The three new watches Casio has released in its Classic collection look so familiar that many people probably won’t even think they’re new, or even from this decade, for that matter. With the nostalgic look of the ubiquitous digital watches from 1980s like the plastic-classic F-91W, these retain all the features and qualities qualities you either love or hate. They’re small, thin, and light; they cost about as little as any watch could, and they pack in a surprising amount of functionality. They light up. They beep.
The Classic collection of watches are among those that you think of as branded primarily as Casio, as opposed to prominent sub-brands like G-Shock, Pro Trek, or Edifice. They are basic, inexpensive, and remarkably hardy for their price. The new A700W capitalizes on the humble but legendary design of watches like the F-91W, but also fits in among the Data Bank and World Time collections that have made a comeback in popularity. We’ve yet to se integration of Tough Solar tech in these watches, but that could conceivably be a next evolution in the series.
The new watches come in three variations, two of which are steel, and one of which is steel with a gold-colored coating (the A700WMG-9AVT). The gold version and another in steel with a gray dial (A700WM-7AVT) have a mesh Milanese strap, whereas the most classic looking of the bunch uses a steel bracelet and has darker elements on the dial. Each measures just 35.5mm wide and uses a mineral crystal, and presumably (though it is not disclosed) features basic water-resistance consistent with other such Casio watches. Prices for the Casio Classic A700W start at $34 for the steel bracelet, going up to about $60 on the Milanese strap in steel, and gold-toned model is $75.
Gear Patrol also recommends:
Casio F-91W ($19)
Timex Weekender ($60)
Nixon Base Tide ($100)
