Watch Battle: Casio W93H-1AV vs Timex T49661

Just picked up a Casio W93H-1AV. After falling in love with the Timex Expedition T49661 enough to buy two, I couldn’t resist seeing what Casio’s closest matching offering would be like. 

I also couldn't resist comparing the two...

TIMEX Expedition T49661
- 33mm in Diameter, 10.92mm Thick (Wears a bit larger...)
- 100m Water Resistance
- "Up to" 10-Year Battery Life
- 12/24-Hour Time
- 3 Alarms (with Weekday/Weekend Options)
- Dual Timezone (with Quick Glance/Swap)
- Indiglo (with 3-Second Afterglow and Nightlight)
- Hourly Chime
- 100-Hour Chronograph (with Split Times)
- 24-Hour Countdown Timer (with Loop Option)
- Currently ~ $38

CASIO W93H-1AV
- 36mm in Diameter, 10mm Thick
- 50m Water Resistance
- "Approximately" 3-Year Battery Life
- 12/24-Hour Time
- 1 Alarm (no Weekday/Weekend Option)
- Dual Timezone (no Quick Glance)
- EL Backlight (1-Second Afterglow with Autolight)
- Hourly Chime
- Chronograph (with Split Times)
- 24-Hour Countdown Timer
- Currently ~ $20

Despite their size differences on paper, both watches wear similarly on the wrist (see photos). Similar viewing angles as well. Overall, however, I still personally found the T49661 to be easier to read in most situations. 

The light button on the W93H feels a bit more... solid and responsive than the one on the T49661. Definitely would easier to find/press in total darkness.

For the T49661, I enjoy how the backlight will stay on if you start cycling through modes/pressing buttons after engaging it (even when Night Light is off).

For the W93H, I enjoy how the time is present on the top of the display for each available mode.

Straps?:
One thing I loved about the W93H is how strap-friendly it is. Any 18mm strap (including NATOs and Perlons) will fit and look great on it. Finding a strap that worked for the T49661 that didn't look ridiculous was more of a challenge. Much like the T49661, the included strap isn't all that great, though I'd say Casio wins in the included strap department. I put the W93H on a Barton Elite Silicone strap (pictured) and my goodness, is it comfortable!

There be Glare:
The W93H has a slightly raised mineral crystal, which makes it much more of a scratch risk, as well as way more prone to glare outdoors (and often indoors, honestly) than the recessed crystal of the T49961. 

Verdict:
I'm a huge fan of Casio, and I'm quite comfortable saying I'd rank them much higher then Timex overall on my "favorites" list, HOW...EVER... if I was to choose a victor in this particular watch battle, I'd have to choose the Timex Expedition T49661. 

I love the weekend/weekday alarm option, the Night Light, and the quick-glance/swap second timezone. Having double the water resistance and a more lengthy expected battery life certainly helps seal the deal as well. 

It's pricier, but, in this case, you certainly do get what you pay for.

For those interested / who may have missed it, I wrote a full review of the Timex Expedition T49661 HERE.