TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.When many people think of watch collecting, they envision high-end luxury watches in a mahogany watchbox with values in the thousands of dollars. That’s certainly one aspect of the hobby, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Another characteristic of watch collectors is that we sometimes just want to wear something on the wrist that’s fun and makes us smile. I, for one, can smile far wider if the watch in question costs me less than a combo meal at my favorite fast food spot. If it’s also available at an online retailer like Amazon or Walmart and it gives off retro vibes, then I’m even happier. Just about every aspect of daily life is seemingly more expensive and complicated than it was the month before. We’re dealing with increasing food prices, energy uncertainty, and global conflict, and things don’t seem to be getting any less messy. Any small break in the tension is welcome, and it’s honestly a much-needed release. Shopping for a fun and useful retro-style digital watch is an inexpensive way to achieve this temporary relief. Thanks to Amazon and Walmart, this is a relatively quick and easy task, and one that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.Perhaps the most beloved digital watch company of all time is Casio. The Japanese electronics company has been making some of the most popular digital models for decades, and they exude effortless cool. These watches are typically small, more often than not have a metallic finish, and include alarms and other features that you won’t get with any other standard analog watch. Casio knows exactly what it does well, and it continues to do it with gusto. Casio Alarm Chrono Digital Watch
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Check price at AmazonCasio Digital Worldtime Watch
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Check price at AmazonCasio Classic Digital Quartz Watch
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Check price at WalmartCasio White Digital Resin Watch
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Check price at WalmartBenefits of a Casio digital watchDigital watches have benefits, both practical and aesthetic, that you don’t often see with their mechanical or quartz analog counterparts. The first practical aspects worth praising with Casio digital watches are their price and their accuracy. Prices often start in a range of less than $45. That’s because quartz is a relatively cheap material for timepiece regulation. Another benefit of quartz is that it allows for highly accurate timekeeping. As a general rule, most quartz watches will be far more accurate than even a $10,000 Rolex mechanical watch.Another benefit of digital watches from brands like Casio is legibility. Deciphering the time on an analog watch when you’re in the middle of doing five other tasks isn’t always easy. With a digital watch, you don’t have to think about a thing. The display gives you the time in the format that your brain instantly recognizes. What’s more, reading a traditional three-hand watch in low-light conditions can be a nightmare. While luminescent coating on hands and markers can help make an analog watch easier to see, it’s no comparison to backlights on most digital watches that can illuminate the entire screen instantly. Finally, my favorite thing about Casio digital watches is their style. While generally diminutive in size, they have lots of personality. They ooze 70s, 80s, and 90s effortless style, and they make me remember being a kid. For many of us, these Casio watches were some of our very first timepieces, and they take us back to a place before mortgages, jobs, or any of the modern stresses that we all face. They represent, in a word, happiness. So, don’t be afraid to buy more than one from our list, as each has its own vibe and personality. You certainly won’t regret it.More Casio digital watchesIf none of the above options catch your eye, there’s almost no limit to what Casio offers as far as alternatives. We’ve scoured Amazon and Walmart to find some of our favorite digital pieces, and we think you’ll find at least one that speaks to you.Casio Digital Dual Time Watch
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Check price at AmazonCasio Water-Resistant Illuminator Digital Watch
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Check price at AmazonCasio Vintage-Style Gold Dial Digital Watch
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Check price at WalmartCasio G-Shock G-Steel Watch
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