When we talk about Casio divers, most modern enthusiasts immediately picture the iconic MDV-106 "Duro." It's the go-to recommendation for an ultra-affordable, reliable dive watch, often seen gracing the wrists of everyone from students to billionaires. But to truly appreciate the lineage and innovation that led to the Duro's ubiquity, we need to look back at its distinguished forebear: the Casio MDV-102. This less common, yet equally impressive "Marlin" diver holds a special place in Casio's rich history of robust, value-packed water-resistant timepieces. Casio's heritage in divers isn't as flashy as some Swiss marques, but it's built on a foundation of honest, no-nonsense utility. Long before G-Shocks dominated the extreme sports scene, Casio was producing highly capable water-resistant watches, often adorned with the "Marlin" logo—a symbol of genuine 200-meter water resistance. The MDV-102 is a proud member of this family, carryi...
The Citizen Nighthawk is a legend in the world of pilot watches, renowned for its intricate dial, robust Eco-Drive movement, and functional slide rule bezel. But delve a little deeper, and you'll discover that not all Nighthawks are created equal. While sharing a core identity, subtle yet significant differences exist between the models designated for the North American, Asian, and European markets. Today, let's shine a light on the European/Asian model, the BJ7010-59E, and see how it stacks up against its regional counterparts. The Citizen BJ7010-59E is often considered the "classic" Nighthawk for many enthusiasts, particularly outside of North America. Its distinguishing features are primarily aesthetic, yet they make a considerable difference to its overall character. The most immediately striking aspect is the dial. Unlike the North American version (often BJ7000-52E or similar), the BJ7010-59E typically features applied, polished metallic hour markers , rathe...