Casio men's watches: the best models and selection criteria
Casio men's watches - democratic and stylish - are chosen for themselves by people with different levels of income and aesthetic preferences. Electronic gold and sports laconic models, G-Shock and Edifice, as well as other lines of wrist accessories from this Japanese company can be found in the wardrobe of Hollywood stars and teens from Australia, Japanese office clerks and glamorous divas. Reviews of Casio watches look promising, but is it really that good - it's worth talking about in more detail.
History
Casio watches are a product of their time. When in 1946 the Casio brothers founded their family business, the release of these wrist accessories was out of the question. The company has developed and started to produce solenoid-based metering devices... The time for the clock came much later, when the brand was already successfully resting on its laurels as one of the largest manufacturers of portable calculators.
In 1974, it was decided to combine the functions of different electronic devices in one housing. This is how Casiotron watch is the first model with a perpetual calendar, calculator and electronic display. Sales were growing successfully, but this branch of the company was not at all the main one. The whole world learned about Casio as a manufacturer of unique men's watches in 1983, after the release G-Shock. It is worth noting that the model has gone a long two-year journey from prototype to implementation, and there were many changes in its concept.
Since then, watches from Casio have won over one million loyal fans. The production, which had been located in Japan since 1946, was moved beyond its borders half a century later. Today, the company's factories operate in Mexico and the USA, India, China, Taiwan and Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Modern models of Casio watches can sync with iPhone and Android, look stylish, but retain their old charm.
The brand does not refuse to release retro models either: all of them are successfully sold today, creating good competition for more expensive, but not so high-quality analogs.
Peculiarities
Japanese men's watch Casio Is a vivid example of a stylish accessory in the right "packaging". From the very beginning, the company focused on the usefulness and functionality of its inventions. Most of the models can be easily imagined both on a person in a business suit and on a fashionista in expensive branded clothes. This watch has a recognizable design and has its own distinctive features.
- The presence of backlight. Modern models turn it on automatically when you raise your hand.
- "Perpetual" calendar that does not require adjustment, even in leap years.
- Minimum power consumption. 1 battery lasts for 5-10 years without replacement.
- Neon illuminated hands (analogue models).
- Clear display of numbers. Even in bright sunlight and at awkward angles, the data is clearly visible.
- A wide range of built-in options. It was Casio who first combined a calculator and a watch, built a game into them, launched a series for the elderly, a prototype of fitness bracelets.
- Comfortable fit on the arm. It is achieved due to the ergonomic shape of the case and comfortable straps or bracelets.
- Versatility of appearance. Even sports models look quite stylish in combination with a business suit.
These are not all the features of Casio watches for men. Each line has its own interesting feature and a set of options that are relevant to specific users.
Rulers
Casio men's wrist watches always look stylish and fashionable. The brand pays a lot of attention to the variety of the lineup. New items are produced for men in different body colors: white, blue, red, black, metallic models. The type of construction also varies: Mechanical, quartz, electronic, solar and waterproof options help their wearers look fit in any circumstance. It is worth considering their lineup in more detail.
G-Shock
The legendary men's line. In this series, Casio produces watches equipped with shockproof waterproof case. With them you can swim and take a shower in the field, go to the mountains, do parkour and ride a bike. The body protects the electronic stuffing perfectly: even during the demonstration of the 1st generation in 1983, they jumped on them, the body was thrown against the wall. The clock continued to run.
Modern G-Shock models are able to not only resist threats from the outside world. They are equipped with GPS and radio synchronization, have a "smart" plant head, which acts as a control unit, and support power from solar panels. Included is a complete set of useful sensors and everything you need for hassle-free daily use.
The most budget models start at 150 USD and look rather laconic.
Since 2019, the G-Shock version has appeared with carbon case and carbon fiber watch module protection. The brand also releases this model in a metal, rather than polyurethane, case in the MT-G sub-series. There is a sapphire crystal, a well-thought-out design adapted to the image of a business person.
There is also a premium version of the G-Shock MRG in a titanium case, with an analog dial and branded shock resistance.
For those who spend long hours in the sands of the desert or the mud of the roads, their watch has been released. G-Shock Mudmaster equipped with an additional Badoro shell, which makes the movement completely sealed. This option with a brutal design and excellent performance is intended for military and extreme sports enthusiasts, fans of tactical sports.
Baby-G
Women's version of the G-Shock watch. Sometimes it is considered a teenage or unisex version, since all the functionality is preserved, but the dimensions of the watch case are more miniature.
Edifice
"Car" watch Casio with a strict classic design. Rather, it is an expensive accessory that goes well with luxury sports cars. The functionality of the line is much inferior to Pro Trek, G-Shock, but on the bezel there is a tachometer and several stopwatches in the kit. There are Smart-series that allows accurate time and time zone calibration when paired with a phone. This is one of the most beautiful Casio watches, not only among the male models, but in general.
Vintage
A line of watches that the manufacturer does not want to give up. Contrary to expectations, this is not a retroclassic in the direct sense, but carefully preserved design options from the 70s and 80s of the last century, as well as the most stylish models from the 90s. Among the models especially stand out Vintage Iconic A1000D-7EF, A1000M-1BEF with braided or classic metal link bracelet. Round Vintage round in a metal case and dozens of color options will do honor to any fashionista.
Pro Trek
Stylish and functional solution. Ruler combines functionality and increased body strength... The set includes an ABC sensor with an altimeter, barometer, thermometer, compass, as well as a basic set of functions. In addition to the analog dial, there are electronic information windows. The model is considered tourist, it has a solar battery.
The series also has a men's watch WSD-F20 with Android Wear and smart features. They sync with your phone and have a rechargeable battery. The model is aimed at sports enthusiasts, suitable for controlling various body parameters.
Radio Controlled
A series of watches with automatic radio signal reception for calibration. These are the most accurate models that will not go astray even in decades. In addition, the series models have:
- glowing neon screen;
- built-in stopwatch;
- timer;
- alarm clocks;
- automatic calendar;
- solar battery;
- LED lights;
- world time.
The models are made in a stylish minimalist design, with metal cases and bracelets, sapphire crystal. The level of water resistance allows you not to remove the accessory in the shower or bath.
Sports
Casio sports watches for men are presented in five models in a practical polyurethane case with acrylic glass. HS-3V-RET have a built-in rechargeable battery designed for 5 years of operation. The round screen and built-in stopwatch allow you to record records in comfort. The watch is worn on a cord. Among the wrist models, it stands out W-734-1AVEFsuitable for snorkeling.
Collection
"Family series" of Casio watches. In the men's line options for every taste are presented: with round, square, rectangular dials, analog hands and electronic display. The series uses sapphire or quartz glass, metal and plastic cases. You can find a model in any style and color.
Rating
Casio watches in the male version are so diverse that it can be difficult to settle for one model. The most relevant and popular options are collected in a rating for ease of selection.
- Casio G-Shock GA-2000-1A9ER Chronograph... Analog-digital split with world time display, made in stylish "aviation" design. The dial is clearly marked with an X-shaped division into zones, and the mode change indicator resembles an aircraft propeller. The watch is brutal, rather large - 51.2 × 48.7 mm, but weighs only 60 g. The model is presented in a wide variety of colors.
- Pro Trek PRT-B50-2ER. The watch for climbers and skiers in 2019 received an additional set of options, now they have a pedometer, a digital Quad Sensor sensor with fixing altitude, ascent speed and altitude points of relief. There is a Bluetooth module, GPS navigation and the ability to work at low atmospheric temperatures without interruptions. Stylish design and comfortable fabric strap make this watch a must-have for true extreme lovers.
- Edifice EQB-1000D-1AER. Ultra-thin at only 8.9 mm, this men's watch is still one of the best choices for athletes. Precise stopwatch, racing chronograph with extensive memory and lap time comparison, Bluetooth transmitter are just as convenient. In addition to them, there is a proprietary solar battery.
- G-Shock G-Squad... Another model from the shock-resistant line, this time with a fitness tracker function, an energy efficient battery and Bluetooth included for data synchronization with a smartphone. The bright design of the case pleases the eye and makes the watch well visible.
- Collection AE-2100W-4AVEF. Stylish watch in a polymer case with mineral glass and flexible elastic strap. The model has a capacious battery for 10 years of operation. The case is completely waterproof, withstands pressures up to 20 bar, suitable for diving without scuba gear. The large information display shows the calendar date, updated automatically, you can choose a convenient time format, use a stopwatch, timer and LED backlight.
- Casio A158. A classic model of men's watches without an extra set of functions, in a design from the 80s of the XX century, it is produced in the Vintage series. You can choose different colors of the case and the micro-screen backlight. Despite the plastic case, the model looks quite decent, it is liked not only by connoisseurs of retro.
How to distinguish an original from a fake?
The problem of distinguishing fake Casio watches from the original looks quite serious. Since the brand is popular and sets affordable prices for its products, copy makers do their best to intercept gullible buyers. To avoid purchasing goods from counterfeiters and their dealers, you should pay attention to important points.
- Availability of a Casio warranty card with a hologram... If it is not there, and the store offers "its own guarantees", you should refuse to purchase.
- Serial number does not match the region. In the Russian Federation and European countries, the marking at the end of the model name must have the prefix ER.If the serial number contains a different letter code, the watch was imported illegally. The Edifice series models may contain the VEF, VUEF add-on.
- Price very different from the market average. Casio always sets the recommended cost "corridor" on their watches themselves. All offers below this threshold can be considered fakes from the very beginning. The easiest way to "check" prices is in the official online store of the brand.
- Unofficial points of sale... Any resale of Casio watches through message boards, social networks, taking orders in personal accounts or on "one-page" sites is illegal. There are no branded products here, only cheap fakes.
- Unreadable engravings on the case... For fakes, all inscriptions are written, not imprinted into the material. They are practically unreadable, and it is difficult to make out the text. In the original, all these details are flawlessly executed.
- Screen. In the original Casio, it will be plastic only in some retro series, the rest will use quartz glass. The fake models will use a polymer display.
- Screws on the back of the case. In the original, they fit any type of screwdriver. In fake ones, you can only unscrew the fasteners with a cross sting.
These are the main parameters by which you can determine what is on sale - a low-quality fake or an original product from Casio.
How to choose?
When choosing a Casio men's watch, you should pay attention to the characteristic features and set of functions available for different models of the brand. The firm is respected by a large number of fans around the world. But relying solely on personal preferences or recommendations from the outside is not too correct.
It is better to consider objective criteria that can help in making the right decision.
- Series... The brand has a designer Casio COLLECTION with a men's MTP line, as well as independent Pro Trek, Edifice, G-SHOCK. Each line has its own characteristics. There are sports, extreme, shockproof, exclusive models with cases made of ceramics, titanium, brass. You can find a solution for every taste.
- Glass type... Plastic ones can be found only in the models of the retro segment, the most budgetary ones. Most of the brand's watches are equipped with tempered mineral glass. Some versions are equipped with sapphire lenses, which are almost impossible to scratch.
- A bracelet. It can be made of stainless steel or titanium alloy. The strap is made of textile, carbon fiber, polyurethane, polymer, some models can be equipped with replaceable elements.
- Shockproof function... Only the G-Shock has a case with a special booster. Pro Trek has protection, but at the level of other models with a similar purpose. All other Casio watches do not have this feature.
- Water resistance level... Despite the presence of the WR (water resistant) mark, the level of water resistance of Casio men's watches varies greatly. Marking 30 m or 3 atm. indicates that only short-term contact with raindrops is safe for the case. The WR 50 allows you to wash your hands and take a shower without removing your watch. WR 100, 200 or 300 m allows you to swim, and in the last two cases, scuba diving without consequences for the accessory.
- Protection against the influence of electromagnetic fields. This option is not available in all watches, it is found only in the G-Shock sub-series. Even with prolonged contact with a source of interference, the watch will run smoothly.
- Energy saving function. Extends battery life up to 4 times. Most often found in battery models.
- Solar battery. It is available on watches marked Tough Solar. This option is especially appreciated in Casio products. With the help of a solar battery, the watch can be maintained for a longer period of time.
- Bluetooth. The most modern models have this module, which allows synchronization with a smartphone and a special proprietary application.
- Measuring components. In extreme and fitness series you can find a thermometer - air and water, barometer, altimeter, depth gauge, tachometer, pedometer. How much they are necessary for a particular user is an individual question.
Only a cumulative assessment of all factors can provide a correct assessment of the capabilities that a Casio watch has. When choosing, it is enough to simply find a model with those functions and characteristics that the user needs.
Review overview
Casio men's watches have established themselves as reliable middle-class accessories that set the tone in the market for electronic and quartz models. According to buyers, they have a lot of interesting "chips" - from solar panels to the ergonomics of the case. The company still produces the models that made it famous in the 90s, allowing retro lovers to purchase authentic watches at reasonable prices. In addition, having chosen Casio once, they are rarely changed to other brands.
Male models are distinguished by their severity and laconic design. It is noted that the options with arrows are a little more massive than the classics, the electronic ones are flatter, and they easily hide under the sleeve of a shirt. Sports watch the company prefers to make from polymeric materials that do not react with sweat.
Models in a steel case do not darken, battery replacement is required, according to the owners, no more than 1 time in 5-7 years.
Buyers note that modern clock of this brand have a larger dial, additional scales are more often used here, the case has a sealed design. Almost all models are waterproof. The disadvantages include only an increase in weight by almost half. In addition, on plastic cases, sometimes there is a problem with pressing the buttons, they are quite deeply recessed.
For a video review of several popular models of Casio men's watches, see the following video.