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The “$40 space watch” was the Casio G-SHOCK DW-5600E, a classic digital square. The price was a Walmart anecdote published in 2021—not a current price—and the spaceflight claim needs qualification: the available account is a watch writer’s report, not a verified NASA record for this specific model.
Which Casio watch was the $40 space watch?
Thomas Stover identified it as the Casio G-SHOCK DW-5600E in a Fratello article published June 18, 2021. The article’s title refers to Stover’s account that a Walmart shopper could find the watch for $40. That is a dated anecdote, not a current price or a measure of today’s market value.
What does the DW-5600E offer?
Casio’s catalog lists these features and design details for the DW-5600E:
- 200 m water resistance
- 1/100-second stopwatch
- Timer and multiple alarms
- Full auto calendar
- EL backlight and flash alert
- Button guard, protective bezel form, and a band shape intended to help guard the case back
These are manufacturer-listed specifications and design intentions, not independent test results. Check the exact model and variant when shopping, since specifications may differ across similar-looking G-SHOCK squares. Casio’s DW-5600E catalog listing provides the model details.
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- Micro Light, Hourly Time Signal, Auto Calendar
- 12/24 Hour Formats
- Dial Code: Digital
- Water Resistant
- Daily Alarm
Why does it look like a classic G-SHOCK?
The DW-5600E belongs to the square 5000/5600 family. Casio traces that lineage to the original G-SHOCK, the DW-5000C, which debuted in 1983, and describes the later series as an evolution of that design. The familiar shape is part of a continuing product line, rather than evidence of a spaceflight connection by itself. Casio’s 5000/5600 series overview outlines the lineage.
Was the DW-5600E NASA-approved or used in space?
Stover’s 2021 article presents the DW-5600E as an affordable watch associated with spaceflight and says NASA approved some watches for spaceflight. But the article also says dates were difficult to establish. The Casio sources cited here confirm the watch’s specifications and family history; they do not confirm NASA approval for the DW-5600E. No primary NASA record establishing approval of this exact model, its date, or the operating conditions is established here. It is therefore more accurate to describe the NASA claim as reported by the 2021 article, not as independently verified model-specific certification.
Rank #2
- EL backlight
- 1/100 second digital stopwatch
- Daily alarm
- Accuracy: +/-30 seconds per month
- Water-resistant
Stover also distinguishes wearing a watch inside a pressurized spacecraft from surviving an unprotected spacewalk. His article says he knew of no instance of an LCD quartz watch being used outside a pressurized craft, and frames the DW-5600E as filling a practical role rather than replacing the Omega Speedmaster. Those are the author’s assessments, not NASA findings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How does it compare with an Omega Speedmaster?
They should not be treated as equivalent space-qualified watches on the evidence cited here. Stover’s argument is that the inexpensive digital Casio could complement the Speedmaster, not replace it. The DW-5600E’s manufacturer-listed features and water-resistance rating describe a practical digital watch; they do not establish that it shares the Speedmaster’s qualification history. A direct comparison of current prices or complete specifications is not established by these sources.
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Best Value
- EASY READER — LARGE TIME DIGITS FOR INSTANT READABILITY — Designed as an Easy Reader with large time digits and an LED backlight, the W-217H prioritizes one thing above all else — the ability to read the time quickly and effortlessly at a glance. Bold utilitarian colors and high-visibility dial design deliver an easy read in any lighting condition, making this an ideal everyday watch for anyone who values clarity over complexity.
- LED BACKLIGHT FOR LOW-LIGHT VISIBILITY — The amber-colored LED backlight ensures visibility in low-light conditions, allowing you to read the time even in the dark. Activates instantly at the press of a button — simple, practical, and battery-friendly for everyday use from early mornings to late nights.
- 1/100-SECOND STOPWATCH WITH SPLIT TIME — The 1/100-second stopwatch covers elapsed time, split time, and 1st-2nd place timing up to 59'59.99" — precise enough for sports, fitness routines, cooking, and any activity where accurate timing counts. Operated simply with the side-mounted buttons, no complicated setup required.
- DAILY ALARM | HOURLY TIME SIGNAL | AUTO-CALENDAR — Features a daily alarm, hourly time signal, and full auto-calendar with selectable 12/24-hour format, accurate to ±30 seconds per month. The display shows hour, minute, second, PM indicator, date, and day at all times — everything you need, nothing you don't.
- 7-YEAR BATTERY | 50M WATER RESISTANT | SLIM LIGHTWEIGHT BUILD — The square resin case measures 43.1 × 41.2 × 10.5mm and weighs 32 grams, powered by a CR2016 battery with an approximate 7-year life. Water resistant for everyday use, bathing, and swimming in shallow depths — a capable, low-maintenance companion for daily life. Available in Black, Blue, Green/Beige, and Gold-Dial colorways.
Rank #4
- LED Light, Daily alarm, Hourly time signal
- 1/100 second stopwatch, Measuring capacity: 59'59.99", Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time
- 1st-2nd place times, Auto-calendar set at 28 days for February, 12/24 hour formats
- Accuracy: +/-30 seconds per month, Battery: CR2016, Approx. battery life: 7 years
- 100M Water Resistant
Rank #3
- ICONIC VINTAGE DESIGN A true Casio classic, the A168WA-1 combines timeless retro styling with dependable digital functionality. Its polished stainless steel bracelet and signature square case create an iconic look that's perfect for everyday wear, business casual, or vintage-inspired fashion.
- BRIGHT ELECTRO-LUMINESCENT BACKLIGHT Unlike standard LED illumination, the A168 features Casio's Electro-Luminescent (EL) backlight, providing a bright, even blue-green glow across the entire display for outstanding nighttime visibility.
- PRACTICAL EVERYDAY FEATURES Stay on schedule with a 1/100-second stopwatch, daily alarm, hourly time signal, auto calendar, and selectable 12/24-hour time format. Designed for reliable everyday performance whether you're at work, school, or on the go.
- LIGHTWEIGHT COMFORT & LONG BATTERY LIFE Weighing just 50 grams with an adjustable stainless steel bracelet, the A168WA-1 is comfortable enough for all-day wear. Its dependable CR2016 battery provides approximately seven years of operation under normal use.
- DEPENDABLE CASIO QUALITY Built with Casio's legendary reliability, this watch features quartz accuracy of approximately ±30 seconds per month, water resistance for daily use, a durable chrome-plated resin case, and a stainless steel bracelet designed to withstand years of everyday wear.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
