The Latest Digital Casio Is Incredibly Cool, But...
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ต.ค. 2024
- In this Casio A171 review video, I take a look at the latest Casio digital watch release, the circle A171WE-1AEF. This retro model from the Casio vintage lineup is extremely cool but is it worth the price premium?
Thanks to Amazon for covering the cost of the watch being reviewed. All thoughts are my own.
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Ben's Watch Club tends to cover affordable watches like Seiko, Timex, Casio, Citizen, MVMT, Vincero, Bulova, Orient, Hamilton, and more. We rarely feature luxury watches like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Breitling, Tag Heuer, Tudor, Grand Seiko, Cartier, Omega, Audemars Piguet, or Hublot due to their price. - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
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Some places do have this for £50 and it’s basically a scam at that price. I’d totally love to see like a £80 range of retro casios with just a couple of nice upgrades, metal, glass, etc.
Have you looked into the a1000 series? I recently purchased the a1000m and I really really like it. The only thing that would make it better is a sapphire crystal instead of mineral glass. I was worried about the legibility of the negative display, but it hasn't been a problem for me at all. While it's pretty much unreadable from some angles, it clearly has an optimum viewing angle which (not surprisingly) is just right for viewing the display from one's wrist. And the MOP-like dial is very subtle, and I love getting a flash of iridescence every now and then in the right light. I highly recommend it. Just shop around to get a good price.
@@joshharris3040 I haven’t actually, thanks for the recommendation
£80 is too much imo... The A1000 series already does this. But most everything else is the same, including module, iirc. Is a metal case and slightly nicer bracelet really worth the extra £60 ?
silence checkmark
it's only 27USD where i'm at..
Sometimes I wonder why they could not do some kind of „create your own“ customization webshop where you could click together all the modules, styles, colors and materials you like… starting with a few bucks up to a few hundred for a black titanium case variant with saphire crystal and full illumination etc. Just imagine.
That would sell like hot cakes
that would also provide good data as to what Casio fans actually want
Somebody should start a petition for that
Industrial and custom are two things that can hardly work well, except for very high prices. Imagine the logistic troubles, long waits and warranty difficulties. Maybe it can work with third parties, like people that customizes Victorinox.
@@TheGrenadier97 you're probably right, what if you make it a 200-300$ option just to start the customization? Then add another 180$ for a titanium case, 100$ for a steele case, 70$ for a saphire crystal,......
I love how much you love Casio! It brings me LIFE! Another great, honest review.
i would gladly overpay for a stainless steel version of an a-168
Absolutely, any day, and multiple times over. An a-168, with a nice stainless case, and a solid stainless bracelet, I'm in. Casio can name their price.
I would pay 200 Euro.
You and a lot of other OCD Casio watch fans! I wonder why someone isn't manufacturing metal case kits and selling them on amazon/ebay.
yea me too
i think they have few models digital dials with stainless body but only jdm..if im not mistaken
Casio snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, here.
It's just _so_ close to being an absolute *banger,* that it's almost painful to see them fall short (and quite unnecessarily at that).
Even if they pushed this to £40 for the addition of a full stainless steel case, it would suit the aesthetic so well I think it would still be worth it (even though they did us dirty with the same module).
Picked this watch up at walmart for 23 usd. Considering the all plastic f91w is about $15. This is a very large quality and looks upgrade with the same great internals (minus the backlight which is bad on the f91w as well). And it only costs about 8 more dollars. The biggest thing that isn't talked about is that this watch has a standard spring style band attachment unlike the f91w. That in itself is worth $8.
Casio had a clean sheet here and they decided to turn the A171 into a round-shaped, more expensive A158. Makes me so frustrated to think about what they could have done with this: Metal case, mineral crystal, illuminator, 50m WR for around 80 quid. Oh well...
Don't you know that casing LCDs in steel is stricly forbidden by gods of the horology? Everytime someone does that, bad things happen!
A few years ago it seemed like Casio suddenly went very cheap with their lighting systems. I have older G-shocks that are so well lit you can see the difference in broad daylight and some newer models that were so poorly lit I was initially afraid that I had been shipped a counterfeit.
It’s possibly on purpose. I have an old one and at night i can light up my face like a person at a campfire telling scary stories. Considering the g shock is popular with the military crowd such a bright light might be a deterrant
I’ve got a GD-350 and I can light up 1/2 our bedroom with the lighting, wife hates when I check the time.
My A158w lights up my room at night.
A round, day/date, quick to read, dependable, inexpensive bracelet Casio with a 7yr battery. For $33.95 delivered, what's not to like 🤓
I bought this watch about a month or so ago and it's really nice. I agree about the case material. This and the a168 are crying for a metal case and sapphire crystal. Not sure if the Casio marketing department engages with youtube or social media. If they did, they would find that many of us would happy pay $100 for versions of these watches with nicer materials. Casio puts metal cases on analog watches that cost $49 so I'm not sure why they don't put the effort in with digital. Disappointing.
It's a nice looking watch but would be so, so, so much better with a metal case.
All of the metal tone plastic cases would benefit from that. I would seriously pay the price difference if I could get them all steel cased.
1000% totally agree. They need to release metal cased options (without that ridiculous mother of pearl). I would certainly pay the difference.
No! Casio wants to die with a pockets full of money!
And a brighter sidelight, at least just like the A700.
Modding community to the rescue. I bet someone will make a metal case for this!
casio is good at making affordable watches
some may say its cheap watch but it should never be underestimated
Never cheap as my mother would have said, but inexpensive. There's a world of difference, and cheapness implies shabby. 👍
Casio supplies pretty much anyone needing a tool watch as part of their job
It's beautiful, instant love. Most retro LCD watches look like 1984 to me, this one shouts 1976.
Got mine a few days ago and i love it, i thought it was going to be bigger so i was disappointed at first but got used to it after an hour or so. The screen backlight definitely sucks ass tough but i like the weight of it. Feels way less dinky than my a158.
Good review my guy, thank you!
just recieved my first ever mechanical watch, the avi-8 flyboy engineer which you recommened in one of your videos. im extremely pleased with it and thanks for showcasing it:).
Stay on topic
@@entertainme7523 ?
Why doesn’t Casio update their modules?
It’s the same computer in a different case. I remember I had an Adidas watch when I was a kid. It had scrolling displays, lots of functions. Hmmm
It just works.
@@entertainme7523I agree about the module, you can't improve on perfection.
Awesome! Been waiting for this review. Next up, A100 please!
I was waiting for this video. I went to my local Walmart a couple weeks ago to see if I could find an a168 or a158, but they only had one Casio digital left, and it was this a171. It was only $25, so I went with it. I'm quite happy I did. I really quite like it. I find the backlight to be underwhelming, but it is completely functional. I can always read the full display when I need to use the light in darkness. Looking at the prices for this online, I feel lucky to have snatched one up for $25 USD. Now I just need some polywatch to buff out the scratches I've already accumulated on the acrylic crystal.
I got one because I wanted to put one on a cloth strap, love that look. When I was admiring it closely, I noticed two tiny notches at about the 3 o'clock and the 9 o'clock positions. I assumed mine had a bit flaw. But going back to watch your video again, I notice yours does too! Must be something that they do in the manufacturing process. I also want to reiterate that they should abandon the little green LED. Move to EL on all models. Or failing that, at least use the two orange LED backlights like in the W217. And for the love of God, start making these watches in steel again without charging a fortune. If Armatron can do it, so can Casio!
I'm constantly changing the straps on all my watches, so I love the fact that this model works with other straps
I'm enjoying these Casio reviews. After building up a small collection of 15 automatic watches, and after rejecting the idea of Casio for a long time, I broke and got a red G-Shock GA-700-4ADR last week and I bloody love it!! 53.4mm x 57.5mm and it suits my 8" perfectly. I couldn't take it off for 4 days! It took me a couple of hours to find my way around the buttons, the 5 alarms, the world time, the stop watch, the target timer etc, but with the help of TH-cam tutorials I eventually got the hang of it. I definitely see more Casio watches in my future! Excellent video as always 👌
They are addictive.
I started out with 1 G-Shock last year, now I own 5 of them…😀
Nice review Ben. Essentially an older module in a round case then? But you really got me towards the end with the mini strap fashion show. To that point I was meh about getting one, now I'd really like it. A metal case too would really make it. Is that really too much to ask of Casio? I'll shop around for price. Thanks Ben. 👍
in reality originally the round shape came earlier than the octagonal, this actually a super duper classic design for Casio
Totally agreed: make it with illuminator and metal case. That would be a #1.
I dig the G-Shock DW5700 vibes. But all the obvious and silly corner cutting really takes the fun out of it. Double the price and make all the improvements you mentioned, and I'd be in. As is, it's just another cute, cheap Casio that I'll never bother with. Oh well.
Agree 100% on materials. Just dying to see anything metal/better glass in digital.
I think now, you have to consider to buy casiotron TRN-50 as your expectation steel watches ❤
Hey Ben, I'm curious - do you make these videos as a hobby, or are you trying to do it full time?
Great video as always though mate.
So... Basically, this is A158/A163/A164 in the round casing. Nothing else.
It doesn't mean it's bad though, you can't go wrong with the genuine 593 module. But... couldn't they finally put this legendary module into a metal casing with a sapphire crystal?
They are a hit with a lot of folks I'm sure, but I will always like the squares (rectangular) more. Especially the A158. I take mine off for showers only. Thanks for sharing, always a very informative video.
me too. a158 is more than a watch to me. i bought the a158 2 months ago after lusting over it more than 6 months. i loved it the moment i laid my eyes on it. Last 2 weeks ago when there was a price drop in amazon i bought a companion watch. guess what?...the all time great f91.
I also have the F91, the F105 (which I really like), and the 168. The 168 looks a little too thick for me. I wear the others regularly, especially the 158... gold face.
Picked this watch up at walmart for 23 usd. Considering the all plastic f91w is about $15. This is a very large quality and looks upgrade with the same great internals (minus the backlight which is bad on the f91w as well). And it only costs about 8 more dollars. The biggest thing that isn't talked about is that this watch has a standard spring style band attachment unlike the f91w. That in itself is worth $8.
I love this watch it reminds me of the casiotron from the 70's
I think they have so much money off the chrome resin case, in their mind, perhaps the steel case on the A1000 was considered a flop. It would've been nice to see this watch with perhaps a countdown timer included in the module but as you mentioned; for most people, the functions provided are enough. I also wish they would've used the illuminator technology, as in the A168, for the backlight as you also mentioned in your review. The A168 and AE1200 are still my all time favorite Casio's.
Logically, yes, why not make a round 158? But for some reason, round just doesn't seem right. Square looks and feels better. I can't get used to it being round.
Same here and I own that model.
Agreed. Like a square peg in a round hole. Just looks plain bad.
Cool review, nice Todd Howard ref! Like the watch, but probably a bit too small for me. The F91W which i had was miniscule on my 7.5" wrist, and this looks similar. That said, will still check it out when i see it in the wild. Oh and Ben, in the various watch Facebook groups i frequent, people are always asking about Vincero, MVMT, Daniel Wellington etc, and i always just link to your Spaghetti Scametti parody video. It's still the funniest thing ever! Love your work.
Could you do a video on the various solar powered watches. Pleaaasee 🥲
They just work
Casio released not long ago an A171WEMB variation, with black case and milanaise bracelet. It's the best looking A171 watch in my opinion, but comes with an increased cost.
Speaking of steel-cased digitals, any chance of a review of the Armitron Griffy?
That one's been popping up in my Facebook feed a lot lately. The display looks like ten minutes past 101.
It´s esthetically obvious that the A-171 is a tribute to the first Casio; The Casiotron, which also was a round watch with a rectangular screen. I bought mine locally for 55 £, in Swedish crowns.
I just got the gun metal coloured monotone version, love it so far!
Thank's for the review. I saw them adverticed and thought: Why the hell do they use these f#$%ng LED Backlight when they have the much better Iluminator system. So I didn't buy one.
But the case is nice, so maby with my next pocket money I will buy one I think.
They'll probably release an illuminator version of this watch just like the F91w and others
@@wagnermarinho4972 that would be fine and I will buy one if they do so.
Does it have a timer?
I actually love that it uses the older module, I have a lot of experience modding them. I could literally drop in a pre-modded one with an upgraded LED in a few minutes.
I like that it uses an older module too. The User Interface (UI) is very easy to use, especially when compared to the one used by Timex. The UI for Timex watches is so confusing that I can't be sure if I've correctly set anything. To me, the Casio module is a case of "It it ain't broke, don't fix it."
For clarification, I was referring to the UI of Timex digital watches being confusing. For analog watches, I prefer Timex over Casio.
Just wondering, where can i find those coloured bracelets/straps at the end, they look great!
I've had this watch ever since I saw your review and the rounded shape instantly made me want to buy it, and honestly, I'm pretty disappointed with the case material being resin, because in 2 years it started to turn bronze at the edges of the rounded bezel. The acrylic material didn't really bother me that much because even "medium" scratches could be buffed out with a fiber cloth and an acrylic scratch cream/solution. Other than that, the watch held up fantastically, and I am still wearing it today. I bought a chinese copy of it just for fun to see how it compares (it was literally 1 euro xd). Also, I know the backlight module is kinda sucky, but I've never had problems reading the time in pretty dark light with it.
Saw these peice had to grab it have a 5.5 inch wrist so fits me . Made me think why I have so many eco drives and edifice watches .
Looks the business. Wish they cased it in Japan like my other digis
Do your research, they're all cased outside of Japan. The ones labeled Japan are for the Japanese market
@@entertainme7523 I have jdm models that are marked "Thailand"
It's quite good looking. I look forward to seeing Jody's take on this one.
how could possibly any different than Ben's?
@@entertainme7523 Probably won't, but I like Jody, and it would be interesting to see if he notices anything Ben didn't...
Perhaps Casio will eventually release a *truly* old-school take, too - that is, a 1970s-style, red-digit LED watch, a la the Gerlach Kosmonauta. :)
Ben so good to see a young timepiece lover to love truly the only God Tier watch in the world of horology. I've been a collector and watch dealer since 1973 and have own nearly every Swiss and Japanese timepiece and by shear ownership and experience and ever now having over two hundred watches in private collection, I can testify that Casio/G-Shock are by far the very best timepieces without any argument, nothing and I mean nothing at any price can hold a candle to these engineering marvels. For instance my 1983 Casio G-Shock DW-5000C-1A that I purchased at Woolworths Department store for a royal sum of $59.95 not including tax, still has the original battery from factory in it now for 38-years and truly has the very brightest, clearest and sharpest LCD display of all our vintage and modern Casio/G-Shocks, a work of genius. So stay with your first true love Casio/G-Shock and never be drawn away by the falsehood claims of other non respectful gadgets people put on their wrist to tell quote "time"!
What's the Lug Width?
I have the A168 and A158, I don't see myself buying this. I believe the cheap light is intentional to be more "vintage"...whatever. Great video Ben!
Casio loves squeezing every penny they can from old modules. In this case I don't care because it's so small I'd never buy one, but it's a bad practice IMO. It's like all the regurgitations of the base G-Shock square that have come out with most being well over twice the price of the standard model but with the original module. P.T. Barnum was right. And I love Casio, I'm wearing one right now.
F-91W is the only watch I'll wear. I have an old Casio F-88, made in Korea, with a Xerox logo on the front. This really belongs in a museum...
I totally agree with you. It will be better if the case is made of steel. Also, i wanna know your opinion about casio a100we. Hope you will make a video about it. Thanks a lot!
An A-158 with stainless steel case and mineral crystal. That's all we ask for, Casio.
Until then, I will keep using my B-640 (cheaper but with a better module, light and WR)
Until you see the price tag
Awesome watch. I'm definitely getting one for my collection, although, after I get the new Alien..🤪
I like it. I do prefer their square digital watches but it's better than any of the analog stuff they do, which just never does anything for me.
Great vid as always. Could you recommend a casio with 20mm strap width? I'd like to swap out some straps. Thank you!
good video. IT's been a few weeks since I got a new casio so thank you for the excuse ;)
For all the Casio reviews posted on this channel, why Is the Casio Oceanus line ignored? Budget watches are fun and easily skewered. That's an easy review. Comparing the Oceanus line to its competitors (not Lineage and not Edifice) is worthwhile. I'm mystified as to why this Casio product is avoided here...the land of Casio-Lovers.
I couldn't agree more. Only yesterday I received my Oceanus OCW-T200SLE-2AJR (mid-blue dial, JDM-only) from Japan. I'm blown away, it's out-of-this-world. And very affordable IMHO. Mind you. nothing wrong with cheap Casios, I've been wearing the MQ24 for years and it's excellent value for money. But Casio has that well-kept secret: the Oceanus. Save up, buy one, and be done with watches, I'd say.
@@slowbluesmaster That's a very fine watch you have. I have the T200 but with the stainless bracelet...going on 3 months now and I'm blown away with its looks and precision. Funny that you mentioned no longer needing another watch after the Oceanus. I was saying the exact same thing to my brother a while back. What could possibly be improved?
Not sure why folks shy away from JDM watches. Ordering it from Seiya couldn't have been easier. And yes, why not save the $$$ for the Oceanus watch rather than have 2 or 3 Meh watches??
I LOVE Casio watches Ben... You get a REALLY good watch for not a lot of money.
All watch collectors should have one Casio in their collection. I would hardly call £39.90 a "Premium price" for a watch
I would definitely have this in my collection...
Thanks for this amazing video could you tell me a model of digital watches with radio and memory card
Interesting. Honestly if they did a version like this for the GShock line (so a round 5600 or 5610) it would probably be an instant buy for me assuming the price was good.
G-5700
A158 I bought recently after seeing your vids. Very cute little stylish watch. For every occasion. Match with any attire. 1985 styles. Perpetual.my Next will Casio 700s n 1000s.
Smart watches are just a piece of gadgets or a computer wearing in hand. There's no style, no craftsmanship, no horology.
Does your love for Casio extend to the G Shock range? If so which do you think are the best (although they are obviously quite chunky watches and you prefer the slimmer styles).
Some suggest the GST B200 is the best in terms of style vs functionality. Your thoughts?
Come on Casio, give us a vintage metal range, 4-5 models would be a good start and you already have the A1000 kicking things off.
The LCD display doesn't look central to circular surround... It looks closer to the bottom?
Good eye, you're right.
Think I'll give this one a miss. I've been buying Casio wave ceptors. They are £20 to £30ish and have stainless steel metal jackets over a plastic case with stainless steel back and bracelet, much more durable against scratches and scrapes 👍
Wrong. They are plastic as well
@@entertainme7523 yes, plastic case with stainless steel jacket. Have a look at one you'll see what I'm talking about 👍
Really digging this beats my casioak I recon
I was interested till I heard it was resin and no illuminator, I'd def want if all metal and such, it's why I havnt got a royale though love the look
For the money it's a good looking watch. I reckon most Casio fans would be willing to pay a bit more for a stainless case and a decent back light. But for less than £40 it's not bad.
The Timex Datalink was pretty, dunno why manufacturers don't make more round digitals.
This looks awesome too.
I don't care about the illumination quality. Noone sees it.
Hi, can you recommend me a good quartz watch?
Good but missed opportunity. Casio should have opted for the 3294 module of the B640W with dual side lights and full capability including timer. Hopefully, though, it’s a sign of things to come.
I'm really in a casio rabbit hole ... Started with an f-91w and now I have 6 casios
What is the one at 21 seconds? Cream colored dial, gold markers, said Sapphire on it. I love this!
I really like this one. What is the model number. WIth the myriad of models they make, it is difficult to find this one.
This feels a bit lazy with limited functionality and water resistance, particularly when you can pick up a wave ceptor for another 5 or 6 quid or anything in the ae range for less
You can dive with those cheap Casios.
I need new review about the g-shock gm-s2100!
I see Lithium printed on the front of this watch. Is this a special battery? Are there other Casio’s with the Lithium text?
I got mine for only £19 reduced and the gold version is reduced to £27. It's the same as f91w in nice case 🤷🏻♂️
dr xavier reviewing casio 🔥
I'm in love with Casio retro models, the only problem i have with them is they pull my wrist hair a lot and it hurts lol
Bit of a let down this one, could have been so much better for a extra few pounds. I like the shape and style but too many corners cut in the wrong places. Nice work as always.
Btw, did you manage to get a videographer?
I never noticed this until now. Youre right.. the lcd is centered but the white border around it is not. But i dont mind.. still looks balanced.
Can you provide links to the custom straps shown at the end of your video?
I love the aesthetics of this watch, I've seen one for £30 and I keep debating whether to grab it
I paid $21 for this watch on clearance & it’s totally worth it to me at that price. Looks like the $500 tribute watch.
I’d like to see a review on a Claude Bernard Aquarider chronograph
Why do you say it is mandatory for casio to put the "illuminator " appelation if this high quality illumination is present ? Is it a trademark or third part technology or something? If it's their creation they are free to put it or not, not mandatory
Agree on tbe metal casting. But I got me 2 of them as I love it to death 😊
Definitely seems like the a158 as you say in a round case . Lithium and crap light, check ✅ . EL would of nailed it and it will be interesting if they ever decide to use the new white EL light in other models instead of the blue or that orange one they do .
Ben - will you be getting the Ripley (alien) reissue Casio in - the A100WE-1AEF??
Would love it in a 42mm case size with a full round digital display, like that from the Casio AE1500WH.
Make the A171 in steel, give it a hardened crystal (or sapphire), an EL backlight, and offer it with a milleanese (sp?) bracelet, and I'd gladly pay for one.
For me the A171 is fine as is EXCEPT for backlight, although I'd be willing to pay more for the other features.
However, for me the "F91" type backlight is a dealbreaker for any future watches. I'm willing to pay more for an "Illuminator" type backlight, and I can't think of a good reason not to include it unless it is to keep a specific watch vintage (it is now just like it was then).
I love Casio's. They're like buying candy.
Skinhead Ben!! Rocking out great watches!!
looks best on that sand colour strap
and yeah, steel case and illuminator would make this worth twice the price
Will you review the Full Metal G Shock in gold soon?
This is a sad one. Thanks for going through the details!
I just wish they did a A158 or A700, in full steel (and mineral or even sapphire), 5bar, and a couple mm larger. Would pay £100
Watching this with a A168 on my wrist and I feel this one doesn't have that "collectability" factor. The case is definalty a minus.
Any chance of reviewing the B5000?
Are they that good? Second hand market is very high on those
The B5000 is built like a tank.
Probably the only watch you would ever need.
Self charging, accurate, shockproof, waterproof, decent bracelet, easy sizing system with springbars, cool looks.
Probably too large for Ben’s wrist I guess.
Love mine, it has the retro Casio vibe in a chunkier case.
@@e28forever30 Thanks for the input. Tottaly agree it's the only watch you need. It's like a GW-M5610, but more classy and timless without the rubbery feel.
Great Watches...!