Casio Watch Guide: Classic Digital Style, G‑Shock Toughness & Everyday Timepieces

For decades, the name Casio watch has been synonymous with reliability, innovation and an unmistakable sense of style. Whether you are a student looking for your first "real" watch, a professional needing a sleek office companion, or an adventurer heading into the wild, there is almost certainly a Casio for you.

In this guide, we will explore why Casio watches UK collections remain so popular, dive into the legendary history of the brand and help you find the perfect model for your wrist.

What Is a Casio Watch?

At its heart, a Casio watch is more than just a tool for telling time; it is a piece of wearable technology. While many traditional watchmakers focus solely on gears and springs, Casio made its name by mastering the "digital" side of horology.

A standard Casio digital watch is known for its clear LCD screen, multi-functionality (like stopwatches and alarms) and incredible battery life. However, Casio has also mastered the art of the analog and hybrid timepiece, offering everything from solar-powered chronographs to rugged, shock-resistant tanks for the wrist.

History & Heritage of Casio Timepieces

The Casio story didn't actually start with watches. Founded in 1946 by Tadao Kashio in Tokyo, the company originally focused on electronic calculators. It wasn't until 1974 that Casio released its first watch, the Casiotron.

The Casiotron was a game-changer. It was the world’s first digital watch with an automatic calendar, meaning it could tell not just the time, but the date and day of the week without needing manual adjustment. This spirit of "adding value" to a timepiece became the Casio DNA.

Throughout the 1980s and 90s, Casio led the "Quartz Revolution," making accurate timekeeping affordable for everyone. From the introduction of the indestructible G-Shock in 1983 to the high-tech Edifice line, Casio has consistently stayed ahead of the curve.

Iconic Casio Watch Series

If you are browsing for best Casio watches, you’ll notice they are usually grouped into specific "families." Here are the heavy hitters:

A. The Vintage Collection

These are the watches that look like they stepped right out of a 1980s movie. Models like the A168 or the F-91W are legendary. They feature slim profiles, stainless steel or resin bands and that classic rectangular digital face.

B. G-Shock

The ultimate tough watch. Built to survive a 10-meter drop, G-Shocks are the choice for police, military and outdoor enthusiasts. They are chunky, bold and practically indestructible.

C. Edifice

If you want something more "grown-up" for the office, the Casio Edifice watch series is the way to go. These are primarily analog chronographs that look like luxury racing watches but come with Casio's signature tech, like Bluetooth and solar power.

D. Pro Trek

Designed for the great outdoors, Pro Trek watches often include "Triple Sensor" technology: a compass, altimeter/barometer and thermometer.

Why Casio Watches Are So Popular in the UK

In the UK, Casio occupies a unique cultural space. You’ll see them on the wrists of fashion-forward Londoners, hikers in the Lake District and office workers in Manchester. But why the obsession?

• Affordability: You can pick up a world-class Casio digital watch for the price of a couple of pizzas.

• The "Retro" Factor: Retro fashion is huge in British street style. A Casio classic digital watch is the perfect finishing touch for a vintage-inspired outfit.

• Reliability: In a world of "smart" devices that need charging every night, a Casio that lasts 10 years on one battery is refreshing.

• Accessibility: Finding Casio watches UK wide is easy, with major retailers and local jewelers alike stocking the brand.

Classic Casio Watches Everyone Should Know

1. Casio Vintage Gold Watch MTP-B145G-9AVDF

The Casio Vintage Gold Watch MTP-B145G-9AVDF brings timeless elegance inspired by classic 1980s design. Featuring a slim gold-tone stainless steel case and bracelet, this analogue watch delivers understated sophistication with everyday practicality. Its minimalist dial and date display make it a versatile choice for both casual and formal wear.

Key Features:

• Gold-tone stainless steel case and bracelet

• Clean analogue dial with date window

• Slim, lightweight vintage profile

• Quartz movement for reliable timekeeping

• Water resistance up to 50 metres

Price Range: £75.65 (Was £89.00)

2. Casio Vintage Yellow Watch MTP-B145D-9AVDF

The Casio Ladies Vintage Yellow Watch MTP-B145D-9AVDF combines retro charm with a fresh pop of colour. Its vibrant yellow dial is paired with a polished stainless steel bracelet, creating a bold yet wearable everyday timepiece. Designed for those who love vintage style with a modern twist, this watch stands out without being overpowering.

Key Features:

• Stainless steel case and bracelet

• Bright yellow analogue dial with date display

• Classic vintage-inspired design

• Quartz movement for accuracy

• 50m water resistance

Price Range: £55.17 (Was £64.90)

3. Casio G-Shock Men’s Shock Tech Skeleton Black/Green DW-5900TS-1DR

The Casio G-Shock Watch Men's Shock Tech Skeleton Black/Green DW-5900TS-1DR delivers rugged performance with a bold, modern edge. Featuring a shock-resistant black resin case with striking green accents and a skeleton-style dial, this watch is built for durability and statement-making style. Designed to handle extreme conditions, it’s ideal for active lifestyles and everyday toughness.

Key Features:

• Shock-resistant G-Shock construction

• Black resin case with green skeleton accents

• Digital display with stopwatch, timer and alarm

• 200m water resistance

• Quartz movement

Price Range: £84.99 (Was £99.99)

4. Casio G-Shock Baby Blue Digital Watch DW-5600SC-8DR

The Casio G-Shock Watch Baby Blue DW-5600SC-8DR reimagines a classic G-Shock silhouette in a soft baby blue finish. Compact yet tough, this digital watch combines iconic square styling with dependable shock resistance. Its clean display and pastel tone make it perfect for those who want durability with a modern, street-style aesthetic.

Key Features:

• Shock-resistant square G-Shock design

• Baby blue resin case and strap

• Digital display with stopwatch, alarm and calendar

• 200m water resistance

• Quartz movement

Price Range: £90.00

G-Shock: Rugged Performance & Everyday Utility

No Casio review UK would be complete without mentioning the G-Shock. Created by engineer Kikuo Ibe after he accidentally dropped and broke a pocket watch, the G-Shock was designed to be the "watch that never breaks."

Why Choose a G-Shock?

• Shock Resistance: The internal components are "floated" in a protective structure to absorb impact.

• Water Resistance: Most G-Shocks are water-resistant to 200 meters, making them suitable for swimming and diving.

• Features: Modern models include Tough Solar (recharging via light) and Multi-Band 6 (syncing with atomic clocks for perfect time).

The GA-2100 (nicknamed the "CasiOak") has recently become a global sensation. It combines the toughness of a G-Shock with a much slimmer, octagonal profile that fits under a shirt cuff.

How to Choose the Right Casio Watch for You

With hundreds of models available, how do you pick? Here is a quick cheat sheet:

Caring for Your Casio Watch

One of the best Casio watch features is how little maintenance they require. However, a little love goes a long way:

1. Cleaning: If you have a resin strap, sweat and dirt can build up. Use a soft toothbrush and warm soapy water to gently scrub the band and case.

2. Rinsing: If you wear your watch in the sea, always rinse it with fresh water afterward to prevent salt from corroding the gaskets.

3. Battery: If the screen starts to dim or the backlight doesn't work well, it’s time for a battery change. For affordable Casio watches, many people do this themselves, but a jeweler can ensure it remains water-resistant.

Conclusion