category-by-Category Analysis

🎨

Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Casio's design language vs Mido's approach

The Casio Vintage A168WA features a Stainless Steel & Resin case at 36.3mm with Mineral Glass protection. The Mido Ocean Star GMT offers Stainless Steel construction at 44mm with Sapphire with Double-sided AR. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Mido

Quartz Module 3298 vs Automatic Caliber 80 (Base ETA C07.661)

The Vintage A168WA runs the Quartz Module 3298 (Casio Quartz (Battery), standard power reserve) at standard frequency. The Ocean Star GMT uses the Automatic Caliber 80 (Base ETA C07.661) (Automatic (ETA C07.661 base), 80 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Ocean Star GMT offers a longer power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Casio

36.3mm vs 44mm — different wrist presence

At 36.3mm, the Vintage A168WA wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Ocean Star GMT at 44mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 200m (20 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Casio

Casio sits in the lower tier

The Casio Vintage A168WA sits at Under $50 and the Mido Ocean Star GMT at $1,000–$1,500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Vintage A168WA uses Mineral Glass with a standard reserve, against Sapphire with Double-sided AR and 80 Hours on the Ocean Star GMT. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Mido

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

The Vintage A168WA is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Ocean Star GMT handles 200m (20 ATM). The Ocean Star GMT offers superior water resistance.

Our Verdict

Casio

Vintage A168WA

Choose the Casio Vintage A168WA if you prioritize Casio Quartz (Battery) engineering, Made in Japan craftsmanship, and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. At Under $50, it delivers Quartz Module 3298 with solid power reserve.

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Mido

Ocean Star GMT

Choose the Mido Ocean Star GMT if you value Automatic (ETA C07.661 base) technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 44mm proportions. At $1,000–$1,500, the Automatic Caliber 80 (Base ETA C07.661) with 80 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Casio Vintage A168WA and Mido Ocean Star GMT represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Casio bringing Made in Japan tradition while Mido delivers Swiss Made engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither is objectively better — they serve different preferences. The Casio Vintage A168WA (Under $50) offers Quartz Module 3298 with reliable power reserve, while the Mido Ocean Star GMT ($1,000–$1,500) features Automatic Caliber 80 (Base ETA C07.661) with 200m (20 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Made in Japan craftsmanship vs Swiss Made engineering.
The Casio Vintage A168WA offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at Under $50. However, the Mido Ocean Star GMT may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The Vintage A168WA at 36.3mm with 30m (3 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Ocean Star GMT at 44mm with 200m (20 ATM) is similarly capable. The Vintage A168WA uses Mineral Glass while the Ocean Star GMT uses Sapphire with Double-sided AR. 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.