Casio Puts a Four-City GMT Complication in a Mind-Bogglingly Affordable Watch

Inspired by the brand’s 1980s-era designs, this retro-futuristic timepiece is a frequent flyer’s budget-friendly dream come true.

Closeup of Casio A130 watch on blue background

By Sean Tirman

Published February 25, 2025

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Updated February 25, 2025

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You don’t have to deplete your bank account to snag the perfect travel watch. If Casio has anything to say about it, you don’t even have to drop a C-note.

The brand’s latest, the Casio A130 series, is actually more capable than most other GMT watches. That makes it a powerhouse travel watch that can be had on even the most extreme budget.

Two Casio A130 watches on blue background — The digitized analog clock in the upper left corner might be the best feature of this entire timepiece.

Let’s get digital

The 1980s were the heyday of digital watches, and Casio’s deep catalog played a major part in the category’s rise. The brand has returned to that history for this release, basing the A130’s design on its LC Analog timepieces of the ’80s.

Many features that made those original watches so impactful have returned for this retro-futuristic redux. Two highlights include a compact square metal case (with a matching band) and a classic LED backlight (in green, blue or orange, depending on the model).

Of course, the watches — available in silver, gold or gunmetal — also boast all the typical features you’d expect from digital timepieces. That includes a fully automatic calendar, timer, stopwatch and a quintet of programmable alarms. They’re also weatherproof.

In addition to their classic’ 80s-inspired styling and digital functions, these watches have some travel-friendly features that make them even more valuable.

Traveler’s checks

While the watch’s dial isn’t so busy it’s impossible to read, it does serve another handy function: it works as a GMT. Except, while traditional GMTs can only track two time zones, this one can handle four at a time.

It also has a built-in world timer that covers 48 cities across 31 different time zones. Plus, there’s a Daylight Saving Time function, so you don’t have to remember when to spring forward or fall back. The watch will do it for you.

Better still, you can switch the display or swap cities on the fly, and you can do it a lot faster than on a more traditional watch. For a sub-$100 watch, it’s packed to the gills with handy functions and features.

Arm wearing Casio A130 watch — The watch’s retro-futuristic style is quirky without being ugly or cheesy.

Pricing and availability

All four versions of the Casio A130 are now available for purchase. Depending on the model, They cost about $59 to $74.

There’s just one catch: For now, at least, they’re only available in Japan. However, based on the brand’s other recent releases, there’s a high probability that they’ll make it to the States and elsewhere soon.