Casio MTP-M300L
When I first saw this Casio, my jaw dropped. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for these dirt-cheap, reliable, God-tier timepieces. And finally, the MTP series brings a properly cool and complicated watch. Should you get one?
DESIGN
Design-wise, this is a proper home run from our Japanese friends over at Casio. The M300 carries some design cues from certain integrated braceleted hype-beasts with the brushed perimeter surrounding the bezel and dial. The dial in question is easy to read and manages to show lots of information while still not appearing cluttered and busy.
BUILD QUALITY
It’s a 100 $ Casio. You can’t expect too much, but you can expect a watch that holds together well, while feeling somewhat simple. You won’t be blown away by this one, but the solid steel case is very good for the price you pay.
MOVEMENT
The M300L utilizes the Module 3744, a day, date and moon phase caliber that you can also find in a few other of their models. I don’t have any long term experience with it, but these Casio quartz tends to run without fault for a long time.
I have owned way too many Casio MTPs, and have had no issues with any of them. I would much rather have a reliable Casio quartz than a shady and unrepairable Chinese auto.
STRAP
This variant comes on a very simple and plain leather strap. It’s definitely usable, but the total package will be greatly improved with a better and more interesting strap. Perhaps this one would work well with a nice mesh band?
X-FACTOR
The X-Factor is possibly the most difficult part of the watch to point out What separates this timepiece from the rest, and what makes me want to wear it every day?
For me, it’s the cool, quirky and hugely unnecessary moon phase complication that really sets this one apart. I believe that this Casio can be a part of any collection. No matter if you own a ton of Swiss and Japanese masterpieces from before. You’re going to love it.
There’s no secret that these cheap Casios have a special place in my heart. I buy them as presents and as feeling-sorry-for-myself-gifts whenever I’m having a bad day. You should do that too. It works.