We Didn’t See This Coming! The New Casio Edifice EFK-100 Mechanical Collection
When I say the word “Casio,” many thoughts come to mind. I’m willing to bet that mechanical watches don’t enter the picture, though. Notably, those are exactly what we’re here to discuss, as the brand is introducing its first-ever line of mechanical pieces. The Edifice EFK-100 collection is big news, so let’s get to it!
Yes, this is happening! Casio is releasing the first line of mechanical watches in the company’s history. The new Edifice EFK-100 marks a dramatic departure from the brand’s all-quartz lineup. Whether it’s the simple F-91W, the mighty G-Shocks, or the more elegant Edifice collection, the thought of a mainspring inside the case seems like a wild proposition! Are we ready for this? Well, we’d better be because the watches are here.
The Edifice EFK-100 collection
As a large brand that works with serious volume, Casio is rolling out five new references within the EFK-100 collection. Four of the pieces are stainless steel and come with a matching bracelet and push-button folding clasp. The fifth is a forged carbon watch with a matte black rubber strap and a dark-coated steel folding clasp. All use an automatic movement and have a depth rating of 100 meters. Thankfully, these are affordable, entry-level watches, which makes the addition of a sapphire crystal a nice touch.
The first three stainless steel mechanical models
Upon introduction, the stainless steel models use a 39mm by 43.5mm case with a 12.5mm thickness. Electroformed, textured dials are available in green (EFK-100D-3A), blue (EFK-100D-2A), and white (EFK-100D-7A). These dials feature applied metal hour markers with brushed top surfaces and polished bevels. Note that the polished and skeletonized hour and minute hands contain stripes of luminous material. A grooved ring acts as a transition between the dial and the angled minute track. Finally, a black-on-white date wheel is located at the bottom of the dial. The watches transmit a clean look, and the dial surfaces are meant to evoke strands of carbon. As it turns out, there’s a good reason for that, which we’ll get to shortly.
Regarding the case, Casio chose an angular design with an integrated bracelet, and it feels very Japanese (in a good way, of course!). Polished surfaces on the flanks and bezel intermix with coarse, straight brushing on the case top to create contrast. My favorite detail is a slight top-surface kink where the lugs meet the bezel. A more finely brushed finish is used for the male end links and the top surfaces of the H-link bracelet. As an FYI, the end links appear to protrude from the case by roughly 2–3mm on each end. All in all, it’s an attractive design that should fare well against the competition.
Stainless steel and a forged carbon dial
The fourth stainless watch, EFK-100CD, uses the same case as the previous models but features a forged carbon dial. The result is a blackish-gray shade that shows off one-of-a-kind patterns. Forged carbon is a blend of carbon fiber strands and resin. It’s then processed under pressure and temperature to produce the final shape.
The flagship EFK-100XPB in forged carbon
The final model in the EFK-100 collection is the Edifice EFK-100XPB. This watch has a forged carbon case and dial. It also sports dark-coated metal indexes and hands. Smartly, Casio chose to reverse the date wheel and made it black with white numerals. Due to the material, the case is slightly larger, with a 40mm diameter and 45mm length. However, it retains the 12.5mm profile of its steel siblings in the EFK-100 collection.
As mentioned, the EFK-100XPB is available solely on a matte black rubber strap with a coated steel folding clasp. The closure system matches other steel components on the watch, including the screw-in case back, crown, bezel, and end links.
An NH35A within the case
Interestingly, Casio turned to a local competitor for the watch’s mechanical heart. The EFK-100 models use the Seiko NH35A, which has a frequency of 21,600vph and 41 hours of power reserve. The Malaysian-made caliber is on display via a transparent case back.
General thoughts on the EFK-100 lineup and pricing
It’s interesting and unexpected that Casio has chosen to enter the mechanical-watch market. Honestly, I didn’t see this coming. While I am sure we will receive comments about the movement, this is likely Casio dipping its corporate toe into mechanical waters to test the reception. Something tells me that we’ll see more from the brand and likely with higher-grade calibers. Who knows? Maybe Casio will even create something on its own. What should interest people and provide real competition to watches like the Citizen Tsuyosa is the pricing. The three stainless EFK-100 models with electroformed dials are priced at €279, while the carbon-dial stainless model is available for €299. Finally, the carbon-cased version goes for €449. That’s a shot across the bow if I’ve ever seen one, and a well-calculated entry to the market. We’re looking forward to going hands-on soon and seeing what else Casio has in store!
