W800H: Offers more features (dual time, alarm with snooze and light, stopwatch with lap times), larger display, and slightly thicker case. f91: Classic icon, unbeatable price, slimmer profile, basic functionality (alarm, stopwatch).
Introduction
Imagine a watch so affordable you wouldn’t flinch if you lost it. Now imagine it being a reliable timekeeper with a touch of extra functionality (for the W800H). That’s the essence of the Casio W800H compared to its minimalist sibling, the f91. Both offer classic digital functionality at a bargain price, but the W800H throws in a few additional features while maintaining a comfortable and stylish design.
Throughout this guide, we’ll explore their history, technical specs, design language, and user experiences to help you pick your champion Casio for everyday adventures.
History
Both the W800H and f91 debuted in the late 1980s, ushering in a new era of affordable digital timekeeping. The $10 price tag and legendary battery life of these watches cemented their status as the ultimate “grab-and-go” companions. While the exact origin story remains a bit hazy, these watches quickly rose to fame for their reliability and timeless design.
Technical Breakdown
Under the hood, these minimalist marvels share a foundation of functionality, but the W800H boasts a few extras:
Movement:
Both W800H and f91: A basic quartz movement powers both watches, keeping time reliably for years. This tried-and-true technology ensures accurate timekeeping without breaking the bank.
Materials and Construction:
| W800H | f91 |
|---|---|
| Case: Resin (lightweight, comfortable, prone to scratches) | Resin (lightweight, comfortable, prone to scratches) |
| Crystal: Acrylic (fairly scratch-resistant, can become cloudy over time) | Acrylic (fairly scratch-resistant, can become cloudy over time) |
| Band: Resin (comfortable, flexible, might feel cheap to some) | Resin (comfortable, flexible, might feel cheap to some) |
As this table highlights, both watches utilize lightweight and comfortable resin materials for the case and strap. While these materials keep the price down, they can be prone to scratches with rough use. The acrylic crystal offers decent scratch resistance but might become cloudy over time.
Functions and Features:
| Feature | W800H | f91 |
|---|---|---|
| Timekeeping | 12/24-hour format, seconds | 12/24-hour format, seconds |
| Alarm | Single daily alarm with snooze and light | Single daily alarm with snooze |
| Stopwatch | Measures elapsed time, lap times | Measures elapsed time |
| Backlight | Electro-luminescent (faint orange) | Electro-luminescent (faint orange) |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters (10 ATM) | 30 meters (3 ATM) |
| Dual Time | Yes | No |
When it comes to functionality, the W800H offers a slight edge with its dual time, alarm with snooze and light, and stopwatch with lap times. The f91 keeps things simple with the essentials: timekeeping, alarm, and stopwatch. Both watches boast basic water resistance, with the W800H offering a deeper rating of 100 meters compared to the f91’s 30 meters.
Design and Aesthetics
Dial Design:
Both W800H and f91: Simple negative display (dark digits on a light background) with basic timekeeping functions. Think of it as a no-frills digital readout that prioritizes clarity and easy readability.
A key differentiator lies in the information displayed:
W800H: Features a larger display showcasing the time, date (day and date), and additional information depending on the function being used (alarm, stopwatch).
f91: Has a slightly smaller display presenting the time and basic function indicators (alarm, stopwatch).
Case and Bracelet:
At first glance, both the W800H and f91 appear to have identical cases and bracelets. They share the same:
Classic rectangular resin case with a simple, clean design. While comfortable, the size might feel a bit bulky on some wrists, especially the W800H due to its slightly thicker profile.
Matching resin strap that’s comfortable and flexible. However, some users might find it a bit cheap-looking or collect sweat easily.
Brand Image:
Both W80H and f91: Embody the core values of Casio – affordability, reliability, and timeless design. These watches are seen as the ultimate “grab-and-go” everyday companions. The f91, with its even lower price point and iconic status, might hold a slight edge for pure minimalism.
User Feedback
W800H: Praised for its versatile functionality** (dual time, alarm with snooze, stopwatch with lap times) and slightly larger display** for better readability. However, the thicker case** might feel bulky on some wrists, and some users find the electro-luminescent backlight** to be a bit dim.
f91: Universally loved for its unbeatable price**, legendary durability**, and ultra-slim profile**. Its minimalist design** and basic functionality** are seen as strengths by many. However, the smaller display** might be harder to read for some users, and the limited water resistance** (30 meters) restricts its use in deeper water activities compared to the W800H.
Common Problems
Resin case and acrylic crystal: Both materials are prone to scratches with rough use. The acrylic crystal can also become cloudy over time, especially if not properly cared for.
Electro-luminescent backlight: This backlight type, used in both watches, can be a bit faint in low-light conditions.
Comfort: While generally comfortable, the resin strap might feel cheap to some users, and the size of the case, particularly for the W800H, might be bulky on smaller wrists.
The Final Lap
So, which Casio joins your wristwatch collection? Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:
Choose the W800H if:
- You value additional functionality** (dual time, alarm with snooze, stopwatch with lap times).
- You prefer a larger display** for better readability.
- You need a watch with better water resistance** (100 meters).
Choose the f91 if:
- Affordability is your top priority**. It’s nearly impossible to find a more budget-friendly digital watch.
- You appreciate the ultra-slim profile** for maximum comfort.
- You value minimalist design** with just the essentials (timekeeping, alarm, stopwatch).
Ultimately, the choice depends on your needs and preferences. Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | W800H | f91 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Generally slightly higher | Unbeatable price |
| Display | Larger, displays more information | Smaller, basic timekeeping functions |
| Case Thickness | Slightly thicker | Ultra-slim |
| Functions | More features (dual time, alarm with snooze, stopwatch with lap times) | Basic functions (alarm, stopwatch) |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters (10 ATM) | 30 meters (3 ATM) |
| Brand Image | Versatile and functional | Classic minimalist icon |
Remember, there’s no wrong answer! Both the W800H and f91 are excellent Casio timepieces.
Conclusion
So, whether you choose the W800H’s versatility or the f91’s iconic minimalism, you’re getting a reliable and stylish digital watch. Consider your budget, desired features, and wrist size. Don’t be afraid to explore user reviews and comparisons online to see which watch resonates more with you.
Ultimately, the perfect Casio for you is the one that becomes your everyday companion, keeping you on time for all your adventures, big or small.
FAQs
1. Which Casio is tougher, the W800H or f91?
Both watches are known for their legendary durability. The resin cases and acrylic crystals can withstand everyday bumps and scrapes. However, both materials can be scratched with rough use. The W800H’s slightly thicker case might offer a touch more protection, but the difference is likely negligible.
2. Is the backlight on the W800H or f91 brighter?
Neither watch boasts a particularly bright backlight. They both utilize electro-luminescent technology, which emits a faint orange glow. This might make it difficult to read the display in very low-light conditions.
3. Are there any aftermarket straps available for these Casio’s?
Absolutely! Due to their immense popularity, a vast selection of aftermarket straps exists for both the W800H and f91. You can find straps in various materials like nylon, rubber, or even metal, allowing you to personalize the look and feel of your watch.
4. Is it worth spending a little more for the W800H’s extra features?
The price difference between the W800H and f91 is usually minimal. If the additional features like dual time, alarm with snooze, and stopwatch with lap times are important to you, then the W800H might be worth the slight price jump. However, if you value pure minimalism and affordability, the F91 remains an unbeatable champion.
5. Can I wear these Casios while swimming?
The W800H offers 100 meters of water resistance, which is generally considered suitable for swimming and snorkeling. The F91’s 30-meter water resistance rating makes it splash-proof and okay for shallow-water activities like washing your hands or getting caught in the rain. However, it’s best to avoid submerging it for extended periods.
So, dive into the world of affordable digital watches and choose your Casio champion! With their timeless design, legendary durability, and unbeatable value, both the W800H and F91 are guaranteed to become trusted companions on your everyday adventures.