Casio Squeezes a Ton of Value Into This Ultra-Affordable Outdoor Watch

The brand celebrates Pro Trek’s 30th anniversary with a new addition that’s equal parts ceremonial, sustainable and functional.

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published March 13, 2025

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Updated March 17, 2025

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We’ve seen it in just about every product category there is. A brand hits a notable anniversary and marks it with a new edition that, when stripped of all pomp and circumstance, amounts to little more than a fresh coat of paint.

(Case in point this week: Ford’s 60th anniversary edition Mustang e-bike, in Rangoon Red!)

casio pro trek prg-340b-3 full — The PRG-340B-3’s Olive Green body and Castlon-derived band are a perfect match.

However, we’ve also seen our share of anniversary releases that introduce new elements that are actually pretty compelling. (We see you, Buck Knives and Honda Gold Wing.)

That appears to be the case with Casio’s latest addition to the Pro Trek lineup, the PRG-340B-3.

Planet-friendly Pro Trek

While the reputation of Pro Trek watches is outdoor-oriented and affordable, there’s no reason such a timepiece can’t start a meaningful conversation about the state of the planet as well.

That’s the big talking point with this new 340, courtesy of sustainable design traits not seen in its predecessors.

Beyond its backstory, this woven band happens to be a lot more rugged and adventurous than the alternatives you’ll find on other 340s — rubber and faux leather bands and steel bracelets.

See, while the body of the timepiece itself is crafted from a bio-based resin, the cloth band is made of Castlon, a 100% plant-derived Nylon 11 fiber produced using castor oil plants.

A carbon-neutral material, Castlon also offers better wear resistance, chemical resistance and flexibility at low temperatures than conventional Nylon 6. A flame-retardant finish only adds to that toughness.

casio pro trek prg-340b-3 band — In addition to being the most sustainable, the new 340’s band also happens to look the best, IMHO.

In other words, beyond its backstory, this woven band happens to be a lot more rugged and adventurous than the alternatives you’ll find on other 340s — rubber and faux leather bands and steel bracelets.

I would imagine that over time, it will more bravely take a backcountry beating as well.

Familiar features

As you might guess, the new edition carries many of the same great qualities as the half-dozen other 340s in the current lineup — a surprising amount of capability for less than $300.

casio pro trek prg-340b-3 digital compass — When it comes to hiking and climbing, the built-in digital compass is one of this watch’s handiest functions.

The timepiece boasts Casio’s Tough Solar tech for continuous power and Triple Sensor functionality — an altimeter/barometer, digital compass and thermometer — helping you stay safe and properly oriented off the grid.

The watch also offers a duplex LCD display, navigation-boosting bi-directional rotating bezel and water resistance up to 100 meters.

casio pro trek prg-340b-3 caseback — The understated caseback indicates the Pro Trek line’s intentional outdoor orientation.

Rounding out the features are world time (48 cities plus UTC), sunrise and sunset data, the ability to set five daily alarms, a countdown timer and a full-auto LED super illuminator, enabling you to monitor critical data well after dark.

Note: Alongside this model is another new 340, the PRG340L-5 ($250), but unless you’re a fiend for Coyote Brown and faux leather, the Olive Green and Castlon model is the one to watch.