When it comes to affordable everyday watches, Casio’s catalogue is full of hidden gems. The Casio MTP-1303PD-2AV might just be one of the best-kept secrets in that lineup — a simple three-hand quartz with a stunning blue sunburst dial, a refined feel on the wrist, and a price tag that hovers around €50 or $50.

For me, this one’s a bit special. When I first got into watches, I didn’t know much beyond fashion pieces. But the MTP-1303 was one of the first that could be considered a “real” watch — the one that sent me down the rabbit hole of collecting. I remember spending hours comparing different affordable models before finally ordering this one, and to this day, I still think it’s one of the easiest watches to recommend under €50.

First Impressions

The first thing that grabs your attention is the dial. Casio went with a deep blue sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully — something I’d expect from a watch costing several times more. Against that backdrop, the applied indices and slim dauphine hands keep things clean and elegant, with just a hint of lume for visibility.

What I love most about this model is its versatility. Back then, it was one of the few watches I owned, and it worked for everything — from casual weekends to more formal settings. Even now, it’s what I’d call a true strap monster, and we’ll get into that later.

Specs & Wearability

On paper, the MTP-1303 measures 40mm in diameter, 47mm lug-to-lug, and just 8.6mm thick — proportions that hit a sweet spot for everyday wear. On my 17 cm (~6.7″) wrist, it sits beautifully balanced, with curved lugs that hug the wrist and a slim profile that slides easily under a cuff. At roughly 100 grams, it feels reassuringly solid without ever being bulky.

Despite being a simple quartz three-hander, it’s remarkably versatile. With the bracelet, it delivers that clean, classic look that fits both office and evening settings. Swap it for a NATO or leather strap, and it instantly feels more relaxed and personal. That adaptability is something Casio has always done well — and it’s a big reason why this is one of their best under-€50 options.

Functionally, it’s practical too. You get 50 metres of water resistance, so handwashing or rain are no issue. Inside is Casio’s 1330 quartz movement, accurate to ±20 seconds per month. The SR626SW battery lasts around three years, and replacements are cheap and easy. It’s a low-maintenance watch that just quietly does its job — day after day.

Case, Crystal & Build

Here’s where the MTP-1303 shows both the strengths and limits of its price point. The case is made from brass with an ion-plated finish, paired with a stainless steel caseback — a cost-saving measure that’s typical for this range. A full stainless steel case would’ve been ideal, and it’s true that many Chinese brands in this range offer that, but Casio’s execution here is solid. The polished bezel and brushed sides add a touch of contrast, and despite years of wear, the finishing on mine still looks sharp with barely any marks. It’s straightforward and utilitarian — not luxurious, but solidly built and exactly what you’d expect from Casio at this level.

Protecting the dial is a flat mineral crystal, which again is totally fair for this segment. It’s clear, distortion-free, and sits almost flush with the bezel, giving the watch a sleek, modern profile. Sure, mineral glass will pick up light scratches over time — that’s unavoidable — but it’s inexpensive to replace if you ever need to. And at this price, sapphire just isn’t realistic.

Design Details

What truly elevates the MTP-1303 is its design. The blue sunburst dial plays beautifully with the light, shifting from navy to bright azure depending on the angle. The applied hour markers have polished bevels that catch reflections, and the dauphine-style hands give the watch an almost dressy elegance without overdoing it.

There’s no date window, and that’s a good thing — the dial stays perfectly symmetrical and clean. The crown is small and flush, keeping the silhouette minimal. It’s a design that feels timeless, restrained, and far more refined than the price would suggest.

A True Strap Monster

Over the years, I’ve worn this Casio on just about every type of strap, and it always works. On the stock stainless steel bracelet, it’s sharp and understated, with brushed and polished links and a clasp that even includes micro-adjustment holes — a rare bonus at this price.

Swap that bracelet for a blue and white NATO, and it instantly becomes casual and summery. Go for a solid navy NATO, and the watch turns a bit more subtle, letting the dial shine. On a brown leather strap — my personal favorite — it takes on a totally different vibe: refined, slightly dressy, yet relaxed. Even on rubber in the summer, it somehow looks right. Whatever strap you throw at it, it adapts.

That versatility is what makes it such a joy to own — you can reinvent it endlessly.

Price & Value

All this comes in at around €50 / $50 USD, and that’s what makes the MTP-1303 so impressive. Sure, the brass case and mineral crystal are compromises, but everything else about this watch punches well above its weight — the finishing, proportions, and wearability are all spot on.

You’re getting a dependable quartz movement, a comfortable and slim case, and a design that genuinely looks more expensive than it is. For anyone starting out in the hobby, or anyone who just wants a simple, great-looking daily watch, this Casio is hard to beat.

You can find the Casio MTP-1303PD-2AV at For You Bijouterie — they ship across Europe and even to the U.S. on request. Use code WRISTFINDS5 for 5% off, bringing this hidden gem to under €50.

Final Thoughts

The Casio MTP-1303 isn’t perfect — it’s not stainless steel, and it’s not sapphire — but what it is, is dependable, versatile, and surprisingly elegant.

And for me, it’s personal: this was my first real watch, and even years later, I still think it’s one of the easiest to recommend in its price range. It proves you don’t have to spend big to enjoy something well-designed, reliable, and genuinely satisfying to wear.

Specs, Pricing & Availability

Brand: Casio

Reference: MTP-1303PD-2AV

Dial: Sunburst blue

Lume: Luminous hands and indices

Case Material: Ion-plated brass

Case Diameter: 40 mm

Lug-to-Lug: 47 mm

Thickness: 8.6 mm

Crystal: Flat mineral glass

Case Back: Stainless steel

Water Resistance: 50 m

Bracelet: Stainless steel with triple-fold clasp and multiple micro-adjustments

Lug Width: 20 mm

Movement: Quartz

Calibre: Casio 1330 quartz

Battery: SR626SW, approximately 3-year lifespan

Accuracy: ±20 seconds per month

Price: €50 / $50

Availability: Now

Limited Edition: No

FAQ — Casio MTP-1303PD-2AV