Casio Watches Buyer's Guide

Receiving a Casio watch for Christmas was practically a rite of passage for many of today's 40-somethings in the 80s but this brand is anything but dated. Not only is it at the forefront of watchmaking, but it's also fashion-led, reliable and has turned out some iconic timepieces in its time.

Casio: A brief history

The Casio watch brand comes from the Casio Computer Co, a Japanese electronic company founded by the four Kashio brothers in 1957. But it's not just watches: the company has also put its name to other electronic devices like calculators and musical keyboards.

The popularity of Casio watches took off in the 1980s when their combination of affordability with fashion-forward designs made them a staple of wrists across the country.

Most Casio watches today are powered by quartz movements. The company was one of the earliest adopters of the technology. Ever-innovative, the company has also used solar-powered movements for some of its styles, including the iconic G-Shock.

Casio's iconic models

G-Shock

Casio's most iconic model is the G-Shock which comes in multiple variations. It was born from a desire to create a watch that never breaks, and came into existence back in1983. This tough, durable collection of watches can resist centrifugal and impact forces as well as high water pressure. The DW9052-1BCG has a stopwatch that can measure to the nearest 1/100^th of a minute and an electro-luminescent backlight so it can be read in the dark.

Edifice

This full metal, high-performance sports line from Casio is designed to complement speed with style. All of the models feature a 10 bar water resistance. You can also find varying other functionality like solar charging systems, hybrid mount construction and wave ceptor to calibrate the signal and automatically reset the time when needed.

Baby-G

The G-shock's little sister is just as feature-packed but with a splash more colour. Shock resistant to protect against vibrations and shocks, it can survive a 10-metre fall intact, as well as a dip in the water up to 200 metres deep.

Features to look for

Casio watches are far from just a timepiece. They are also packed with features to ensure that you can do everything from tracking the number of steps you've taken to going deep-sea diving with your watch.

Calorie counters

Some Casio models in the G-Shock range include a calorie counter so you get an estimate of how many calories you've burned during your workout.

Compass

If outdoor pursuits are your thing then having a compass at your fingertips is a real plus. Take a look at the G-Shock for this feature.

GPS

Always know where you are with a global positioning system (GPS) which can help pinpoint your location when you need it. GPS is just another element of the feature-packed G-Shock collection.

Shock resistance

Whether rock climbing, potholing or just tackling your daily commute the shock resistance feature can help ensure your watch doesn't suffer knocks and bumps.

Mud resistance

Life happens but Casio watches include a G-Shock model that can stand up to even tough muddy conditions.

Step tracker

Monitor every step you take to encourage you to get more active. The Baby G and G-Shock collections both include a model with a step track feature.

Fitness log

Who'd have thought you could keep track of your physical activity courtesy of your wristwatch? Casio has made it happen within the G-Shock collection.

Smartphone connectivity

Hooking up your mobile phone and your watch is easy with a Bluetooth connection. The Edifice range and G-Shock collections include Bluetooth-enabled watches.

Calculator

Given Casio's reputation extends to both calculators it's not surprising that some of the brand's watches include a calculator function: take a look at some of the retro models which combine form with function.

Setting up your Casio watch

Every Casio watch needs to be set up differently and will have a different set of instructions to follow according to the instruction manual. If you're not sure of which Casio model you have to access online instructions simply remove the watch and check out the back. The model number will be on the back to the right of a number that's in a box. 

To get the very best out of your watch you'll want to be sure it's set up correctly. The first thing to do is to set the time. As a rule of thumb the four buttons on a Casio watch correspond to: top left: adjust (to select mode), lower left: mode (to cycle through your options), top right: reverse (go back one option), lower right (forward) to move forwards one option).

To set the time on a Casio watch in the Baby-G collection start by pressing adjust and holding for three seconds. Press mode repeatedly until the seconds start to flash. Use the reverse or backwards buttons to set the correct number of seconds. Press mode again to select minutes and then use the forwards or back button to set the correct number. Repeat for the hour setting.

On most G-Shock watches you can set a daily alarm“ the process of doing so varies model by model. For most, it's a case of entering the alarm module by pressing the lower-left button on the side of the watch and using the lower left and right buttons to set the hour and minute of the alarm. To turn off an alarm you need to re-enter the alarm module.

Adjusting your Casio watch strap

As you may expect Casio watch straps come in a range of fittings and materials. Fabric, stainless steel, resin and leather are all on offer which means you can find a style that will match your needs. Resin straps are a perfect choice if you intend to do sports while wearing your watch, as they're tough, durable and water-resistant. For smart office wear, a leather strap is timeless and wears well with age, while fabric options are comfortable on the wrist. Stainless steel bracelet styles are durable and weather-proof though they tend to be heavier.

For fabric, leather and resin straps it's easy to adjust the watch strap. Simply buckle up the clasp until it fits snugly but comfortably on your wrist. Stainless steel styles fasten bracelet-style. To adjust, use your nail to open the adjuster and then slide it to the required length and click the adjuster back down to secure it.

Do bear in mind that most watch straps can be removed and fitted with a different size or adjusted to make them smaller or bigger depending on what you need. We recommend you return to us to do this service so as not to invalidate any guarantee.

Changing your Casio watch battery

All Casio watches require a battery. To keep your watch ticking over nicely this will probably need changing every 18 months to two years, depending on how heavily you use your watch. You'll know it's time to change it if it starts slowing down or stops altogether. The best option is to take your watch to a professional to have the battery changed though it is possible to also do this at home.

The first step is to buy a new battery that is compatible with your Casio watch. The official Casio website includes a list of each watch model and the battery it requires. You'll need to remove the watch's cover, a process that can vary depending on the model. Most likely it will require a screwdriver to loosen the screws and then gently prying off the cover until it pops fully off.

With the cover panel off you should be able to see a cover clip holding the battery in place. You'll also need to prise this off by either unhooking the clip or using a small screwdriver. Once opened you can slide the old battery out.

Pop the new battery in carefully, ensuring that you match up the + and“ symbols on the watch and the new battery. Once done, carefully return the cover clip to its original position. Before you go any further you may like to turn the watch over and check that it is now working properly.

Finally, screw the cover panel back on. You'll need to take the utmost care if you change the battery yourself to ensure you do no damage to the watch or accidentally scratch the face or cover.

Casio | The 80s Icon

There is no doubt that Casio have made their mark in the Watch World, with such iconic and reminiscent timepieces it is no wonder that these watches are a popular choice these days. With such a unique look and endless list of functions and capabilities, Casio are truly leaders of innovation.