★★★★★ 5
The AQS810W (5208 module) series is one of Casio's best, in terms of being durable, reliable and problem-free.
Color: Green, Style: Modern
This is my second AQS810W... my first is about five years old, and it's black with white lettering. The "Tough Solar" and "Illuminator" are long-gone, rinsed away by automotive degreasers and other auto repair chemicals, but I like it better without those pronouncements, anyway.
Army Green, in my opinion, is an excellent color on this watch. The fact that this is not at all a glossy watch, but a matte (or semi-gloss?) finish makes the color attractively subtle. I like it even more than the black.
Other than the color, though, it's the exact same watch I've been very happy with for the last five years. Easy to setup, rugged and sturdy, just the right size (for me) and an industrial, utilitarian look.
This is a very comfortable watch to wear - light in weight, flexible band, no sharp edges or uncomfortable shapes.
I spent a few weeks trying to decide what watch I was going to get, and I came to the conclusion that being solar-powered was my highest priority, followed by being quickly readable. Perhaps it is just me, but I can read a analog watch faster than a digital one - just a quick glance. I kept coming back the Casio's AQS810W series, and it came down to the darker, matte-finished colors.
Having said all of that, this series of Casio watches is virtually trouble-free. Read the reviews! VERY FEW failures, defects, water intrusions. People who don't like this series of watches either find them incomprehensible to set or are unhappy with the small digital display or the lack of a backlight for the analog dial. The watches themselves are largely bulletproof, possessing anvil-like reliability and durability. They even have a feature that if the watch is dropped or knocked around too hard, and the analog hands get out of sync with the digital display, you can quickly and easily re-sync them.
This series is one of Casio's best, in terms of being problem-free.
Yes, they have acrylic crystals, not mineral glass, and they do scratch. Simply buff the scratches out, and it is as good as new. Worried about the band breaking or falling apart? On a regular basis, take the watch into the shower and scrub the whole thing with an old toothbrush and some shampoo. Not only will it be clean and look great, but removing the body oils, sweat and salts makes the bands last and last. That's the secret to getting Casio resin bands to live long lives.
The analog dial is not lit, but neither is the dial on my Rolex or Omega. Just find a light source to reflect on the hands, and you're in business. Just like we've done for many years.
Anyway, you can tell I am a fan. Buy with confidence, but download the pdf version of the Casio 5208 module operating instructions, and it'll be easier to set up the watch if you aren't very tech savvy. If you like the way this series of watches looks, then I'm pretty confident you'll be very happy with your purchase.
Have fun!
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Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2017