Casio

Robust Everyday Watches With Creative Technology

Casio Computer Co., Ltd. is a Japanese electronics conglomerate. As its name implies, this tech giant's influence stretches well beyond the world of watches. Founded as Kashio Seisakujo in Tokyo in 1946, Casio rose to prominence with the invention of the first all-electric compact calculator in 1954. Casio remains a leader in the field of personal and professional calculators to this day.

Casio produced their first wristwatch, the Casiotron, in 1974. It also happened to be the world's first quartz watch with a digital display for the time and calendar. The Casiotron marked Casio's entry into the world of digital timepieces. Today, the company is known for equipping their watches with sophisticated technology like Bluetooth, altimeters, and GPS capabilities. Casio's current watch portfolio contains famous collections like the G-Shock, Edifice, and Pro Trek, as well as radio-controlled watches with Wave Ceptor technology. There's also the Vintage series, which honors digital Casio timepieces from the 1970s and 1980s. Then as now, select models even come with a calculator.

Casio watches are the choice of many fashion-savvy men and women who appreciate the value of reliable and robust timepieces. Each watch is either battery or solar-powered. Most feature LCD displays, though some have a classic analog display with a dial, hands, and hour indices.

Casio develops and produces most of their watch components in house. Considering how Casio is an electronics company, there's no comparing their watches with the kinds of mechanical timepieces made by traditional manufacturers. However, this doesn't make Casio's history and traditions any less intriguing.

Reasons to Buy a Casio Watch

• Robust high-tech watches
• G-Shock: an industry classic
• The Vintage collection modeled after watches from the 1980s
• Multifunctional smartwatches
• Designed for active lifestyles

Prices at a Glance: Casio Watches

How much do Casio watches cost?

Casio's catalog contains a diverse variety of watches that sell for an equally wide range of prices. Simple quartz watches like the ref. F91W-3DG cost as little as 10 to 30 USD new. However, depending on your needs and budget, prices for Casio watches can reach up into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars. One example of a more expensive timepiece is the G-Shock ref. MRGG200GA-1A. This titanium watch is hand finished by Japanese swordsmith Sadanobu Gassan. Limited to a run of 300 pieces, this model demands a whopping 7,600 USD on Chrono24.

For something truly expensive and exclusive, there's the ref. G-D5000-9. This G-Shock is made of solid 18-karat gold. If you're lucky enough to find one of these timepieces for sale, be prepared to spend up to 110,000 USD. However, these prices are far from representative. Your average multi-functional Casio changes hands for between 100 and 350 USD.

The Vintage Collection

The Vintage collection is home to a vast array of quartz watches based on Casio models from the 1970s and 80s. Defining features include square cases, a digital time display, LED lighting, a stopwatch, and an alarm function. These watches are available in a wide range of colors. The most famous versions belong to the A700 series. They exude a certain retro charm and are particularly budget-friendly.

The ref. A700WMG-9AVT is one such timepiece. Its stainless steel bracelet and resin case are both gold ion-plated. This additional layer makes the watch particularly scratch-resistant. Its case measures 37.4 x 35.5 mm and looks good on any wrist size. Like the rest of the A700 series, Casio equips this Vintage watch with acrylic glass. While water-resistant enough to survive splashes, you should take this timepiece off before showering or swimming. The only real maintenance this watch requires is a battery change every three years. You can purchase a mint-condition version on Chrono24 for around 50 USD.

If you prefer less conspicuous watches in plain stainless steel, you may enjoy the ref. A700WM-7AVT. Otherwise, this model is identical to the A700WMG-9AVT and sells for under 40 USD. Another interesting option bears the reference number A168WGG-1BVT. Its resin case and stainless steel bracelet are ion-plated with a gunmetal finish. This version is 38.6 x 36.8 mm and has a seven-year battery life. It requires an investment of roughly 40 USD on Chrono24.

The Vintage collection also offers plenty of options for women and those with smaller wrists. The ref. LA670WGA-1 is almost an exact copy of the golden men's edition but for its smaller, 30.3 x 24.6-mm case. Prices for this model begin around 60 USD on Chrono24. There's also the ref. LA670WA-1 in stainless steel, which goes for as little as 40 USD. In browsing the Vintage collection, you'll find timepieces on differently colored leather straps for similar prices. This includes the Databank line, which is comprised of watches with digital displays, calculators, and data logging. Take the ref. DBC32-1A, for example. In addition to the features listed above, this model also boasts an alarm function, second time zone, and much more. You can call this watch your own for about 40 USD.

G-Shock: Casio's Robust Everyday Watch

The G-Shock is easily Casio's most famous watch collection. It is subdivided into numerous series: MR-G, MT-G, Master of G, G-Steel, G-Squad, Origin, Classic, and G-Shock Move. There are also limited-edition models available. Each watch is united by durability and impressive functionality. Select timepieces come with Bluetooth technology, a digital compass, an altimeter, a barometer, and a location indicator – and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Top models are made of titanium and feature a GPS receiver that enables the watch to automatically adjust to the correct local time based on your location.

A G-Shock for Every Occasion

The ref. GGB100-1A9 is 53 mm in diameter and has a carbon-reinforced resin case. This combination of materials makes this model particularly robust and resistant to jolts, cold, heat, and other external influences. Scratch-resistant mineral glass protects the display. With water resistance to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft), the watch can even join you on your dives. This G-Shock comes with a wide variety of functions in addition to the specs listed above. It has a phone finder, five different alarms, a world time function with up to 29 time zones, a step tracker, and much more. If you're interested in this model, be sure to have around 340 USD on hand for a mint-condition timepiece.

Limited-Edition G-Shock With a GPS Function

The ref. MRGG2000HT-1A comes with a so-called "Connected Engine" module, which enables the watch to display the exact time in 39 different time zones using radio waves and GPS satellite data. In addition to the Connected Engine, this G-Shock offers a wide range of other functions, including a world time function with 29 time zones, a dual time display, Bluetooth technology for connecting to your smartphone, daily alarms, and many more. All this functionality is housed in a 50-mm case that is water-resistant to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft).

Casio crafts the case and bracelet out of titanium, which then receive a DLC coating. This makes the watch's surface particularly hard and scratch-resistant. Japanese master metalworker Bihou Asano finishes both the bezel and the bracelet's middle links with a special "hammer-tone" pattern using the ancient "tsuiki" technique. This model is limited to a run of 500 pieces and sells for around 7,900 USD.

The Affordable and Functional G-Shock

Those on the market for a classic, more affordable G-Shock without too many bells and whistles should take a look at the ref. G9100-1. This model comes with several practical functions like a moon phase display, tide graph, world time function, and timer – to name a few. Casio forms both the case and bracelet from black resin. The case measures 51 x 46 mm and is water-resistant to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft). Mineral glass protects the displays and keeps water from entering the watch. You can find this G-Shock on Chrono24 for approximately 100 USD.

Baby G: Colorful G-Shock Watches

Casio also produces women's G-Shock models in the Baby-G collection. The manufacturer groups the different models by reference number. However, the entire collection is united by its playful use of color. Most watches have digital displays, though select versions feature a classic analog display with hands and indices instead.

The ref. BLX560-7 is a perfect example of a typical Baby-G timepiece. Its resin case and strap are both bright white. Features include a world time function, stopwatch, and three independent alarms. The case is water-resistant to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft) and nearly 45 mm in diameter. Casio lists this watch as having a three-year battery life. Mint-condition pieces change hands for slightly over 70 USD.

Prices for Casio Edifice Watches

The Edifice collection contains a diverse range of timepieces broken down into the Smartphone Link, the Solar-Powered Chronograph, and the comprehensive Standard series.

The ref. EFV120DB-2AV is a great representative of the wider Edifice collection. It is a rather classic diving watch with a blue dial and bezel. The unidirectional bezel features a countdown function for tracking how much time has passed. The case measures 41 mm in diameter and is water-resistant to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft). Casio outfits this model with hands and indices instead of a digital display. Luminous material fills the hands, enabling the wearer to tell the time in the dark. The quartz movement also provides this timepiece with a date display at 3 o'clock. The manufacturer mounts the final watch on a stainless steel bracelet with a safety folding clasp.

Prices for a new timepiece sit around 110 USD. Other options include the ref. EFV120DB-1AV with a black and yellow color scheme and the EFV120BL-1AV with a black and red color scheme and black leather strap. Both alternatives cost about the same as the blue edition.

The Edifice Smartphone Link

Casio offers a wide range of Bluetooth-enabled watches in the Smartphone Link series. Thanks to the use of Bluetooth technology, this watch can connect to your smartphone, enabling you to synchronize the time and transfer data with the push of a button. One interesting example bears the reference number EQB900DB-2A. This solar-powered Edifice automatically saves excess energy in a high-capacity rechargeable battery. It also boasts numerous practical functions, including a timer, 24-hour chronograph, daily alarm, and phone finder. The stainless steel case is nearly 46 mm in diameter and has a depth rating of 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft), making it the perfect choice for swimming or snorkeling. A stainless steel bracelet holds this timepiece securely on the wrist. You can find never-worn models on Chrono24 for roughly 320 USD.

The Upgraded Edifice

The Edifice collection is also home to watches with more high-end features. Take the ref. EFSS510D-2AV, for example. It has a 46-mm stainless steel case that is water-resistant to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft). Luminous material fills both the hands and the applied bar indices. The blue dial features a date display, as well as a battery level indicator. A quartz movement also lends this timepiece its hour, minute, and chronograph seconds hands. Sapphire crystal protects the displays from the elements. Casio pairs the final watch with a three-piece link stainless steel bracelet with a safety folding clasp. Prices for a new watch sit around 170 USD.

Buying a Casio Pro Trek

Like the G-Shock, the Casio Pro Trek collection is comprised of a variety of watches designed for life outdoors. You'll find both quartz and battery-powered timepieces. Each Pro Trek comes with numerous practical features, such as a digital compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, alarm function, and many more. Select models also have Bluetooth technology or are able to withstand extreme temperatures.

The solar-powered ref. PRG270-1 is an example of a model that can operate in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). Casio crafts the strap and 52-mm case out of black resin. There's also a direction bezel to help orient yourself in unfamiliar terrain. Other interesting features include a sunrise and sunset indicator, a world time function, and an altimeter with a data log that can save up to 40 altitude measurements. This watch sells for about 230 USD new.

The Pro Trek With Bluetooth Technology

Tech-savvy watch enthusiasts should take a closer look at the ref. PRTB50-1. It comes with Casio's Bluetooth Smartphone Link technology that allows data to be transferred between your watch and smartphone, including time synchronization. This watch also boasts many other useful functions. There's a digital compass, step tracker, location indicator, and a world time function for displaying the time in up to 29 time zones. You can use the location indicator to show the direction and distance to a pre-programmed location – a valuable feature just in case you would get lost.

This particular watch is 51 mm in diameter and has a resin case and strap. With water resistance to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft), you can even wear your Pro Trek while swimming or snorkeling. You can purchase a mint-condition timepiece for around 230 USD. The same watch is also available in different materials and color schemes. For example, the ref. PRTB50T-7 pairs a resin case with a titanium bracelet. This version costs roughly 340 USD new.

The History of Casio: A Timeline

• 1946: Tadao Kashio founds "Kashio Seisakujo"
• 1954: Development of the first all-electronic compact calculator
• 1957: The company is renamed "Casio Computer Co., Ltd."
• 1965: Release of the "001," an all-electronic desktop computer
• 1972: The world's first pocket calculator, the "Casio Mini," makes its debut
• 1974: Introduction of the "Casiotron," the world's first all-electronic wristwatch
• 1981: Casio releases the world's first all-electric dictionary, the "TR-2000"
• 1983: Debut of the first G-Shock, the "DW 5000C"
• 1994: Casio launches the Baby-G women's watch
• 1999: The first Casio watch with GPS capabilities hits the market
• 2001: Casio introduces the solar-powered "WVA-300" wristwatch
• 2002: Premiere of the G-Shock "The G"
• 2007: Casio releases the solar-powered, radio-controlled "Oceanus Manta"
• 2008: G-Shock Riseman – the world's first radio-controlled watch with receivers for 6 wavelengths
• 2012: Casio presents the G-Shock "GB6900" with Bluetooth technology
• 2014: Introduction of the GPS G-Shock "GPW1000"
• 2016: Casio debuts the "Smart Outdoor Watch" with Android Wear OS
• 2017: Release of the G-Shock "GPW2000"