Casio MTD-1053 Review | Is this Casio's Most Underrated Watch?
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So, Casio recently dropped the ball with their smaller Casio Duro. The new '38mm' version delivered lower water resistance and worse build quality in a strangely small package for a watch designated for men.
Initially, I was as frustrated as you guys…until I realized something. There was already a viable Duro substitute just waiting to be covered. It's one that's been around for several years but, for some reason, has never received a great deal of online coverage despite offering incredibly competitive specifications for often less money.
Here it is, the MTD-1053D. This model was briefly featured ages ago in my watches under $75 roundup, as from the online listings, it appeared to offer Duro-rivalling performance, often for even less money. It even had a smaller case size, making it more accessible than the gargantuan Duro.
Could this be the smaller Casio diver you've been looking for?
So, my unit was delivered in an old-school Casio box. Given this is a slightly older model, it wouldn't surprise me if this is still the standard one you'll receive.
Watch Design
Despite the modest packaging, the watch itself looks notably higher quality than some of the terrible stock images would have you believe. I mean, what was this taken with, my Gran's Doro?
Anyway, the overall design of the watch is clearly inspired by the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. It has a similar dial layout, with numbers at each 90 degrees, separated by regular hour markers. The hands and bezel are similar, too, but overall, this isn't one of those clone 'homage' watches by any stretch. Like the Duro, these markers are still applied, which is nice, and there's a similar raised chapter ring at the circumference. The MTD-1053D also maintains a grey sunburst, though it's much subtler than that on the Duro, with the central circular engraving being much more of a prominent inclusion.
I think the Duro is the better-looking of the two from arm's length; its submariner-esque appearance is inherently minimalist, whereas this 1053 looks a touch busy for my taste. Nevertheless, I'd say the latter does look less generic, with more sense of personality and character. The level of brushing and polishing is roughly equal.
From side on, the Duro has a more elegant, flowing case shape, whereas the 1053 looks clunkier, with a strange panel on the right flank that looks like it's been bolted on separately. Still, you'll have noticed the lugs on this new option taper more steeply, aiding wearability for those without enormous arms.
Dimensions
On that subject, let's run through the sizing. On the Casio site, this is listed as a 42.6mm watch, suggesting it's almost as big as the Duro. In reality, that diameter includes the crown guards. If you've been looking for a 40mm Casio diver, you've found it.
Discounting the guards and only incorporating the right side bulge, this one measures about 40.5mm, with that reducing to 39.8mm for the bezel alone. With a lug-to-lug of 48mm and a thickness of 11.9, this model is smaller than the MDV-106 in every way, meaning the on-wrist experience is considerably different. The chances of the dreaded overhang are far lower, and most of you watching can probably pull this one off. That said, there's no smaller versions of this timepiece, so those of you with tiny arms like me will still be out of luck.
Watch Construction
Unlike the downsized 'Duro' that I covered recently, the MTD-1053 hasn't traded size for performance. It's still got the same 20-bar water resistance rating, with an ISO certification, as well as a screwed case-back and a threaded crown.
It's also constructed completely out of 316L stainless steel, whereas some other divers at this price are made of lesser materials. Essentially, it matches the Duro and smashes most of its main rivals on the spec sheet.
Bracelet
This watch is even paired with a reasonable 20mm steel bracelet, which appears to be a custom job for this model specifically, from the looks of the vertical lines on the lugs. It's noticeably better than those on most low-tier Casios, though I've not tried the bracelets fitted to some Duro models, so I can't directly compare them.
Despite the applaudable integration, it is held back by the rubbish clasp. This houses a measly two micro-adjustment holes, which reduces your chances of finding a good fit, considering the large link size. For instance, on my arm, the watch is too loose, but when I remove a link, it becomes too tight, and the limited number of adjustment holes can't compensate for such a change. As you might expect for any cheap watch, these are only folded links, not solid steel ones.
Bezel & Lume
I suppose the only real shortcoming the 1053 has is the bezel. I mean, it's still decent compared to most others at its price, as it is fully ratcheting, has minimal backplay, and the insert is arguably better looking than that on any of the Duro models. That said, it's tinnier, has only 90 clicks, and has an unusual shape you'll either love or hate. Overall, that on the 44mm Duro is much nicer.
Luminescence is reasonable and appears to be the same paint as on the MDV-106, with identical performance. Again, this one uses mineral glass, which is the standard at this price.
Now, I have the black version in front of me, which is the only one I could source at the time, but they also make this watch in blue. That version is a little harder to come by, but from the videos I've seen, it looks far less dull. As such, I'd go for that one if I had the choice, though the black one is usually cheaper.
Watch Alternatives
So, we've compared it to the main Casio contender. How does it stack up versus other alternatives that you may be considering?
The only remaining Casio alternative is probably the MTP-S110, which costs around 30% more but has a useful solar movement. It's a pretty good option, but only offers 100m water resistance and features a fake, fixed bezel.
Another popular option in this price bracket is the Invicta Pro Diver. The most popular one is the automatic, which usually costs a chunk more. The quartz model is closer in price, but at the time of publishing, it's still 20 to 30% more. I'd say the Pro Diver is better looking, and it's got better finishing, too, not to mention it also comes in a couple of sizes, to suit your preference. That said, it's specs are no better than this Casio, and it houses an unsightly case-engraved logo. It's also just a run-of-the-mill Rolex Submariner clone, whereas the Casio at least offers something slightly more original.
A respectable option is the Accurist 7000 series diver, which again has only 100m water resistance but is sometimes available for even less than the Casio 1053. It's almost as well-made, too, but is a little less detailed. I'd argue it's probably better-looking, though it's massive, just like the Duro, and has limited availability outside of the UK.
Then you have the fashion brands like Sekonda or Stuhrling, which are typically built worse, or the plethora of Chinese home brand watches, which rip off famous watch designs. The Chinese homages are often as nicely finished as the Casio MTD, if not better, but usually lack ISO certification, so their water performance isn't assured. The added 20% VAT on Chinese imports to the UK, introduced in 2021, means these are now less price-competitive than they once were.
If you can find a better diver that's readily available at this price, I'd love to read it in the comments In my eyes, this is one of the few underrated Duro alternatives that delivers and if you're after a budget Fifty Fathoms alternative or a smaller Duro, it's a great, hardy choice.
