The Casio MDV106 vs MDV-107 comparison is one of the most common questions around the Casio Duro. At first glance, these two watches look almost the same. Both are affordable quartz dive-style watches with a stainless steel case, rotating bezel, date window, screw-lock crown, screw-lock case back and 200m water resistance.
But there is one detail that changes the whole discussion: the Marlin logo.
The Casio MDV-106 is the famous “Duro Marlin.” It has the fish logo on the dial and case back, which gives it more personality and stronger collector appeal. The Casio MDV-107 is the newer version in many markets, and it removes the Marlin logo while keeping almost the same core watch.
My honest opinion is simple: the MDV-106 is the cooler and more collectible Duro, but the MDV-107 is the more practical buy if the price is better and you do not care about the fish logo.
- Quick Verdict
- Casio MDV106 vs MDV-107: Main Differences
- The Marlin Logo: Why It Matters
- Design and Wrist Presence
- Build Quality and Durability
- Water Resistance
- Movement and Accuracy
- Strap and Modding Potential
- MDV-106 vs MDV-107: What Enthusiasts Usually Say
- Price and Availability
- Which One Should You Buy?
- Buy the Casio MDV-106 if:
- Buy the Casio MDV-107 if:
- My Personal Recommendation
- Better Alternatives to Consider
- Pros and Cons
- Final Verdict
- FAQ
- Author
Quick Verdict
| Buyer type | Better choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best collector appeal | Casio MDV-106 | Has the Marlin logo |
| Best current availability | Casio MDV-107 | Easier to find in some markets |
| Best classic Duro identity | Casio MDV-106 | More recognizable to fans |
| Best if price is lower | Depends | Buy whichever is cheaper if logo does not matter |
| Best for actual swimming | Tie | Both have 200m water resistance |
| Best for modding | Tie | Both use the same general Duro formula |
| Best clean dial | Casio MDV-107 | No fish logo |
| Best enthusiast choice | Casio MDV-106 | More loved in Duro communities |
| Best daily beater | Tie | The practical experience is almost the same |
| Best overall | Casio MDV-106 if prices are close | The logo gives it more charm |
Short answer: buy the MDV-106 if you want the classic Casio Duro Marlin. Buy the MDV-107 if you want the same watch experience and do not care about the Marlin logo.
Casio MDV106 vs MDV-107: Main Differences
| Feature | Casio MDV-106 | Casio MDV-107 |
|---|---|---|
| Watch family | Casio Duro | Casio Duro |
| Common nickname | Duro Marlin | Duro without Marlin logo |
| Case size | 48.5 x 44.2 x 12.1 mm | 49.5 x 44.2 x 12.1 mm |
| Weight | 92 g on resin strap | 92 g on resin strap |
| Case material | Stainless steel / aluminum bezel | Stainless steel / aluminum bezel on many versions |
| Band | Resin band or bracelet versions | Resin band or bracelet versions |
| Glass | Mineral glass | Mineral glass |
| Water resistance | 200m water resistance | 200m water resistance |
| Crown | Screw-lock crown | Screw-lock crown |
| Case back | Screw-lock case back | Screw-lock case back |
| Battery | SR626SW | SR626SW |
| Approx. battery life | About 3 years | About 3 years |
| Movement | Quartz | Quartz |
| Date display | Yes | Yes |
| Main visual difference | Marlin logo on dial/case back | No Marlin logo |
The important point is that the MDV-107 is not a dramatic technical upgrade. For most buyers, the real difference is visual and emotional.
The Marlin Logo: Why It Matters
The Marlin logo is the reason many people prefer the MDV-106.
On the MDV-106, the small fish logo appears on the dial and case back. It gives the watch character. It also makes the Duro feel more connected to Casio’s older dive-style identity. Many fans do not just see it as a decoration. They see it as part of what made the Duro famous.
The MDV-107 removes that logo. The dial becomes cleaner, but also less special.
| Marlin logo factor | MDV-106 | MDV-107 |
|---|---|---|
| Logo on dial | Yes | No |
| Logo on case back | Yes | No |
| Collector appeal | Higher | Lower |
| Clean dial look | Slightly busier | Cleaner |
| Classic Duro identity | Stronger | Weaker |
| Enthusiast preference | Usually stronger | More practical, less emotional |
My opinion: the Marlin logo matters. Not because it changes performance, but because watches are not only spec sheets. A small logo can make a simple affordable watch feel more memorable.
If both watches cost the same, I would choose the MDV-106.
Design and Wrist Presence
Both watches have the same general design: large round stainless steel case, dive-style bezel, simple analog dial, date window at 3 o’clock, large hands and strong legibility.
The Duro is not a small watch. With a 44.2mm width and long lug-to-lug feel, it has real wrist presence. It works best on medium to large wrists. On smaller wrists, it can look big, especially because the lugs are not tiny.
| Design factor | Casio MDV-106 | Casio MDV-107 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall look | Classic Duro with fish logo | Cleaner Duro without fish logo |
| Case presence | Large | Large |
| Dial style | Sporty, simple, slightly more character | Sporty, simple, cleaner |
| Bezel style | Dive-style rotating bezel | Dive-style rotating bezel |
| Best for small wrists | Not ideal | Not ideal |
| Best for casual wear | Good | Good |
| Best for collector charm | Better | Weaker |
The MDV-107 may look more minimal because the fish logo is gone. Some people will prefer that. But I think the MDV-106 has the better personality.
Build Quality and Durability
This is where both watches are strong for the money.
You get a stainless steel case, mineral glass, rotating bezel, screw-lock crown, screw-lock case back and 200m water resistance. That is a lot for an affordable quartz watch.
No, it is not a luxury diver. The bezel action is not premium, the strap is basic, the finishing is simple, and the mineral glass can scratch. But for the price, the Duro is one of the most convincing budget dive-style watches.
| Build factor | Casio MDV-106 | Casio MDV-107 |
|---|---|---|
| Case | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Glass | Mineral glass | Mineral glass |
| Bezel | Anti-reverse / rotating bezel | Anti-reverse / rotating bezel |
| Crown | Screw-lock | Screw-lock |
| Case back | Screw-lock | Screw-lock |
| Water resistance | 200m | 200m |
| Strap quality | Basic resin on common version | Basic resin on common version |
| Daily durability | Very good for price | Very good for price |
The weak point is usually the stock resin strap. It works, but it does not feel premium. Many owners put the Duro on a rubber strap, NATO strap or bracelet, and the watch immediately feels better.
Water Resistance
Both watches are excellent for water use compared with most affordable Casios.
The MDV-106 and MDV-107 both offer 200m water resistance. They also have a screw-lock crown and screw-lock case back, which makes them much more confidence-inspiring than basic “Water Resistant” digital Casios.
For normal swimming, beach use and outdoor wear, both are much better choices than Casio A168, F91W, A700 or similar vintage models.
Important: if the watch is old, damaged, opened for battery replacement or has a worn gasket, water resistance can be reduced. That applies to both models.
Movement and Accuracy
Both watches use simple Casio quartz movement logic. This is part of the appeal.
You are not buying mechanical romance here. You are buying reliability, accuracy and low maintenance. The watch runs on a standard battery, has a date window and usually keeps time well enough for daily life.
| Movement factor | Casio MDV-106 | Casio MDV-107 |
|---|---|---|
| Movement type | Quartz | Quartz |
| Battery | SR626SW | SR626SW |
| Battery life | About 3 years | About 3 years |
| Accuracy | Around +/-20 seconds per month | Around +/-20 seconds per month |
| Date display | Yes | Yes |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
If you want a mechanical diver, the Duro is not that. If you want a practical analog watch that you can grab and wear without worrying, both are excellent.
Strap and Modding Potential
One of the best parts of the Casio Duro is how well it takes straps.
The stock resin strap is usable, but it is not the main reason to buy the watch. The Duro looks better on many aftermarket straps: rubber, NATO, sailcloth, leather or bracelet.
| Strap option | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Rubber strap | Best for swimming and casual wear |
| NATO strap | Cheap, comfortable, changes the look quickly |
| Stainless steel bracelet | Makes the Duro feel more premium |
| Leather strap | Good for casual wear, not water use |
| Sailcloth-style strap | Sporty and cleaner than stock resin |
Both MDV-106 and MDV-107 are good modding bases. The MDV-106 has more collector charm, but the MDV-107 may be a smarter mod base if it is cheaper.
MDV-106 vs MDV-107: What Enthusiasts Usually Say
In Duro communities, the answer is usually simple: the MDV-106 is preferred because of the Marlin logo.
Most people do not claim the MDV-107 is a bad watch. They just see it as the same basic Duro with less charm.
| Enthusiast argument | Why it makes sense |
|---|---|
| “Get the 106 if you can” | The Marlin logo is more collectible |
| “The 107 is basically the same watch” | The core specs are very close |
| “The 107 dial is cleaner” | True if you dislike logos |
| “The 106 has more soul” | I agree |
| “Buy whichever is cheaper” | Practical advice if you do not collect |
My take: if you are a watch enthusiast, the MDV-106 is the one to get. If you are a normal buyer who just wants a cheap 200m Casio diver, the MDV-107 is completely fine.
Price and Availability
Availability depends heavily on your country.
In some markets, the MDV-106 is still easy to find. In others, the MDV-107 is more common because it replaced the MDV-106 or became the standard current version. Prices can also vary depending on color, strap, bracelet and seller.
| Buying factor | Casio MDV-106 | Casio MDV-107 |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Varies by market | Often easier in some markets |
| Collector demand | Higher | Lower |
| Price stability | Can rise if Marlin version becomes scarce | Usually more normal |
| Best if prices are equal | MDV-106 | Not the first pick |
| Best if much cheaper | Still good | Very good buy |
If the MDV-106 costs only a little more, I would pay the difference. If the MDV-106 costs much more, the MDV-107 becomes the smarter practical buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the Casio MDV-106 if:
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| You want the classic Duro | The Marlin logo is part of the identity |
| You care about collector appeal | MDV-106 is more desirable |
| You like the fish logo | It gives the dial character |
| Prices are close | The 106 is worth choosing |
| You want the enthusiast favorite | Most Duro fans prefer it |
| You may resell later | The Marlin version may hold interest better |
Buy the Casio MDV-107 if:
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| You do not care about the Marlin logo | Then the practical difference is small |
| It is easier to find | Availability matters |
| It is cheaper | Better value if discounted |
| You prefer a cleaner dial | No fish logo |
| You want a daily beater | It performs almost the same |
| You plan to mod it | Good base watch |
My Personal Recommendation
If I had to choose one, I would buy the Casio MDV-106.
The Marlin logo gives the watch more identity, and that matters on a simple affordable watch. The specs are already excellent, so the emotional detail becomes important.
But I would not avoid the MDV-107. If the price is better, or if the MDV-106 is hard to find in your market, the MDV-107 still gives you the same core Duro experience: big case, quartz reliability, rotating bezel, screw-lock crown and 200m water resistance.
The MDV-106 is the more charming watch.
The MDV-107 is the more practical replacement.
Better Alternatives to Consider
| Model | Why consider it |
|---|---|
| Casio MDV-106 | Classic Duro with Marlin logo |
| Casio MDV-107 | Current Duro-style replacement without Marlin logo |
| Casio MDV-106DD | Bracelet version of the Duro |
| Casio MDV-107D | Bracelet version of the newer Duro |
| Casio MTP-S110 | Solar-powered dive-style Casio alternative |
| Citizen Promaster | More serious diver, higher price |
| Seiko 5 Sports | Mechanical alternative, usually more expensive |
| Orient Mako / Ray | Mechanical budget diver alternative |
| Casio MRW-200H | Much cheaper, lighter, but not the same build level |
If you want the best cheap quartz dive-style Casio, the Duro is still hard to beat.
Pros and Cons
| Watch | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Casio MDV-106 | Marlin logo, stronger collector appeal, 200m water resistance, screw-lock crown, excellent value | Can be harder to find or more expensive, large case, basic stock strap |
| Casio MDV-107 | Similar specs, clean dial, easier availability in some markets, excellent daily beater | No Marlin logo, less enthusiast charm, still large |
| Both | Stainless steel case, mineral glass, rotating bezel, quartz reliability, date display, strong water confidence | Not small, not mechanical, stock strap is basic, mineral glass can scratch |
Final Verdict
The Casio Duro MDV106 vs MDV 107 debate is mostly about identity, not performance.
The MDV-106 is the classic. It has the Marlin logo, stronger enthusiast appeal and more personality. If you care about the Duro story, this is the one to buy.
The MDV-107 is the practical successor. It removes the fish logo but keeps the same basic idea: affordable quartz dive-style watch, 200m water resistance, rotating bezel, screw-lock crown and date display.
So the final answer is simple:
MDV-106 for the Marlin logo.
MDV-107 for the same practical Duro experience.
If prices are close, buy the MDV-106. If the MDV-107 is much cheaper or easier to find, buy it without worrying. It is still a proper Casio Duro.
FAQ
What is the difference between Casio MDV-106 and MDV-107?
The main difference is the Marlin logo. The MDV-106 has the fish logo on the dial and case back, while the MDV-107 does not.
Is Casio MDV-107 better than MDV-106?
Not really. It is not a major technical upgrade. It is more like a newer or alternative version without the Marlin logo.
Is the Casio MDV-106 discontinued?
Availability depends on market. In some places it is still sold, while in others the MDV-107 is more common.
Why does the MDV-107 not have the Marlin logo?
Casio has not made the logo change a major public story in product specs. The practical result is simple: the MDV-107 has a cleaner dial, but less collector charm.
Which is more collectible, MDV-106 or MDV-107?
The MDV-106 is more collectible because of the Marlin logo.
Are MDV-106 and MDV-107 the same size?
They are extremely close. Official specs list the MDV-106 at 48.5 x 44.2 x 12.1 mm and the MDV-107 at 49.5 x 44.2 x 12.1 mm.
Do both watches have 200m water resistance?
Yes. Both have 200m water resistance.
Can you swim with the Casio Duro MDV-106 or MDV-107?
Yes, both are good choices for swimming if the watch is in good condition and the crown is properly secured.
Which one should I buy, Casio MDV-106 or MDV-107?
Buy the MDV-106 if you want the classic Marlin logo. Buy the MDV-107 if it is cheaper, easier to find or if you prefer a cleaner dial.
Is the Casio Duro still worth buying?
Yes. The Casio Duro is still one of the strongest budget quartz dive-style watches because it offers 200m water resistance, a stainless steel case, rotating bezel and reliable Casio quartz movement for a low price.
