First Steps into Watch Collecting: A Journey That Started with Casio

The first watch I’ve ever purchased was the Casio MTA-1000 analog-digital quartz piece in 2000(or around that, not exactly sure). Even today I remember the feeling that finally I had a little bit of money saved up and I could go into the watch shop to choose one Casio. I know for many people this might be weird, but at that time for me it was a big thing as we were quite poor financially.

When I saw this model in the shop, I knew I had to get one. Analog and digital watch in one? I thought that was the most amazing thing I’ve seen.

Casio mta-1000

The Casio MTA-1000 has a sophisticated design that sits comfortably between sporty and formal, making it a versatile choice for various occasions. Its stainless steel case provides durability, and its brushed and polished finishes add a touch of elegance. One of the MTA-1000’s standout features is its combination of analog hands with a digital display, offering a modern twist on a traditional design.

It runs on the reliable Japanese quartz 1301 movement and comes packed with practical features like an alarm clock, stopwatch, and date function. One standout perk is the ability to track two time zones—just set the digital time separately from the analog hands.

I picked up this Casio around the year 2000, and the fact that it’s still running strong speaks volumes about its value. Over the years, it’s picked up plenty of battle scars—scratches across the case and strap—but that just adds to its character. All in all it was a great first watch which I own even today.

Casio Edifice Ef-500

The second watch I ever bought was the Casio Edifice EF-500, back in 2009 in Sofia, Bulgaria. I had just graduated from university when the global economic crisis hit, and finding a job in Hungary became nearly impossible. I spent around six months unemployed—a tough time, filled with feelings of frustration, uselessness, and financial stress.

But eventually, I caught a break and landed a job abroad, in Sofia. From my very first salary, I wanted to treat myself with something meaningful—something to mark the end of that challenging chapter and the beginning of a new one. That something was the EF-500. I bought it to remind myself of those difficult beginnings—but more importantly, to never give up.

The Casio Edifice EF-500 may not be the most talked-about model in the Edifice lineup, but for those who know it, it’s a true workhorse. With its clean chronograph dial, solid stainless steel case, and precise quartz movement of the 2711 it’s an easy to wear solid watch. I would also mention it has 100m water resistance which I think is more than usually at this price category.

I wore mine for over a decade, and it never let me down. Whether I was at work, traveling, or just going about everyday life, this watch was always up to the task. It’s not overloaded with features, but what it does, it does well. Obviously shows time, has a chronograph complication, date window, and a layout that’s both legible and timeless.

In the 16 years I’ve owned it, the watch has been incredibly reliable. I’ve only had to change the battery a few times and eventually replaced the original strap, which gave in after years of sweat, wear, and daily use. It’s held up remarkably well—just another reason why I still appreciate it today.

Over the years this one also collected a fair amount of battlescars, I was not really careful while using it. Despite of that I still have it in my collection although it rarely gets wrist time but will not leave my collection to remind me from where I am coming from.