When it comes to watch brands originating from Japan (or even the whole Asia), there are not many that can compete with Casio in terms of global recognition and market share.
The company has been around since 1946, and it is best known for its affordable yet reliable timepieces.
Casio is a true powerhouse when it comes to watchmaking, and it offers a vast array of timepieces for both men and women. Whether you are looking for a simple and understated design or something that is more flashy and eye-catching, chances are Casio has a watch that will suit your taste. And because the brand caters to all budgets, you can rest assured that there is a Casio watch out there that fits your spending limit.
While there’s little room for argument that the Japanese powerhouse offers a solid value for money, can we refer to Casio as a luxury brand?
Well, we’ve written this article to explore that very question in greater detail. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
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What Is a Luxury Watch Brand?
To settle the issue, we first and foremost need to come to a clear understanding of what a luxury watch brand is.
For the most part, luxury watch brands are those that have been around for generations and have built up a strong reputation in the industry.
These are the kind of brands that command a higher price point because they offer something that other, less established brands cannot – namely, a sense of history, prestige, and an incredible level of craftsmanship.
When you buy a luxury watch, you are not just buying a timepiece – you are buying a piece of art that has been crafted to last a lifetime (or even longer). Luxury watches also tend to hold their value very well, which makes them a wise investment.
More often than not, luxury watch brands have a wide selection of beautifully crafted mechanical (either manually-wound or automatic) timepieces. While it’s pretty much impossible for a mechanical watch to match the accuracy of quartz, the former offers a level of sophistication, artistry, and technical excellence that the latter simply cannot match. Luxury mechanical watches can be easily distinguished from low or medium-quality watchmakers because their accuracy is still excellent – sometimes even within a couple of seconds per day.
Last but not least, luxury watch brands offer top-shelf materials. Only the finest metals, alloys, and other materials are used in the construction of these timepieces. In some cases, even precious stones are used to add a touch of luxury and refinement.
Now that we have a better understanding of what defines a luxury watch brand, let’s take a closer look at Casio to see if it meets the criteria.
So, Is Casio a Luxury Brand?
Taking everything above into consideration, it’s only fair to say that Casio does not meet the criteria for being considered a luxury watch brand.
While the company has been around for over 70 years and is one of the most recognized watch brands in the world, it does not have the same level of prestige as some of the other luxury brands out there.
Casio is also known for its affordable timepieces, which is another key differentiator between luxury and non-luxury brands. Luxury brands typically command a higher price point because they offer a sense of prestige and exceptional craftsmanship that cannot be found elsewhere.
In terms of materials used, Casio watches are also not on par with luxury brands.
While the company does use extremely rugged materials (particularly with its G-Shock line), they’re not on the same level as those of luxury watchmakers. A good example of this is the watch glass. While all brands we could classify as luxurious use exclusively sapphire crystal, the vast majority of Casio models come with mineral glass.
Finally, it’s hardly a secret that Casio has never cared much about mechanical or automatic watches. Unlike some other popular Japanese watchmakers (eg. Citizen, Orient or Seiko), Casio focuses exclusively on accurate, durable and, let’s be honest, cheap quartz movements.
- Related: How Long Do G-Shock Batteries Last?
So, there you have it. Based on the criteria we discussed, it’s pretty clear that Casio is not a luxury brand. That being said, the company definitely has its own unique appeal that has made it one of the most popular watch brands in the world.
Why Get a Casio Watch?
Despite not being a luxury brand, Casio still makes some great watches. In fact, the company is pretty much synonymous with affordable, reliable and rugged timepieces.
If you’re looking for a watch that you can wear every day without having to worry about it getting scratched or damaged, then Casio is definitely a brand worth considering.
The same goes if you’re on the lookout for an accurate and affordable quartz watch. While luxury brands may scoff at quartz movements, there’s no denying that they offer unbeatable accuracy and are extremely low maintenance.
Casio also has a few lines of watches (like the G-Shock) that are designed to withstand just about anything life can throw at them. If you need a tough and durable watch for work or outdoor activities, then a Casio should definitely be at the top of your list.
- Check Also: Casio GBD 200 vs GBX 100
The brand has many interesting collections to pick from such as:
- ABC watches – timepieces designed with adventurers in mind, offering altimeter, barometer and compass
- G-Shock – incredibly tough and durable watches perfect for outdoor activities (great choice for demanding professions such as construction workers, police, EMTs, mechanics or military)
- Pro Trek – watches equipped with various features and tools ideal for exploring the great outdoors
- Edifice – stylish dress watches
- Baby-G – fashionable and funky timepieces targeted at women
Casio Vs Other Japanese Watchmakers
As we mentioned before, Casio is just one of many Japanese watch brands that are popular all over the world. So, how does it stack up against some of its biggest competitors?
In terms of luxury status, Casio is definitely at a disadvantage.
Brands like Citizen, Seiko and Orient all have a much longer history and stronger reputation in the watch world. While none of the three can be considered luxury either, some individual watch models from the trio can certainly be deemed Entry-Level luxury. On the other hand, the Seiko sub-brand, Grand Seiko, can easily compete with the best luxury Swiss watchmakers and is well worth the luxury status.
- Related: Casio vs Seiko Comparison
With that said, in terms of durability and ruggedness, Casio is ahead of the competition. The brand’s G-Shock line is famous for being practically indestructible and perfect for people with demanding jobs or active lifestyles.
The pricing is another reason why many people turn to Casio. The vast majority of Casio watches are very affordable, which makes them a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preferences. We suggest you take a look at all the brands we mentioned and pick the one whose watches appeal to you the most.
Final Word
Casio is a very popular watch brand, but it’s not a luxury one. The company focuses on making accurate, reliable and affordable timepieces that can take a beating.
If you’re looking for an everyday watch or a tough and durable timepiece for work or outdoor activities, then Casio is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re after a luxurious and prestigious watch, then you might want to look elsewhere.
