The Casio Edifice EFK-100: A New Era or Just Another Mechanical Watch?

Casio has long been known for its affordable, functional quartz watches, from the iconic G-Shock to the simple F-91W. However, with the announcement of the Edifice EFK-100, Casio has made a surprising step into the world of mechanical watches

. It’s an exciting moment, but is it everything fans were hoping for, or is it just a sign of a brand trying to catch up with the times?

The Casio Edifice EFK-100 is available in five different models: EFK-100XPB-1AJF, EFK-100CD-1AJF, EFK-100D-2AJF, EFK-100D-3AJF, and EFK-100D-7AJF, all of which share the same mechanical movement. Casio’s first-ever mechanical watch is powered by the Seiko NH35 movement, which, while reliable, isn’t exactly groundbreaking. With a power reserve of only 40 hours, a 3Hz operating frequency, and a hacking second hand, the NH35 offers the basic functionality you’d expect from a mechanical movement but nothing spectacular.

At a price range between ￥49,500 JPY ($340 USD) and ￥74,800 JPY ($515 USD), the Edifice EFK-100 is clearly aiming for affordability. The watch measures 39mm wide, 43.5mm lug-to-lug, and 12.5mm thick, offering solid 100-meter water resistance. While the steel models come with a polished and brushed finish, the EFK-100XPB-1AJF stands out with a case crafted from a mix of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and stainless steel, making it lighter at 87 grams. There’s a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, which is a nice touch at this price.

The dial options are also worth mentioning. The EFK-100CD-1AJF features a forged carbon dial, while the other models sport textured dials made to replicate the look of forged carbon.

These watches also feature applied indices and complex hands, which add a sense of sophistication to the design. But despite these features, some watch enthusiasts have pointed out that the watch doesn’t truly feel revolutionary. Instead, it’s a safe, familiar entry into the mechanical market for Casio, a brand more famous for its digital watches.

While the Edifice EFK-100 marks an important milestone for Casio, it might not be the game-changer that many were expecting. Some argue that this mechanical watch doesn’t offer much beyond what’s already available from other brands like Citizen or Seiko, and the accuracy of the movement could be better. In a world where consumers have access to more high-performance watches, Casio’s entry might seem underwhelming. However, for those looking for a reliable, stylish mechanical watch at an affordable price, the EFK-100 could still be a good option.

So, does Casio’s first mechanical watch excite or disappoint? For some, it’s a welcome addition to the Edifice line, while for others, it’s a missed opportunity to do something truly innovative. Either way, it marks a new chapter for the brand and will likely appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.