The upcoming Casio MTP-E740-4AV and MTP-E740-2A1V are vintage-inspired watches launching soon for just £85. Proving that budget-friendly watches don’t have to be boring, these new releases feature a stunning see-through dial design that punches well above its price bracket.

A Striking Translucent Dial Design

The standout feature of the new MTP-E740 series is undoubtedly its dial. Drawing heavy inspiration from the classic 1970s Seiko Time Sonar, Casio has incorporated a transparent face that reveals the mechanical day and date wheels underneath.  

Usually, entry-level Casio day-date models hide this calendar mechanism behind a solid face. By exposing it, Casio gives these models a playful, layered, and premium look that is rarely seen at this price point.  

The Standout Models: Orange and Navy

While the collection features several colors, two models steal the show:

 MTP-E740-4AV (Orange):   if you want a watch that immediately catches the eye, the MTP-E740-4AV is the undisputed star of the collection. The bright orange colorway perfectly complements the retro-futuristic transparent dial, giving the watch a summery, high-energy feel.

Orange dials have historically been associated with dive watches and motorsport chronographs, but putting it on an everyday stainless steel piece gives it a remarkably fresh vibe. 

The bright, vibrant orange dial is an absolute head-turner. It provides a bold contrast against the stainless steel case and makes the exposed calendar wheels pop beautifully.  

If you like watches that serve as conversation starters, this is the one to pick.

 MTP-E740-2A1V (Navy Blue): While the orange model screams for attention, the Casio MTP-E740-2A1V takes a much more subdued, versatile approach. The navy blue dial darkens the transparency effect slightly, meaning the exposed day and date wheels aren’t quite as loud as they are on the orange version.  

Instead, the blue model offers a “stealth wealth” appeal. From a distance, it looks like a traditional, classy navy blue dress watch. But upon closer inspection, the translucent mechanical details reveal themselves. It is the perfect choice if you want to wear the watch to the office or in more formal settings where the bright orange might feel a bit too loud.

Specs & The Sapphire Compromise

For an asking price of just £85, the spec sheet is incredibly solid, though it does come with one minor drawback.

 Case Size: 39.8mm diameter (a highly wearable size for almost any wrist).  

 Thickness: A sleek 8.7mm profile.  

 Water Resistance: 50 meters (splash and rain resistant).  

 Movement: Reliable Casio 5339 quartz with a 3-year battery life.  

 Glass: Mineral Crystal.  

The only real downside here is that the watch doesn’t have sapphire crystal glass. Because it uses mineral glass, the face is slightly more prone to scratches over time. However, finding a stylish, reliable, name-brand watch with a sapphire crystal under £100 is nearly impossible. At a strict £85 budget, missing out on sapphire is a completely acceptable and expected compromise.  

Final Thoughts: A £85 Steal

The main attraction of the MTP-E740 series is, without a doubt, the dial. Casio has drawn clear inspiration from iconic 1970s classics, most notably the legendary Seiko Time Sonar, by utilizing a translucent dial.

The £85 price tag makes the Casio MTP-E740 series an absolute steal. Whether you lean toward the striking orange MTP-E740-4AV or the sleek navy MTP-E740-2A1V, you are getting a vintage-inspired timepiece. Keep an eye on Casio’s official stores and authorized retailers