Casio presents a mechanical watch for the first time

Perhaps no one had really expected it, but now that it's finally here, it seems logical. With the "EFK-100," the Japanese watch manufacturer is entering the realm of affordable mechanical watches, which are currently considered truly trendy gadgets.

“The decision to go for a mechanical model was not a spontaneous one, but the result of intensive market observation and long-term planning,” confirms Marc Czemper (Division Manager Watch Casio Europe):

"We've been experiencing growing interest in classic watch themes for several years, especially among younger target groups who are increasingly enthusiastic about mechanical movements, handcrafted details, and sustainable longevity. At the same time, we wanted to open a new chapter in our product world without denying our heritage. Now was the right time to implement this project."

“The necessary technological maturity was present, there was design clarity and an authentic concept.”

Marc Czemper (Division Manager Watch Casio Europe)

And this concept is now reflected in the Casio Edifice brand. "With its strong connection to motorsports, high-quality materials, and sophisticated functions, Edifice has always embodied the sporty, technical side of Casio," explains Marc Czemper. "It is precisely this combination of design, performance, and engineering that makes Edifice the ideal platform for our first mechanical model. In recent years, the brand has consistently evolved, focusing on innovative quartz technologies, Bluetooth functions, and carbon fiber designs. The new mechanical series is a logical and exciting extension of this portfolio. It brings an additional emotional and artisanal dimension without altering the character of the brand."

True to its brand promise of “Speed & Intelligence,” the watch from the Casio brand Edifice features a motorsport-inspired design, including Forged Carbon, a lightweight yet robust material that is also used in high-performance vehicles.

The “EKF-100” is powered by the NH35 automatic movement with a 40-hour power reserve and optional manual winding; it can be seen through the transparent case back.

"Many car enthusiasts enjoy the feeling of control," explains Tadashi Kojima from Casio's Product Planning department. "A mechanical automatic movement with manual winding fits perfectly with this lifestyle—that's why it was important to us to incorporate it into an Edifice model for the first time."

Marc Czemper explains why they chose the NH35 automatic movement:

"For our first mechanical model, it was particularly important to us to choose a reliable and proven technical basis. During development, we focused on high robustness, ease of maintenance worldwide, and a harmonious price-performance ratio – after all, we want to appeal to both beginners and experienced watch enthusiasts. The decision to use an external automatic movement allows us to offer precisely this entry with a reliable solution. At the same time, we retain full control over design, construction, and quality standards – everything that defines an Edifice watch."

"The movement is the heart of the watch, but the identity is created by the interaction of many components. That's exactly what we at Casio shape with our signature."

Marc Czemper

In the long term, however, the Casio manager does not rule out the development of his own mechanical movement:

"Casio has proven over decades that we can bring complex technologies to the forefront. When the time is right, an in-house caliber would be an exciting prospect – but only under the condition that it has a clear objective, meets high quality standards, and creates real added value."

In addition to Forged Carbon, which is used in the "EFK-100XPB" (RRP €449) and "EFK-100CD" (RRP €299) models and whose arrangement of the fibers creates a unique pattern, Casio also relies on realistic carbon optics in green, blue and white for the EFK-100D-2A, EFK-100D-3A and EFK-100D-7A (collectively known as EFK-100D (RRP €279)).

With a diameter of 39 millimeters or 40 millimeters for the all-black version EFK-100XPB, the EFK-100 models, which are water-resistant to ten bar, are compatible with many wrist sizes. The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal allows for unobstructed reading of the time and date functions. 

Sales will begin on August 1, 2025, at www.casio.com and selected retailers. Those who would like to secure a watch in advance can do so starting today in the Casio online shop.