I own a forty years old Casio db, also stainless steel, snap on back and mineral crystal. Changed the battery countless times, still ticking. The calendar wrapped around to 1980 on the 1st of January 2020, but that’s about only issue I’ve ever had with it. I don’t think this one will be any different. And it was 50 bucks back in the day, which should be pretty much the same accounting for inflation. A1100 is cool, I guess that’s what I’m getting at. Looks killer.
When a saw it i buy it imediatly because the price was afordable and i love is vintage look and also love the steel,when i buy my first casio blue thunder all casio were in steel and good quality,my bluethunder still work perfectly since 1981...this new casio look great,but she is crearly more fragil than older casio..but i love it
Oh, and the black and green Japan model holds up against abrasions(contact with plastic) like a dream. Not a single scratch or loss of color at all. I once had a cheap watch from China(Temu) the silver coating of that watch came off just with body heat. Get this casino. no regrets. Shoot the Timex t80 I have is also all metal has the Casio aesthetic and it is full of scratches.
I like the case design and finishing but not enough to buy it with the other shortcomings. I'm happy with my current Casio trio of Royale (SKXMOD), G-shock 5610 and T200 Oceanus. This costs more than my 5610.
I got this right when it came out last summer. I agree with all your criticisms, especially the lack of water resistance. Also, the bracelet really isn't perfect, and the buttons are very hard to press down. But I don't regret my purchase. It looks great, it is now by far the most elegant Casio digital watch, and it'll work just great as a somewhat more ambitious-looking beater. Totally agree with your conclusion: It may not be very good value when compared to other Casio offerings, but if you love the design (as I do) you'll probably be very happy with this thing.
I have this watch, and I wear it often. The bracelet is okay - a bit of an arm hair puller at first, but era-appropriate to the original it's modeled after. The lack of a 12/24 timekeeping function leads to the only real quibble I have: the P.M. function is indicated with a "P". They couldn't have set it up to read "PM"? Or, perhaps "AM/PM"? Aside from that trivial matter, I genuinely like it for the reasons you liked it.
Thanks for the review, you always do a good job of balancing the good and bad of a new watch. Just purchased a new Casio Edifice ECBS100D-2A (ECB-S100 Series), great watch for travel and it thin.
Oh, this one was vexing for me: nearly pulled the proverbial trigger not long after it was released…but then remembered *another* unusual Casio, and, given the great deal Amazon had on it at the time last year, went for that instead: an Edifice EFA120D-1AV, or, as I prefer to call it, the Tonneau Hybrid. (Yeah, sounds like something Toyota might release next year…) All-stainless-steel, mineral crystal, *far* more functionality on the digital side, dual time-zone display (by way of the analog hands), EL backlighting for the digital display, 100m WR…and did I mention the thing looks different from anything else Casio makes at the moment? And, even though the price has gone up a good deal since I got nine, it's still roughly half that of the A1100. Maybe give this one a review at some point?
Solar battery sapphire Cristal and 100m Wr and it would be perfect, even if they needed to charge up to 200 dlls, if they made a limited edition whit allien, like weyland youtani stamp on the back and those features and a special box they would sell like crazy.
I really like that this is a bit of a a Strap Monster. The lugs seem like the accommodate a wider array of straps than most digital watches. But overall a watch that seems so close but so far. A steel case digital Casio with slightly better specs is something that I know a lot of Casio fans would love as a step-up. If the A1100 (and A1000 for that matter) had 100m WR, Sapphire, nicer bracelets, and slightly more advanced modules (I don’t necessarily need BT or multiband 6, but at least add a countdown timer and second time zone), I think we’d spend $200. But Casio makes them half-way, and a half-measure between a premium build digital watch and a cheap plastic one at a halfway price is just disappointing in both directions. And I just can’t get into the SKXMods. Their GA2100 kits are too AP-ified and have all the appeal of an AliExpress knockoff. The Royale kits have promise, but I just don’t like the busy and asymmetrical module layout (I respect what it does, but I’m an LF20/A500w for my World Time). And the A168 option just doesn’t work for me. Too close to the original without the charm. After seeing what various microbrands have done with NH35 movements from Seiko, I love the concept of microbrands taking Casio modules and building nice watches, I just don’t really think SKXMod has executed on it. At very least, they ought to have many of the same dial options from their GA2100 and AE1200 watches for the a168-blue sunburst or teal waffle or shiny resin in any color, etc. I’d be keen to see them push the envelope in case design, maybe something like the case of a GADA sport/dress watch, round with standard 20mm lugs, and lots of dial options to choose from.
Although I do really really love Casio watches, I find I am having some difficulty really embracing this a1100. There's just something about it that just does not resonate with me. Like you said, for that same $135 I can get myself a really really nice Casio standard I probably could even get two or I could get at least a DW 5600 or the upgraded version that has the solar power and the multiband 6 I've seen those go for about 97 bucks on Amazon. Anyway, really nice review Thank you so much for putting this video together for us.
@@RelativeTime I found a short video that documented the tools and process. I pretty confident I can do this when needed. i own this watch and it is indeed a strap chameleon. ruclips.net/video/lGI0J-oxkAE/видео.html
According to Casio's website, watches labeled "water resistant" or "water resistance" are "wearable while water is being splashed but not under any pressure." The graphic indicates the watch can be worn while washing or in the rain, but not while washing a car, in the shower, or swimming.
Hey ! Love the POV. I feel the same about this watch. BTW, what vario bund strap is it exactly ? Yours seems to have like a gorgeous greenish hue i cannot find on the pictures on their webstite. Do you know its exact ref name (crazy horse, muddy grey etc) ? Also, it is the 20mm version right ?
It's a lot better value in Casio's line-up than an all-metal G-Shock square. For a little over $100, I think the case and bracelet are great, personally. Yeah, I like the bracelet. A compact buckle, thin and sporty, and I had no issues sizing it. The whole package is very solid and good looking. For the price, it should have a 100m WR with a screw fitted caseback, but that's my only gripe.
@@RelativeTime Yep, a descent caseback w/ wr would be worth another $20 or so. There may be issues with the control buttons w/ WR too though. For my use, it won't be a drag until it comes time to replace the battery. Given the longevity of really basic Casios, I'm cool with the whole deal.
That is a great looking watch. I was ready to buy it but the back is too thick, it sits too far from the wrist and I don't like it 🤷♂ The gold model is at 98€ here since few weeks.
I do like the backlight, just them time displayed on the screen, and the harder crystal but my wife would have to help me size the bracelet and then the questions come, how much did you spend for a Casio? I smell trouble in this timepiece. Still pretty cool.
I also bought one last december. And I love it. Waterproof to 100 meters, sapphire crystal, strong LED backlight and a second timezone (as I travel a lot, it is a useful feature for me.) And that in a retro 70's design.
@@RelativeTime That round case and square LCD is what I love about it. As it reminds me of the early LCD watches from the 70's. Like the Casiotron, Gruen Telestar, Texas Instruments and the Braun DW20.
Its a cool watch, but you can get any of the casio lineage models for less with full steel/titanium construction, better bracelet, saphire crystal, solar and wave ceptor functionality If you are gonna spend 100 on a quartz, casios jdms are a way better deal
It's one of these. vario.sg/collections/crazy-horse-leather-watch-strap I can't remeber exactly which color. It came with one of the Vario Trench Watches.
My calipers are telling me 19.9... so right under 20mm. Then at the widest point (in case you meant that) it's 42.3. The bund part where the watch sits on.
@@seanwidezki I think there's a 20 and 18 and they should look the same. Depends on what you want to put it on. If something like this then it's the 20
As someone from Europe, where we use 24h time everywhere, it's a hard sell for someone like me. A digital watch has this inherent ease of reading, you look at it and just see the digits. Doing that mental math for most of the day of adding up 12 hours to the readout might be more annoying than fun. Or it might be as easy as the reading of typical analog watch. Thing is: I'm not going to spend 130 USD to find out.
There is also a modded a168 as an option. But between those I'd still go with a modded Royal. I think it looks cooler, more functionality, and will last longer.
It looks a high-tech watch someone bought in the seventies and put it inside a drawer, It was forgotten until his son found it accidentally. No, I cannot wear this, it makes me look even older, my son could, and blame it on the old man.😀
Is it that much different than telling night or day on a mechanical watch?! I prefer 24 hours format to,but to be honest if you can't tell if it's 2 am or 2 pm you have bigger problems in your life to figure out.
Snap case back 🧐🧐 No actual water resistant🧐 you have to push a button to see the date😖 And 135$😱😱 F..k you Casio I'll give some more money and buy a vintage citizen diver from the new collection 😋😋
I’m not a fan of its “retro futuristic” looks and also, I think it’s overpriced. I prefer the looks of A700 and I like it for its much more accessible price of $50.
price is relative when it comes to cash grabs. it's what you're getting for it, and is the brand leveraging their name to charge more for it. For instance, let's say The Rock creates a new energy drink and charges $20 a can for it. It's only $20... but it's still one can.
So much hype ! The lower models atleast have a bigger display that always mentioned dates. This needs a button press.. no thanks! Casio garbage engineering
The real Casio cash grab is the Casiotron rereleases.
I have one. I received a compliment on it from a guy wearing a gold Daytona. 😄
I love that hours minutes and seconds are clearly labelled with H M S. Makes interpretation of the lcd so much easier.
I own a forty years old Casio db, also stainless steel, snap on back and mineral crystal. Changed the battery countless times, still ticking. The calendar wrapped around to 1980 on the 1st of January 2020, but that’s about only issue I’ve ever had with it. I don’t think this one will be any different. And it was 50 bucks back in the day, which should be pretty much the same accounting for inflation. A1100 is cool, I guess that’s what I’m getting at. Looks killer.
Wow! Good to know that one is still ticking. How long does the battery usually last?
@@RelativeTime couple of years usually. Longer if you don’t press the light button (which is f91w level atrocious by the way).
When a saw it i buy it imediatly because the price was afordable and i love is vintage look and also love the steel,when i buy my first casio blue thunder all casio were in steel and good quality,my bluethunder still work perfectly since 1981...this new casio look great,but she is crearly more fragil than older casio..but i love it
I sold mine I have no idea why because I really regret it. Probably will buy another.
DAMN IT!
And FYI , this watch has won iF design award 2024
Good to know!
Modded A168 for the W.
Oh, and the black and green Japan model holds up against abrasions(contact with plastic) like a dream. Not a single scratch or loss of color at all. I once had a cheap watch from China(Temu) the silver coating of that watch came off just with body heat. Get this casino. no regrets. Shoot the Timex t80 I have is also all metal has the Casio aesthetic and it is full of scratches.
This watch looks great on every strap! So if you like that you will pay the price despite its shortcomings.
I absolutely love it! And this absolutely needs to live on a brown leather strap. Thanks! Still love my SKXMOD A168.
there's a lot of drawbacks, but I just love the design, might have to pick one up one day
I like the case design and finishing but not enough to buy it with the other shortcomings. I'm happy with my current Casio trio of Royale (SKXMOD), G-shock 5610 and T200 Oceanus. This costs more than my 5610.
I got this right when it came out last summer. I agree with all your criticisms, especially the lack of water resistance. Also, the bracelet really isn't perfect, and the buttons are very hard to press down. But I don't regret my purchase. It looks great, it is now by far the most elegant Casio digital watch, and it'll work just great as a somewhat more ambitious-looking beater. Totally agree with your conclusion: It may not be very good value when compared to other Casio offerings, but if you love the design (as I do) you'll probably be very happy with this thing.
I have this watch, and I wear it often. The bracelet is okay - a bit of an arm hair puller at first, but era-appropriate to the original it's modeled after. The lack of a 12/24 timekeeping function leads to the only real quibble I have: the P.M. function is indicated with a "P". They couldn't have set it up to read "PM"? Or, perhaps "AM/PM"? Aside from that trivial matter, I genuinely like it for the reasons you liked it.
I wear mine pretty regularly. I like it a lot despite its flaws
Thanks for the review, you always do a good job of balancing the good and bad of a new watch. Just purchased a new Casio Edifice ECBS100D-2A (ECB-S100 Series), great watch for travel and it thin.
I bought this one too Shane & I love it! And yes the Vario bund strap makes it look killer!🤤🥰👍🏼
“Because, why not?” Sums it up! 😎
Oh, this one was vexing for me: nearly pulled the proverbial trigger not long after it was released…but then remembered *another* unusual Casio, and, given the great deal Amazon had on it at the time last year, went for that instead: an Edifice EFA120D-1AV, or, as I prefer to call it, the Tonneau Hybrid. (Yeah, sounds like something Toyota might release next year…) All-stainless-steel, mineral crystal, *far* more functionality on the digital side, dual time-zone display (by way of the analog hands), EL backlighting for the digital display, 100m WR…and did I mention the thing looks different from anything else Casio makes at the moment? And, even though the price has gone up a good deal since I got nine, it's still roughly half that of the A1100. Maybe give this one a review at some point?
Solar battery sapphire Cristal and 100m Wr and it would be perfect, even if they needed to charge up to 200 dlls, if they made a limited edition whit allien, like weyland youtani stamp on the back and those features and a special box they would sell like crazy.
Finally this classic watch on your channel ❤
Took me a little while to get the video made, but I did it.
I really like that this is a bit of a a Strap Monster. The lugs seem like the accommodate a wider array of straps than most digital watches.
But overall a watch that seems so close but so far. A steel case digital Casio with slightly better specs is something that I know a lot of Casio fans would love as a step-up. If the A1100 (and A1000 for that matter) had 100m WR, Sapphire, nicer bracelets, and slightly more advanced modules (I don’t necessarily need BT or multiband 6, but at least add a countdown timer and second time zone), I think we’d spend $200. But Casio makes them half-way, and a half-measure between a premium build digital watch and a cheap plastic one at a halfway price is just disappointing in both directions.
And I just can’t get into the SKXMods. Their GA2100 kits are too AP-ified and have all the appeal of an AliExpress knockoff. The Royale kits have promise, but I just don’t like the busy and asymmetrical module layout (I respect what it does, but I’m an LF20/A500w for my World Time). And the A168 option just doesn’t work for me. Too close to the original without the charm. After seeing what various microbrands have done with NH35 movements from Seiko, I love the concept of microbrands taking Casio modules and building nice watches, I just don’t really think SKXMod has executed on it. At very least, they ought to have many of the same dial options from their GA2100 and AE1200 watches for the a168-blue sunburst or teal waffle or shiny resin in any color, etc. I’d be keen to see them push the envelope in case design, maybe something like the case of a GADA sport/dress watch, round with standard 20mm lugs, and lots of dial options to choose from.
Although I do really really love Casio watches, I find I am having some difficulty really embracing this a1100. There's just something about it that just does not resonate with me. Like you said, for that same $135 I can get myself a really really nice Casio standard I probably could even get two or I could get at least a DW 5600 or the upgraded version that has the solar power and the multiband 6 I've seen those go for about 97 bucks on Amazon. Anyway, really nice review Thank you so much for putting this video together for us.
"Hair-puller" bracelet and snap-on case back are deal breakers for me, personally . I prefer my two upgraded Casios.
Nice watch that accommodates a lot of straps. Battery change is actually super easy.
Have you changed it already?
@@RelativeTime I found a short video that documented the tools and process. I pretty confident I can do this when needed. i own this watch and it is indeed a strap chameleon. ruclips.net/video/lGI0J-oxkAE/видео.html
@@RelativeTime ruclips.net/video/lGI0J-oxkAE/видео.html
According to Casio's website, watches labeled "water resistant" or "water resistance" are "wearable while water is being splashed but not under any pressure." The graphic indicates the watch can be worn while washing or in the rain, but not while washing a car, in the shower, or swimming.
Hey ! Love the POV. I feel the same about this watch. BTW, what vario bund strap is it exactly ? Yours seems to have like a gorgeous greenish hue i cannot find on the pictures on their webstite. Do you know its exact ref name (crazy horse, muddy grey etc) ? Also, it is the 20mm version right ?
It's a lot better value in Casio's line-up than an all-metal G-Shock square. For a little over $100, I think the case and bracelet are great, personally. Yeah, I like the bracelet. A compact buckle, thin and sporty, and I had no issues sizing it. The whole package is very solid and good looking. For the price, it should have a 100m WR with a screw fitted caseback, but that's my only gripe.
I think if that had upped the wr and case back, it would be a no brainer. Even if it was a few bucks more.
@@RelativeTime Yep, a descent caseback w/ wr would be worth another $20 or so. There may be issues with the control buttons w/ WR too though. For my use, it won't be a drag until it comes time to replace the battery. Given the longevity of really basic Casios, I'm cool with the whole deal.
That is a great looking watch. I was ready to buy it but the back is too thick, it sits too far from the wrist and I don't like it 🤷♂ The gold model is at 98€ here since few weeks.
Casio finally produced an excellent steel-cased LCD just at the time when my aged eyes stopped being able to read it.
Age sucks big time...
Casio released the A1000 a few years back. Also all steel.
Sigouney Weaver wore the black variant in Alien. Too cool for skool, nuff said.
Hi! Sigourney wore two CASIO A100WE connected - it's another, but similliar model. Best regards ;)
I'll have to rewatch it and see. I remeber she had the Seiko x Giugiaro in Aliens, but can't remeber seeing anything in the first one.
The Seiko she wore in the sequel was Cooler and I mean alot COOLER!! NUFF SAID
That's the A100. I have one and much prefer it to this A1100, especially considering the price.
I love it, but I actually prefer of all things the 35mm PRX digital.
A few others have mentioned that too... might have to check it out.
I want the brushed gold one but I have two Casios with modified cases and bracelets that still don't get much wrist time
I do like the backlight, just them time displayed on the screen, and the harder crystal but my wife would have to help me size the bracelet and then the questions come, how much did you spend for a Casio? I smell trouble in this timepiece. Still pretty cool.
Mmmm ive thought about one of these but ended up payin a little more for a Tissot PRX Digital ,
How do you like it? There is something about the round face and square lcd screen that puts me off.
I also bought one last december. And I love it. Waterproof to 100 meters, sapphire crystal, strong LED backlight and a second timezone (as I travel a lot, it is a useful feature for me.) And that in a retro 70's design.
@@RelativeTime That round case and square LCD is what I love about it. As it reminds me of the early LCD watches from the 70's. Like the Casiotron, Gruen Telestar, Texas Instruments and the Braun DW20.
@@RelativeTime I love it!! (: its solid well made and very legible the back light is amazing.
Nice review!! waiting a review of your firearms :)
Maybe someday. Although I haven't got anything new in a while. Been more focused on watches the last few years.
It seems I’m the weird one who loves the design
It's funky but cool
Too expensive for that kind of watch... Though thanx for sharing...
Its a cool watch, but you can get any of the casio lineage models for less with full steel/titanium construction, better bracelet, saphire crystal, solar and wave ceptor functionality
If you are gonna spend 100 on a quartz, casios jdms are a way better deal
I wish Casio make F-91W full stainless steel version.
I'm suprised they haven't.
Nice watch and great review as alaways Shane ,can you link the brown strap that shown in the video ?
It's one of these.
vario.sg/collections/crazy-horse-leather-watch-strap
I can't remeber exactly which color. It came with one of the Vario Trench Watches.
@@RelativeTime thanks ,can you tell me what the exact width of the strap ?
My calipers are telling me 19.9... so right under 20mm. Then at the widest point (in case you meant that) it's 42.3. The bund part where the watch sits on.
@@RelativeTime thanks for the explanation ,so if I want that vario strap you link I need to choose the 20 mm option ?
@@seanwidezki I think there's a 20 and 18 and they should look the same. Depends on what you want to put it on. If something like this then it's the 20
Ah the rolled links absolute nightmare to adjust!
It's a horrible system.
@@RelativeTime i had no issue with the bracelet, painless
As someone from Europe, where we use 24h time everywhere, it's a hard sell for someone like me. A digital watch has this inherent ease of reading, you look at it and just see the digits. Doing that mental math for most of the day of adding up 12 hours to the readout might be more annoying than fun. Or it might be as easy as the reading of typical analog watch. Thing is: I'm not going to spend 130 USD to find out.
You can change digital watches to 24 hour time :)
Alot of them can go to 24hr, but this one you can't.
@@ColinLack yes, I know, I was referring to this one specifically
Forget the a1100. Just get the a1000 series. They are better looking and more comfortable on the wrist.
It’s just a cash grab same as seiko keep doing recraft versions of the back catalogue if people want to buy and have the funds it’s all good 👍
Hmm, help me decide. One of these or a casio royal with an skx mod kit?
Cheers 🍻
There is also a modded a168 as an option. But between those I'd still go with a modded Royal.
I think it looks cooler, more functionality, and will last longer.
@@RelativeTime thanks for the response. Cheers 🍻
You must mean They should have "gone" a little bit further!
Just got new Aragon Millipede Max GMT LE pink dial for way less than that… Casio too expensive for what you get…
It looks a high-tech watch someone bought in the seventies and put it inside a drawer, It was forgotten until his son found it accidentally. No, I cannot wear this, it makes me look even older, my son could, and blame it on the old man.😀
I got this brand new retail for $75usd, I wonder if it's a good deal
I think so. On Amazon I'm still seeing it for retail.
I think it’s a cool retro piece but wouldn’t wear it as once you get past the frisson of the retro looks, there’s not much else
The build quality is also a bit better than your standard Casio, but after that... yeah.
I can get a much better watch for less money (AE) than this watch. Good review though.
I almost bought one. Until I noticed that it has no 24 hour mode. 😞
Which seems like a strange thing to not have these days.
@@RelativeTime Especially in Europe. Where most people don't use the AM/PM format.
Is it that much different than telling night or day on a mechanical watch?! I prefer 24 hours format to,but to be honest if you can't tell if it's 2 am or 2 pm you have bigger problems in your life to figure out.
Snap case back 🧐🧐
No actual water resistant🧐
you have to push a button to see the date😖
And
135$😱😱
F..k you Casio
I'll give some more money and buy a vintage citizen diver from the new collection 😋😋
Where is your Orient star diver ?
In my watch box... why do you ask?
I’m not a fan of its “retro futuristic” looks and also, I think it’s overpriced.
I prefer the looks of A700 and I like it for its much more accessible price of $50.
Cas(h)io grab for sure....
lol.. I like that.
Cheaper than a Rolex...
true...
Cash grab? It’s 100 bucks. 😂
price is relative when it comes to cash grabs. it's what you're getting for it, and is the brand leveraging their name to charge more for it. For instance, let's say The Rock creates a new energy drink and charges $20 a can for it. It's only $20... but it's still one can.
puff puff...pass
Must have? Glad I don’t follow trend s because this one looks like crap.
Well anything new from Casio seems to become the "one to get". At least for a few months.
So much hype ! The lower models atleast have a bigger display that always mentioned dates.
This needs a button press.. no thanks! Casio garbage engineering
Easy cash grab.