Casio AQ-240E: A 1995 Classic Gets Softer Edges and Pastel Colors for $70
Casio has refreshed one of its quieter classics: the AQ-240E replaces the AQ-230, which dates back to 1995, and it's available right now starting at $70 in the US and from around £51 in the UK. The update keeps the hybrid analog-digital formula intact while rounding off the old model's sharper corners — a small change that makes a real visual difference. For anyone tired of smartwatch screens and subscription apps, this is a straightforward mechanical alternative that just tells the time.
The look
The AQ-230 had boxy, almost industrial edges. The AQ-240E keeps the rectangular case but softens the profile, making it sit more naturally on the wrist and work across more outfit styles. The dial uses a sunray finish — a texture that catches light and lends the watch a premium appearance that its price doesn't suggest. Three variants launch in 2026: a silver (7A2), a matte orange (4A), and a light blue sunburst (2A). A gold edition is also planned but has no confirmed release date yet.
The AQ-240E's sunray dial finish and softened case profile distinguish it from the sharper-edged AQ-230 it replaces.
What's inside
The AQ-240E is a hybrid watch, meaning it pairs traditional analog hands with a small digital window. The hands show your home time; the digital display handles a second time zone — useful if you work across time zones or have family abroad. Beyond dual time, the spec list covers the everyday basics: a 1/100-second stopwatch, a daily alarm, and an auto-calendar that handles date changes automatically.
The case measures 40.9 × 35.8 × 8.1 mm and weighs 51 g. The body is resin with chrome plating — lighter than steel and nearly indistinguishable in appearance. The bracelet is stainless steel with an adjustable clasp you can resize yourself without tools. Battery life is rated at three years.
The stainless steel bracelet features an adjustable clasp — no tools needed to resize it.
Water resistance sits at 3 bar, which covers splashes and rain but not swimming or diving. Take it off at the pool.
The price
At $70 (around £51–£55 in the UK, €59.90 in Europe), the AQ-240E sits well below Casio's own G-Shock and Edifice lines. Silver and teal variants ship now from Casio and Amazon; the gold edition follows later in 2026. For a quartz watch accurate to roughly ±30 seconds per month with a three-year battery and a stainless steel bracelet, the value proposition is hard to argue with.