Casio Edifice EFK-100: First mechanical, and game changer?

Borna Boschunjak

Wait a second – what happened to that title? Why are we talking about Casio and mechanical clocks in the same sentence? No, dear reader, Time+Tide is not completely off the rails yet, but the announcement of Casio’s new mechanical construction model has really rocked the market’s affordable end. Over the course of nearly 80 years of history, Casio has made everything from ring pipes and (first) electronic computers to music equipment and watches. But the really big news is that millions of F91Ws have been pumped out throughout this time, Casio has never made a watch with mechanical movement. Mechanical watches aren’t that surprising, as they may be technical, but even so, we know how difficult it is for some WIS to embrace change.

What’s the news?

Before you make any more… state… speed up what these watches actually do. The catchy name Casio chose for this groundbreaking building development is the EFK-100. Well, it may not be on the level of “G-Shock” or “Astron”, but that’s how I run. The complete collection is not fully deployed in all regions, but it consists of five new models. The four are enclosed in stainless steel with matching bracelets, but replace the fifth bracelet with the forged carbon case. This is not a groundbreaking thing. Also, the quartz movement like the lines of the rest of the building would make it a great daily for anyone looking for a Set and Forget watch. However, the small line of text below the pinion says “automatic”. In some respects, it’s odd that they haven’t even tried it, but this may be the perfect time to start a mechanical effort.

Texture is the name of the game when it comes to dialing. You can choose between blue, green, white or carbon. Everything shares an incredible degree of complexity and depth, and in colored examples it almost mimics the swirling patterns found in counterfeit carbon models. The main dial section transitions to a sudden rehout that matches a flat sapphire crystal, separated by an azlazing ring. The index is once again a pleasant surprise, with a brushed top and funny sides matching the semi-skeletal fence post’s hands. With a simple branding at 6 o’clock and a symmetric date window, you’ll rarely complain. Don’t worry, I found at least one moan. That date window is framed very well on the dial.

The case finish is also very comfortable, with a flat, top-sided muscular brush on the rug and bracelet. But if you’re not a fan of too many polishing for your sporty watch, the EFK-100 may be too shiny for you. Personally, I don’t really care about it. With a water resistance of 100 meters, I think these will be a great, affordable choice for the “robust elegance” category of backpacks. Looking at the side-on of the watch, you may notice signs of cost savings. The crown is not signed, the bracelet is adjusted with push pins rather than screws, and comes with basic clasps without any tweaks.

With a fully forged carbon piece, the finish is quite different. Instead of polished bezels and lugs, the matte surface is comprehensive, whether it’s a PVD coated bezel or the exposed composite itself. And to go with this all-black look, Casio also blacks the indexes and hands and actually color the date wheels. However, I fear that the readability will be affected by tinkering with the colour of my hands, especially considering the lack of AR coating on the crystal. Casio replaces FKM rubber with its own integrated end link style, not a carbon bracelet. Sadly, it means there’s no change in the straps and I feel it’s a bit overlooked. However, the sizing is consistent with a diameter of 39mm, thickness of 12.5mm, and lug-to-lug 43.5mm.

But why the Seiko movement, and why now?

The answer to the first part of the question is very simple. Seiko NH35 is one of the most widely used, reliable, serviceable moves available at the 3rd party, and is inexpensive. As Seiko’s 4R3X line is a renamed version, for a single unit, expect to pay around USD 60. If you are talking about bulk orders, we are sure Seiko’s TMI department is happy to offer decent wholesale discounts.

The main specifications are certainly very basic. This movement involves letters and hacking, but runs only at 3Hz and has a low 40-hour power reserve. This is not normal at the entry-level price range that Casio is targeting, and my main complaint is that in fact, completely unfinished movements are on display.

“Why now?” It’s a little more difficult, but I think I have a pretty good theory of operation. After a difficult few years for the industry, many established brands began to creep up prices. Naturally, microbrands have made great use of this and have provided incredible value to enthusiasts, but most of them are caches with large brand names. Often, when talking about affordable watches, the only big box brands of lovers’ lips are Casio and Seiko. So why not take advantage of it and expand their offerings from Quartz to machines? For the vast businesses that are Casio, this small exercise is a drop in buckets if it fails, but it could open the floodgates to revive customer interest.

What does Casio’s mechanical movement mean for the industry?

Think about the major players in the mobile supply of affordable watches. With the two layers of Seiko and the civic Miyota reigning over the years, you don’t have to think really hard. Of course, we cannot ignore the increase in the influx of Chinese athletic manufacturers who have entered the fray, but with the exception of certain applications (thinking affordable microrotors and mechanical chronographs), they are not broken. It could be for a variety of reasons, but I risk speculating that much of it will result in reputation. Unfortunately, and not necessarily, the country’s manufacturing industry is still considered inferior, despite the large box brands being surprised by the number of components made by Chinese experts. It changes slowly, but it takes a long time for the purest purists to be recognised as truly impressive.

Casio has the great advantage of being famous for its quality and affordable prices, especially when it comes to products like the G-Shock, but it also has the long-respected marketing play of Japanese manufacturing. But to truly beat Seiko’s third-party offerings, Casio will need to set up manufacturing outfits that will go beyond or match SPEC’s NH35, or make it affordable in the long run. Brand executives know this and are sure they know the power of Seiko in a painful way. For example, no news reports have been mentioned about movement makers.

In fact, Quintet of this building believes Casio will test the water before making any long-term commitments. It is not necessary to mention that investments in the manufacture of in-house mechanical exercise must be supported by a very long-term release calendar, and that given Casio’s love for bloody things, it must be supported by an entirely new sub-brand. That said, I would be happy to rebuild the building, as Casio’s mechanical lines have a bit in mind given their relative ambiguity or to give Oceanus a global appeal. Is this a sign of what is coming? I hope so – don’t expect any tourbillon equipped G-shocks anytime soon.

Casio Edifice EFK-100 Automatic Pricing and Availability

The Casio Edifice EFK-100 model is currently available in markets around the world. In the US, green and full carbon models are not listed online, but in the UK all five models are listed as pending refills. Price: USD 280, £269 (regular dial), USD 300, £269 (counterfeit carbon dial), £429 (carbon case and dial)

Brand CASIO Model Edifice EFK-100 Reference Number

Case Dimensions 39mm(d) x 12.5mm

Movement Seico NH35, automatic power reserve 40 hours functioning hours, minutes, seconds and date availability for USD 280, £269 (regular dial)
300 USD, £269 (Counter Carbon Dial)
£429 (carbon case and dial)