The Casio A168 and A700 are digital watch icons but with distinct personalities. The A168 offers a classic, slightly heavier build with a brighter backlight. The A700 boasts a super slim profile and a more subdued light, perfect for minimalists.
Introduction
Greetings, watch enthusiasts with a penchant for vintage vibes! The Casio A168 and A700 are two digital timepieces that have earned legendary status. But with their seemingly similar exteriors, choosing your champion can be a head-scratcher. Fear not, fellow time traveler! This guide will dissect these titans of the digital watch world, helping you make an informed decision and rock the perfect retro look.
History
Both the A168 and A700 hail from Casio’s rich heritage of digital watches. Launched in the late 1980s, they embody the era’s fascination with digital technology and a minimalist aesthetic. Their enduring popularity is a testament to their functionality, affordability, and timeless design language.
Technical Breakdown
Before diving into aesthetics, let’s explore the technical aspects that make these Casios tick. Buckle up, because while they share some similarities, there are key differences:
Movement:
Both champions boast a reliable quartz movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping. This movement is powered by a single CR2016 battery, renowned for its impressive 7-year lifespan. No more scrambling for replacements every few months!
Materials and Construction:
Here’s where the key differences lie:
| Feature | A168 | A700 |
|---|---|---|
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Resin |
| Bracelet | Stainless Steel with Fold-Over Clasp | Stainless Steel with Fold-Over Clasp |
| Weight | Slightly Heavier | Ultra-Thin and Lightweight |
| Backlight | Electro-Luminescent (Brighter) | Orange Illuminator Light (Subtle) |
- Case: The A168’s stainless steel case adds a touch of weight and a more substantial feel compared to the A700’s resin case. The resin case makes the A700 incredibly thin and lightweight, perfect for those who value a minimalist profile.
- Bracelet: Both watches come with a stainless steel bracelet with a fold-over clasp. Some users might find this clasp a tad less comfortable compared to an adjustable clasp.
- Backlight: This is a key differentiator. The A168 features a brighter Electro-Luminescent backlight, while the A700 utilizes a more subdued orange Illuminator light.
Functions and Features:
Despite their contrasting builds, both the A168 and A700 offer a solid set of features for everyday use:
- Time and Date: A basic necessity, displayed in a clear digital format.
- Daily Alarm: Never miss a beat with the built-in daily alarm.
- 1/100th Second Stopwatch: Keep track of your athletic endeavors or time everyday tasks with precision.
- Water Resistance: Don’t worry about splashes or light rain; both watches boast 30 meters of water resistance. However, swimming or diving is not recommended.
As you can see, the core functionalities are nearly identical. The choice truly boils down to aesthetics, weight preference, and backlight needs.
Design and Aesthetics
Now that you know the technical specs, let’s delve into the world of design:
- Dial Design: Both models offer a clean and functional digital display with large, easy-to-read digits.
- Case and Bracelet: This is where the A168 and A700 showcase their personalities:
- A168: The stainless steel case adds a touch of weight and a more classic, unified look with the stainless steel bracelet.
- A700: The ultra-thin resin case and bracelet create a minimalist and streamlined look. The A700 wears very comfortably under clothing sleeves due to its low profile.
- Brand Image: Both watches carry the legacy of the Casio brand, known for its reliability and affordability. The A168 might hold a slight edge in terms of iconic recognition due to its association with the classic digital watch aesthetic.
User Feedback
Let’s see what real people have to say about these two Casio’s:
- A168: Users appreciate its classic good looks, the more substantial feel of the stainless steel case, the unified look of the bracelet and case, and the brighter backlight compared to the A700. A few users might find the weight of the A168 slightly noticeable and the fold-over clasp a bit less comfortable than an adjustable clasp.
- A700: This model is praised for its incredibly thin profile, lightweight design, comfortable wear, and sleek, minimalist aesthetic. However, some users might find the orange backlight a little dim and the overall look a tad less substantial compared to the A168.
Here’s a breakdown to help you choose based on your lifestyle and preferences:
Choose the A168 if:
- You appreciate a more substantial and classic feel on your wrist.
- You prefer the unified look of the stainless steel case and bracelet.
- A slightly increased weight compared to the A700 doesn’t bother you.
- You value a brighter backlight for better visibility in low-light conditions.
Choose the A700 if:
- You prioritize a super slim profile and lightweight design for ultimate comfort.
- You love the minimalist aesthetic of the resin case and bracelet.
- You don’t mind a more subdued orange backlight.
Common Problems
Both the A168 and A700 are known for their durability. However, a few minor issues have been reported:
- Scratches: Both the resin case of the A700 and the stainless steel case of the A168 can pick up scratches with everyday wear. Consider investing in a screen protector for added peace of mind. While scratches are generally more noticeable on the A700’s resin case, stainless steel can also show wear.
- Dim backlight (A700): The orange Illuminator light on the A700 is functional but dimmer compared to the A168’s backlight. This might be a concern if you frequently check the time in low-light conditions.
The Final Lap
So, which Casio conquers your wrist? Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:
Classic Weight vs. Super Slim Profile:
- Go for the A168 if: You crave a slightly more substantial feel and a classic look.
- Choose the A700 if: You’re a champion of comfort and a super slim profile is your priority.
Beyond the core features, consider these factors:
- Backlight: The A168 offers a brighter backlight for better low-light visibility.
- Aesthetics: The A168 exudes a classic vibe, while the A700 embraces minimalism.
Ultimately, the best choice comes down to personal preference. Both watches offer exceptional value for money and a timeless design.
Conclusion
The Casio A168 and A700 are shining examples of how classic design and modern functionality can create timeless timepieces. Whichever model you choose, you’re getting a reliable watch packed with essential features, all at an unbeatable price. So, strap on your champion and tell time with a touch of retro flair, whether you prefer a classic, slightly heavier companion or a super-slim minimalist marvel!
FAQs
1. Are the A168 and A700 functionally identical?
Yes, nearly! Both watches offer the same core features like timekeeping, alarm, stopwatch, and water resistance. The key differences lie in the case material (stainless steel vs. resin), weight, and backlight type (brighter Electro-Luminescent on A168, subdued orange Illuminator on A700).
2. Is one model more water-resistant than the other?
No, both the A168 and A700 boast 30 meters of water resistance.
3. Which watch is more durable?
There’s no significant difference in durability between the two models. Both are known for their resilience in everyday wear. However, scratches might be more noticeable on the A700’s resin case.
4. Do these watches come in different colors?
While classic black is the most popular choice, you might find some retailers offering the A168 and A700 in limited-edition variations with different colored accents or straps.
5. Where can I buy the A168 or A700?
These Casios are widely available online and at major watch retailers. With their affordable price tag, they’re a great option for adding a touch of retro