This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.Learn more I test many different smartwatches and activity trackers in my role as a tech reviewer, from the latest Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch and Google Pixel Watch models to Fitbit, Garmin, Huawei and many more besides.It’s a privilege, but I have found over the years that after a while I want to throw them all into the sea and never be tracked again.Of course, it’s amazing that these tiny gadgets can track our steps, heart rate, sleep and runs, and as tools they can be indispensable.
But wearing them 24/7 all year round turns my very existence into a series of daily data dumps, app notifications and the distinct feeling I am not as fit as I should be.Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Casio A163WA-1QES £22.99 £16.99 View DealThis classic Casio watch is the perfect antidote to smartwatch fatigue.On sale at Argos, it has time, date, alarm and stopwatch functions with a backlight and adjustable stainless stell strap.Our top picks from the latest sales, top shopping deals and reviews Subscribe Invalid emailWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you.
This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding.You can unsubscribe at any time.Read our Privacy PolicyAdd to that the annoyance of having to charge my timepiece every few days and I found myself longing for an analogue watch.A few months ago, on a whim, I dived into a branch of Argos in London on my way to meet some friends and bought a classic Casio watch for all of £20, which I’ve worn ever since in between reviewing the wearables I am so tethered to professionally.Right now, you can pick up the exact watch that broke my smartwatch sadness for a mere £16.99.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENTThe Casio Chronograph Silver Stainless Steel Watch, as it is named online at Argos, bears the model number A163WA-1QES and is a simple digital watch with a similar face to the classic Casio F91W, except with a silver bracelet strap instead of black plastic.Article continues below ADVERTISEMENTIts small but reasonable display shows the time, day, date and alarm status, and that is blissfully that.No smart functions, no heart rate sensors, no pedometers.
Just the time.Imagine that!The backlight that glows a feeble green when the button is pushed isn’t up to much, but isn’t that part of the charm?View the Casio watch at ArgosApple's John Ternus shares insight into the new iPhone I love that the bracelet means this watch works in the office, on the beach or at a wedding, as it can be dressed up or down.It’s an everyday watch, a ‘beater’, as the watch community might call it - durable, reliable and affordable.
I’m not encouraging e-waste, but if it breaks, it’s only £16.99.Luckily mine has been very reliable and is still going on the original batteries after about a year or so.The glass over the display has picked up an annoying gouge from somewhere but otherwise it still looks great.I’ve even been using the alarm function as an alarm clock and leaving my phone downstairs rather than next to my bed in another small act of self care.Without the temptation to look at the news or my emails 20 seconds after I wake up, my days can start with more peace and clarity.I don’t wear it in the shower or swimming as it is only water resistant, so can handle a splash or rain but nothing much else.But I can use the stopwatch to time my boiled eggs, which is a far cry from using a £300 sports watch to track my runs through the hills, but it feels homely and pleasingly disconnected from the incessant allure of my smartphone.If you’ve been having smartwatch fatigue and want a good-looking, inexpensive wristwatch for the sole purpose of telling the time, this Casio fits the bill.
For less than £20, I think it’s totally worth it.
