Finlay Watches

Casio AQ-230: light blue or white?

The AQ-230 keeps things small and simple: analogue hands above a tiny digital display, a rectangular case and a slim steel bracelet. The light-blue and white versions share the same shape and features. The choice is the character of the dial.

A little colour, or a clean white dial?

Light blue gives the watch a little more presence. The dial catches the eye against the silver-tone case, while the white version keeps the whole watch quieter and more neutral. If you usually wear colour, the blue feels like a natural extension of it. If you want a watch that goes with almost anything, white makes a strong case.

The same compact proportions

Both measure 38.8 mm from top to bottom, 29.8 mm across and 8.1 mm thick. That last number helps explain the AQ-230's appeal: it is a small, flat watch with very little bulk. The case has a chrome-plated resin finish, paired with a stainless-steel bracelet and resin glass.

Those numbers are worth reading in the right order. The watch is 29.8 mm wide, rather than 38.8 mm wide. Our sizing guide explains how width and length work together.

Analogue charm, digital usefulness

The hands do the everyday timekeeping; the small display adds dual time, an alarm and a stopwatch. There is an hourly signal too. Casio quotes around three years of battery life from an SR920W cell.

Which one would we choose?

The blue is the more playful option. The white is the understated one. Neither choice changes the size, the weight or the functions, so this is a good moment to trust your eye.

Think of the AQ-230 as an everyday companion rather than a swimming watch. If you are after a watch built around time in the water, take a look at the two Citizen Promasters.