On the cheaper watch brands, Casio or Timex?

I am a fan of both, and don't really appreciate one more or less than the other, but what I appreciate about them does differ currently. and always has aesthetically. Overall, I think Timex does better analog dial faces while Casio does better with digital watch faces, although I do love the Oceanus three hand watch and am looking to add one of those in the coming year, but that is not really a budget watch. 😀 Excepting the Oceanus, in my opinion, Timex does a better job with the design of their analog dials. I have an Edifice Solar chronograph, and it always looks a bit cluttered to me, especially when compared with the simplicity of my Weekender Chronograph dial.

However, Casio does a much better job with the aesthetics of their digital watches, and even their analog-digital watches are designed well. The looks of the Iron Man cannot compete with the classic industrial design of my GWM5610. I much prefer the Casio A100 Pac Man to the Timex T80 Pac Man, and that is not just because my wife got me the A100 for Christmas. Further, what does Timex offer to compete with the Royale?

Both of them produce solar watches, but Casio definitely has the edge here in my experience. They offer their Tough Solar technology in budget priced watches, both analog and digital, and it is far superior to the solar technology Timex uses in their watches. Timex claims that a full charge will keep the watch operating for six months, but my experience is that they don't hold their charge nearly as well as my watches with Tough Solar do. As stated earlier, I do think Timex produces more aesthetically pleasing analog dials, and my Timex Expedition Ranger Solar has one of my favorite dials.

Dials provides a good segue into another reason why I like Timex and where Casio offers nothing to compete; Timex is producing mechanical and automatic watches. I have both  hand-winding and automatic Marlins in my collection. Again, these watches, while still definitely entry level, probably exceed the budget for this topic. 😉

Casio and its not even close 😌

For digitals and ana-digis Casio is the choice.

For analog it's Timex by a mile.

But, as with everything in life, there are exceptions to the rule.

I'm a Timex fan, and always have been. I see nothing appealing about Casio digital watches, apart from them being cheap to buy. I'd rather spend $50 on a Timex Atlantis with 100m WR, and a useful light, than $15 on a F91W.

Unpopular opinion inbound, but to me the Casio hype is like the Seiko hype, mostly driven by social media. A few "influencers" rave about how amazing product/company X is, and people jump on board to be part of the trend.  

My favourite Timex is the Atlantis/Expedition, I've had a version of one since the mid 90's at least. 

Much as I love my Casio and Seiko, I don't  think I have fallen prey to social media, as this is literally  my only account across any avenue where discussion is held. No Facebook or Instagram or whatever else is out there. That being said, I understand your appreciation for Timex as well. I have a weekender. Used it for years. My grandfather wore one until his recent passing. Timex is good where Casio doesn't  even try, like their automatics. But when it comes to digitals, the aesthetic  and design, for me, will be a Casio hands down. Perhaps it wasn't  socia  media that nabbed my interest, but classic sci fi movies that showed the heroes wearing Casio. I hope in all my response, I didn't  come off as rude, your opinion is very much valid and appreciated.

Love me my Casio!

Solid response with excellent visual aid, I award you 100 pts in this discussion  that will have no value outside of this post. 

That first Timex analog is a beaut. Timex may need my attention for analog...

Given the parameters of digital and cheaper, casio is a hands down winner for me each time and Timex is an after thought, though I would buy certain ones like the GRID or Command. 

You are absolutely  right on all other points as well. 

Casio could at least try at an automatic, but I suppose they are happy with being great at what they do already. 

Definitely  agree that the analogs tend to be more varied and at times better designed on the Timex. I suppose that has something to do with timex being a States company vs the Japanes Casio. Casio does love its verbiage all over. 

If I were to open the parameters to include the array that both have made, then absolutely there would be an even playing field. The oceanus  is beautiful! The automatics are interesting!

I'd have to go Casio on this one. I recently purchased a Timex Expedition Quartz, and while it's decent looking watch for the money, that thing is loud AF. Seriously, at night I could hear it from across the room, while it was inside a dresser drawer! I ended up moving it into another room at night. It now permanently lives in my computer desk.

I realize that sounds crazy, but the ticking was annoyingly noticeable. I have never experienced that with any other watch I have ever owned. I even tested it next to the other five analog quartz watches I currently own, and none come even close to being that loud.

So yeah, unless willing to shell the money for one of their auto or hand-wind movements, Casio 100% gets my vote, because digital don't tick! LOL 

I have come this close 🤌 on buying a watch from timex many times, they have been pretty aggressive and keep coming up with some very cool designs recently. 

However considering the fact that i prefer watches with a secured water resistance ( screw down crown 10 bar water resist) and a bit flare along with it, i cant justify pulling trigger 😔

I get it. I too have been close to getting them, not saying I won't  eventually. It is just that when I am about to buy one, my hand slips and grabs the Casio instead. As far as digitals go I really like the command and the grid. They are big and really want to grab the attention of a g shock fan.

I have a weekender that ticked incredibly  loud as well, perhaps some folks like that in their watch. I remember laying in the dark and hearing that timex just go and go and go. Decent watch, was a beater when I was part of a grounds crew. I kept it on a big leather cuff lol. All that said, Casio is my go to anymore and I couldn't  be happier about it.

@NeatlydoneZ ya know Injust thought of this. I believe a watch ought to be water resistant if not waterproof, but I don't  think a single one of mine has seen water in the wee plasticky  lives.

Casio would be my preference, however there are some lovely Timex models out there (indiglo is 💪 aswell) My worry is that they'd just occupy similar places in the collection as some of the Casio's I already have. If you pushed me I think I could squeeze in an Allied Coastline (blue bezel with orange at 12-3) and not feel toobl bad!

I have to agree 100%. It isn't  that I don't like timex, it just seems that there is a better casio choice in the same range.  I will eventually have a few Timex, but they are going to have to stand out from Casio in major ways.

Huge Casio fan. Some Timex too but mostly Casio.