Casio’s Budget-Friendly Sapphire Crystal Chronographs Are Almost Here

Casio Beside BMS-500 Series Tipped for June 2026 Launch With Sapphire Crystal and Affordable Pricing

Casio appears to be preparing a new addition to its Beside watch family, with the upcoming BMS-500 collection reportedly set to arrive in June 2026. The new lineup is expected to target buyers who want a classic dress watch look with practical everyday features, without stepping into expensive watch territory.

The Casio Beside BMS-500 series is said to include four models at launch. Two versions will come with a stainless-steel bracelet: the BMS-500D-1A with a black dial and the BMS-500D-7A with a white dial. The other two models, the BMS-500L-1A and BMS-500L-7A, will feature leather straps in matching black and white dial options.

This new collection follows the earlier BMS-100 and BMS-300 series, but the BMS-500 is expected to bring a more capable module and a more refined design. The watches combine a traditional analog dress-watch style with chronograph functionality, making them suitable for both formal and casual wear.

One of the standout design details is the Roman numeral dial. Casio is using the traditional “IIII” marking at the 4 o’clock position instead of “IV,” a choice often seen in classic watchmaking. This gives the watch face a balanced, vintage-inspired appearance.

The chronograph layout includes a 60-minute counter positioned at 9 o’clock, along with a 24-hour display on another sub-dial. The main seconds hand is used for stopwatch timing, while a date window adds everyday practicality. On the leather-strap versions, the sub-dials are expected to use a contrasting color, giving those models a slightly sportier and more eye-catching look compared with the bracelet variants.

In terms of size, the Casio BMS-500 is reportedly built with a stainless-steel case measuring 48.0 × 43.6 × 10.8 mm. Reinforced lugs are expected on both the bracelet and leather-strap models, helping the watch maintain a sturdier feel on the wrist.

The watches are also said to offer 50-meter water resistance, which should be enough for daily protection against splashes, rain, and brief water exposure. Accuracy is listed at ±20 seconds per month, while the battery life is expected to last around five years.

The most impressive feature for the expected price range is the sapphire crystal. Sapphire glass is more scratch-resistant than standard mineral glass and is usually found on more expensive watches. If all four BMS-500 models do include sapphire crystal as reported, this could make the collection especially appealing to buyers looking for a durable and affordable Casio dress chronograph.

Pricing is expected to start at around $70 for the leather-strap models, while the stainless-steel bracelet versions may cost up to around $120. That would place the Casio Beside BMS-500 series in a very competitive segment, especially considering the combination of sapphire crystal, chronograph features, stainless-steel construction, Roman numeral styling, and long battery life.

For now, the Casio Beside BMS-500 collection is expected to launch first in Japan in June 2026. Details about wider international availability have not yet been confirmed.