As of late, affordable brands (Citizen, Seiko, Timex, Casio, etc.) have been developing and introducing some new watches and unique designs to their collections. In the last few years, it seems like most affordable brands only produced the same style of watches with minor changes, usually color variants. This approach seemed safe, and I couldn’t really blame them for not taking enormous risks on their biggest sellers.  However, this seems to be changing.  We see Timex venturing into sub 36mm automatic watches with their Marlin line, along with other automatics. We see Casio producing their G-Shock 2100-1A.  These are all different approaches to their usual (winning) formula, and I love it. 

The latest deviation from the norm can be seen in the Casio BESIDE line: An integrated bracelet and textured dial approach to a new a design.

The Watch

I have to say, I appreciate Casio creating this design with moderate dimensions.  When I first saw these in pictures, I pessimistically assumed it’d be a 44mm+ watch, as many affordable pieces tend to cater to the larger-watch trend.  However, seeing it on paper, and certainly in person, these worries were alleviated. I was left little surprised at how good the dimensions were.

• Diameter: 40mm

• Thickness: 7.1mm

• Movement: Quartz

• Water Resistance: 50m

• Case: Stainless Steel

Different sources have this piece listed as a 50mm diameter.  This is because they are measuring from lug to lug, which also includes the bracelet that is integrated into the design.  See my unboxing and measuring video to see the dimensions for yourself.

Lots to Love

This watch hits its cues very well.  The immediate visual aspect you notice out of the box is the bezel. The bold bezel immediately jumps at you, as a brushed finish contrasts highly with the highly polished rest of the case.  The integrated bracelet adds to this aesthetic, giving the BESIDE a Hublot or Audemars Piguet feel, without being a clear “homage” of them.  The textured dial looks almost like marble, giving the brushed and polished finishes more contrast.  Finally, the thinness of this watch (7.1mm) ties it all together, furthering the modern and sleek design.  With these dimensions and design, the BESIDE can slide under a cuff or be used in more sporty environments.

The underlying premise here is the price.  At around $70, I have personally never seen such a unique and bold design.  Usually at this price range, you are getting your cookie cutter watches that have been around for years, if not decades.  This watch seems to be a relatively new release (2019 maybe?) with little information available, even online.  I figured I’d be one of the first to bring attention to it.

This watch is available in blue, black, brown, and green.  Finding them may be a little tricky in the US, at least until they become widely available.  However, I was able to find mine on eBay with no problem.

While I usually tend to gravitate towards great value, I’d venture to say this might be the most unique design at this price range, along with a great value.  It’s great seeing affordable brands bring their exciting and challenging designs even to their affordable watches, and the BESIDE line going to be winning one.

Below is an unboxing video that shows what you get when you buy this piece, including dimension measuring and a lume shot.