Casio is a brand that is synonymous for its G-Shock watches. This time, they are doing something different, with the introduction of its first-ever mechanical timepiece.
We covered the press release with our usual commentary of the Edifice EFK-100 here.
Review: Casio Edifice EFK-100 Series
The price of the Casio Edifice EFK-100 begins at S$379 onwards.
The Edifice EFK-100 is the first mechanical timepiece from Casio, since it was founded in 1946. It certainly took them quite a while, although the brand perhaps is most known for its robust and iconic G-SHOCK series.
While it took them quite a while to get here, Casio certainly did a great job with this timepiece. It features a timeless and simple design, but with solid execution all around. All these, at a relatively affordable price point of S$379, is almost unheard of in today’s era.
We have done a short review on the timepiece in video form, which can be accessed below. If not, please continue to read on for our review on this timepiece.
Short YouTube Review on the Casio Edifice EFK-100
The Case, Dial, and Hands
The Casio Edifice EFK-100 is 39mm in size, and it is available in stainless steel. We understand there is a special model, dubbed the EFK-100XPB, which comes with a slightly larger 40mm case that is constructed in forged carbon and resin. The watch comes with an integrated bracelet, following the same material as the case. We were quite surprised and impressed with the case and bracelet construction, as they feel rather solid and sturdy with minimal hint of flimsiness. The only slightly qualm is that the edges are a little sharp, and we thought that it would have been a tad more refined if Casio had done some bevelling on the edges instead.
The slightly more interesting bit lies in the dial. For the timepieces, Casio offers collectors an electro-formed dial – in either charcoal grey, blue, green, or silver. This gives the dial some texture, which lends a nice touch to its aesthetics. We also like how Casio offered a few pretty compelling colours for this timepiece, with the green and blue option being our favourites.
The Edifice EFK-100 is a three-hand timepiece, with a date display at the 6 o’clock position. While it is very legible in the day, the luminescence is rather lacking as Casio had only applied lume on both the hour and minute hand. We thought that Casio could have been a little more generous by applying lume on the hour indices as well.
Overall, Casio decides to play a little more conservative here, and we can see why. This is after all the brand’s first foray into this segment of timepieces, and it is natural that Casio prefers to go with something that has been tried and tested. The design construction is nothing fanciful; rather, it is simple yet honest. The epitome of what Japanese watchmaking is all about.
The Movement: TMI (Seiko) NH35
The Edifice EFK-100 is powered by the TMI (Seiko) NH35. This is a workhorse movement that most collectors should be familiar with. The watch ticks at 21,600 bph, with an autonomy of around 40 hours. The self-winding movement has an accuracy of around -35 to +45 seconds a day, which is standard for this particular movement.
We have no issues with the NH35 – it is a solid and reliable movement. However, we thought that this might have been a good opportunity for Casio to showcase its prowess in developing a mechanical movement. Perhaps, as mentioned earlier, as this is the brand’s first mechanical timepiece, and this timepiece is used as a gauge to test the market’s response. While we can say that this is a missed opportunity, the view from the business angle is not entirely wrong.
Competitive Landscape
The price of the Casio Edifice EFX-100 begins at S$379 for the stainless steel variant.
In terms of comparison, here are some of the watches that can be considered as its peers.
We begin with the rather popular Tissot PRX. The PRX had gained a strong following from both seasoned and budding collectors alike, given its value proposition and relatively accessible price point. This is another suitable candidate for an “everyday” watch, with its sleek profile and clean design that is versatile enough for both casual and dressier occasions. Priced at S$1,000 (with the bracelet), it was touted as one of the more reasonably priced mechanical watches. But now, we are not so sure any more.
Next, we have something from Japan. The recently released Citizen Zenshin is worth some serious consideration. The watch features the brand’s Super Titanium case and bracelet, with a rather agreeable design to boot. If one is looking for a robust and lightweight timepiece, the Zenshin, which is priced from S$872 onwards, is certainly compelling.
Lastly, we have the Seiko 5 (image above courtesy of Seiko). Over the years, Seiko had produced numeorus timepieces under the Seiko 5 line, including the Seiko 5 Sports HUF Limited Edition (pictured above). It is one of the entry-level models to the brand, with a myriad of highly attractive designs. Seiko 5 watches are very popular, and it is not difficult to see why. The example above is priced at US$380 (approximately S$490).
Concluding Thoughts
We always like an underdog story, and this appears to be one of them. But beyond that, we like how aggressive Casio is with this piece – at S$379, we dare say that this is a timepiece that offers one of the best value propositions in the market currently. The quality and craftsmanship certainly punches above its weight, and it is certainly a very formidable option for a new collector that is looking for his or her first watch, or someone who is looking for a daily beater.
Is the Casio Edifice EFK-100 a perfect watch? It is not. It can do with some refinement in its case and bracelet finishing, and we yearn to see an in-house movement from the brand itself. But it is no slouch either. Microbrands have seen their popularity rise in recent years, and we reckon that is partially driven by the ever-increasing prices of entry-level watches. The Casio is an antithesis to that, and we do hope that the brand is able to gain traction – and subsequently create timepieces that they are yearning to do so. We will keep a close watch on this brand, for sure.
