Hands-On With The Impressive Casio Edifice EFK-110 Series — A Welcome Evolution Of The EFK-100
It’s been just roughly six months since Casio released the Edifice EFK-100, which received widespread critical acclaim as the brand’s first line of mechanical watches. As you will understand, then, we were quite surprised to see these new Edifice EFK-110 models land on our desks. At first glance, you would think that nothing has changed. That’s until you start zooming in and find a big giveaway: the latest versions are powered by a different caliber. It’s an interesting detail that reveals the main update. But it doesn’t tell the full story of this new EFK-110 series.
In case you are wondering, one visual indicator of the different movement is the new position of the date window. The five EFK-100 variants that Thomas reviewed in August of last year had the date window at 6 o’clock. The new EFK-110 has the date window at 3 o’clock, signifying the change from the Seiko NH35 to the Miyota 8215. But that is not where it ends. Another result of the caliber change is a smaller and somewhat thinner case. Does this upgrade make the new series even more tempting than it already was? Let’s find out.
The details of the Casio Edifice EFK-110
As usual, let’s kick things off with the specs of the new watches. The stainless steel EFK-110 measures 38mm in diameter, 11.8mm thick, and 43mm from lug to lug. That means it’s 1mm smaller and a substantial 0.7mm thinner than the EFK-100.
The lug-to-lug is also 0.5mm shorter, so the watch doesn’t necessarily look shorter on large wrists. This update in dimensions will please many people, mainly because the thinner profile improves overall proportions and makes it more comfortable to wear.
Casio offers three dial variants for the EFK-110 series. The dials all have the same electroformed base with applied silver-tone metal indexes as their predecessors. But the white-dial version has a more pronounced texture than the previous one. The black and blue variants are in line with their EFK-100 counterparts.
If you put the two white-dial models side by side, you will also notice that the Casio designers completely redesigned or rebalanced the dial with the same elements. I like the case’s more compact overall feel and the dials.
It gives the watches a slightly more refined overall feel. The three EFK-110 models still come with the same H-link bracelet as the EFK-100. It features a push-button folding clasp with two micro-adjustment holes on either side to size it precisely.
An updated movement
As mentioned, the EFK-110 watches are now powered by the Miyota 8215. This 21-jewel movement operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour and offers a 42-hour power reserve. It also has an average accuracy of -20/+40 seconds per day. If we compare that to the 25-jewel Seiko Instruments NH35 in the EFK-100, there are several similarities. The NH35 has the same frequency, power reserve, and even accuracy standard. Both movements also feature hacking seconds.
The main difference between them is that the 8215 has unidirectional winding, whereas the NH35 winds bidirectionally. The former is a widely known characteristic of Miyota caliber and results in the famous rotor wobble.
Additionally, it is slightly louder when spinning than the NH35. However, a significant advantage of the Miyota 8215 is that it is slightly thinner, which led to a slimmer profile for the new EFK-110. Other than that, both movements offer good reliability and similar accuracy, so the Miyota is a logical replacement for the SI NH35.
Wearing the Casio Edifice EFK-110
Casio was nice enough to send us both the EFK-100 and the new EKF-110. Overall, they look very similar, of course. But once you put the watches on your wrist, you will notice the differences. What stood out to me most is that the smaller case size makes the watches feel more compact, refined, and a bit more retro.
On top of that, the more pronounced dial texture adds detail, though I understand it’s a matter of personal preference. I like the new texture of the white dial. Having said that, there isn’t a significant difference between the blue and black EFK-110 dials and those of the EFK-100.
On the wrist, the watches wear very well. The size and proportions were a perfect fit for my wrist, and I thoroughly enjoyed wearing the three watches. On top of that, the overall quality is very good for the Casio Edifice EFK-110’s €279 retail price.
Final thoughts on the new Casio Edifice EFK-110
All in all, I think this is a great update to Casio’s mechanical line of integrated-bracelet sports watches. The new caliber has led to a better overall design. The watch is easier to wear, looks a little more refined, and remains as reliable as before.
Considering that the EFK-110 still costs the same as its predecessor, I would say this is an update that will please many fans. And for people who aren’t familiar with the EFK-100, the updated EFK-110 series is a perfect introduction to the mechanical watches Casio produces. Overall, this is a job well done!
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