Key Takeaways
1. Casio’s First Mechanical Watch: The EFK-100 series marks Casio’s entry into the mechanical watch market, previously dominated by brands like Seiko and Citizen.
2. Automatic Movement: The watches will feature the Seiko NH35 automatic movement, known for its reliability and features like hacking and hand-winding.
3. Design Elements: The EFK-100 series will showcase signature Edifice design traits, including sharp angles, compact sizes, and textured dials in deep green, arctic white, and ocean blue.
4. Water Resistance and Pricing: The watches are expected to have 100 meters of water resistance, a thickness of under 10 mm, and a price range of approximately $300 to $500.
5. Community Excitement: There is significant anticipation in the watch community for the EFK-100 series, suggesting it could make a notable impact in the mechanical watch market when unveiled in June.
For many years, Casio has established itself with its reputation for quartz accuracy, low prices, and dependability. They haven’t really focused on mechanical styles. So, when initial hints emerged about the brand’s first mechanical watch under the Edifice name, it got people talking. A few weeks later, what began as a quiet speculation is now shaping up to be a real product line: the Casio EFK-100 series.
A New Chapter for Casio
The EFK-100 series appears to be Casio’s first real venture into mechanical watches, a market that has been primarily led by competitors like Seiko and Citizen. This series will carry the signature design elements of the Edifice family, showcasing sharp angles, compact sizes, and practical proportions suitable for both daily and professional wear. The major shift here is what lies beneath the dial: an automatic movement—most probably the well-known Seiko NH35, based on earlier reports and now verified by Casioblog.
Movement and Features
There’s no proprietary movement in play just now (and no one really thought Casio would create one from scratch), but the NH35 is a dependable option. It includes features like hacking, hand-winding, and a 40-hour power reserve, making it a great entry-level choice for an affordable mechanical range. This also allows Casio to keep the EFK-100 competitive without driving up the price too much.
As for the design, the latest images reveal at least three dial options: deep green, arctic white, and ocean blue—each showcasing a textured finish that looks like mineral stone or painted plaster. These watches will feature straightforward bar indices, date windows at the six o’clock position, and the word “Automatic” neatly printed on the lower section.
Water Resistance and Pricing
Insider information suggests that the case will offer 100 meters of water resistance and is likely to be less than 10 mm thick. Pricing is yet to be officially confirmed, but reports indicate around $300 for the standard steel versions, and possibly up to $500 for the carbon-cased model.
Casio has explored various side ventures in the past—from Wear OS smartwatches to action cameras—but not many have had staying power. This time, though, the response seems to be quite different. There’s a lot of excitement in the watch community, and for a good reason: Casio’s entry into the mechanical market could shake things up like it did during the “Quartz Revolution.”
Reports claim that the EFK-100 could be officially unveiled in June. Even if it doesn’t take over the market immediately (which seems unlikely), it’s impressive that Casio is ready to catch us off guard, even in 2025.
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