The B640 boasts a slightly larger case with a countdown timer, while the A168 is slimmer and known for its superior backlight.
Introduction
Casio digital watches have become a timeless staple on wrists worldwide, revered for their durability, practicality, and value. The Casio B640 and A168 are two popular choices within Casio’s collection, offering a stripped-down feature set that prioritizes functionality and affordability.
This guide dives into the key similarities and subtle differences between these two Casio watches, empowering you to select the ideal one for your needs and style.
History
Founded in 1946, Casio has become a global leader in consumer electronics, including calculators, digital watches, and instruments.
Focus on Affordability and Innovation: Casio prioritizes offering high-quality watches at accessible prices while constantly implementing new technologies and features.
Wide Range of Styles: Casio offers a diverse selection of digital and analog watches to cater to various aesthetic preferences and budgets.
Both the B640 and A168 represent Casio’s commitment to affordability and functionality, targeting a broad audience seeking a reliable and practical timepiece.
Technical Breakdown
Understanding the technical specifications is crucial before choosing your ideal Casio watch. Let’s explore the movement, materials, and functionalities offered by the B640 and A168.
Movement:
| Feature | Casio B640 | Casio A168 |
|---|---|---|
| Movement Type | Quartz (battery-powered) | Quartz (battery-powered) |
| Battery Life | 10 years | 10 years |
Key Differences:
Both the B640 and A168 utilize reliable quartz movements, ensuring accurate timekeeping. They share the same impressive 10-year battery life, minimizing maintenance needs.
Materials and Construction:
| Feature | Casio B640 | Casio A168 |
|---|---|---|
| Case Material | Resin | Resin |
| Case Size | 43.5mm x 45.4mm x 9.4mm | 38.8mm x 35.4mm x 9.6mm |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters | 30 meters |
| Bracelet | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
Key Differences:
Case Material: Both watches utilize lightweight and durable resin cases.
Case Size: The B640 boasts a slightly larger case (43.5mm x 45.4mm) compared to the A168 (38.8mm x 35.4mm). Consider your wrist size and preference for a slightly larger or smaller watch.
Water Resistance: The B640 offers superior water resistance of 50 meters, meaning it can withstand accidental splashes, rain, and shallow swimming. The A168 has 30 meters of water resistance, making it suitable for everyday wear and light splashes.
Bracelet: Both watches come with comfortable stainless steel bracelets with clasp closures.
Here’s a table summarizing the key material and construction aspects:
| Feature | Casio B640 | Casio A168 |
|---|---|---|
| Case Material | Resin | Resin |
| Case Size | 43.5mm x 45.4mm x 9.4mm | 38.8mm x 35.4mm x 9.6mm |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters | 30 meters |
| Bracelet | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
Design and Aesthetics
The visual appeal of a watch plays a significant role in the decision-making process. Let’s compare the design elements offered by the Casio B640 and A168.
Dial Design:
| Feature | Casio B640 | Casio A168 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Digital display with time, day, date, and stopwatch functions displayed in subdials. | Digital display with time, day, date, and basic indicator for alarm. |
| Illumination | Electro-luminescent backlight | Electro-luminescent backlight |
Key Differences:
- Functionality: The B640 offers a slightly more comprehensive feature set on the dial with subdials showcasing stopwatch functionality in addition to time, day, and date. The A168 presents a simpler layout with time, day, date, and a basic alarm indicator. Choose the watch that best suits your functional needs.
- Backlight: Both watches utilize electro-luminescent backlight for readability in low-light conditions.
Case and Bracelet:
| Feature | Casio B640 | Casio A168 |
|---|---|---|
| Case Design | Resin case with a classic, rectangular shape. | Resin case with a classic, rectangular shape with a slightly slimmer profile. |
| Bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet with a clasp closure. | Stainless steel bracelet with a clasp closure. |
Key Differences:
- Case Design: Both watches feature a classic rectangular resin case design. The B640 might have a slightly more pronounced case due to its larger size compared to the slimmer profile of the A168. Consider which case profile you find more appealing on your wrist.
- Bracelet: Both watches come with comfortable stainless steel bracelets with clasp closures.
Brand Image:
- Casio: A renowned Japanese watchmaker known for its reliable, affordable, and functional timepieces. Casio watches often represent practicality and value.
Here’s a table summarizing the key design aspects:
| Feature | Casio B640 | Casio A168 |
|---|---|---|
| Dial Design | Digital display with subdials for stopwatch | Digital display with basic alarm indicator |
| Case Design | Classic rectangular resin case | Classic rectangular resin case (slimmer profile) |
| Bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Brand Image | Practicality and value | Practicality and value |
Remember, the “better” design depends on your individual taste and priorities. Consider the following factors when making your decision:
Your Style: Do you prefer a slightly larger watch like the B640 or the slimmer profile of the A168?
Functionality Needs: Do you need the stopwatch functionality offered by the B640, or is a basic timekeeping watch like the A168 sufficient for your needs?
Comfort: Try on both watches to see which one feels more comfortable on your wrist. The slightly larger size of the B640 might feel different compared to the slimmer A168.
User Feedback
Here’s a glimpse into what Casio enthusiasts appreciate about each watch:
Casio B640:
- Praised for its slightly larger case size, ideal for users who prefer a more prominent watch on their wrist.
- Commended for its additional stopwatch functionality compared to the A168.
- Noted for its comfortable stainless steel bracelet.
Casio A168:
- Appreciated for its slim and lightweight design, perfect for those who prefer a less bulky watch.
- Commended for its superior backlight illumination compared to the B640. Some users report the backlight on the B640 being a bit fainter.
- Praised for its classic and timeless digital watch aesthetic.
Common Problems
While both the Casio B640 and A168 are known for their reliability, it’s important to be aware of some potential drawbacks:
Limited color options: Both watches primarily come in black resin cases with stainless steel bracelets. There might be a limited selection of alternative color options available compared to other Casio models.
Not ideal for formal wear: The sporty aesthetic of these watches might not be the best choice for formal occasions. If you need a more dressy watch, consider other Casio models with a more classic design.
The Final Lap
Now that you’re armed with a comprehensive understanding of the B640 and A168, it’s time to select your ideal Casio watch. Consider the following factors to guide your decision:
- Your Style: Do you prefer a slightly larger watch like the B640 or the slimmer profile of the A168?
- Functionality Needs: Do you need the stopwatch functionality offered by the B640, or is a basic timekeeping watch like the A168 sufficient for your needs?
- Comfort: Try on both watches to see which one feels more comfortable on your wrist. The slightly larger size of the B640 might feel different compared to the slimmer A168.
- Readability: While both watches have an electro-luminescent backlight, some users report the A168 having a superior backlight for better readability in low-light conditions.
Here’s a quick decision flowchart to help you navigate your choice:
Remember, there’s no single “correct” answer. The best Casio watch is the one that fulfills your needs, complements your style, and feels comfortable on your wrist. Don’t hesitate to visit a reputable watch retailer and try on both the B640 and A168 to experience them firsthand before making your final decision.
Conclusion
The Casio B640 and A168 represent two compelling options within Casio’s digital watch collection, offering a balance of affordability and functionality.
The B640 is ideal for:
- Users who prefer a slightly larger watch with a more prominent presence on the wrist.
- Individuals who require a stopwatch function in addition to basic timekeeping.
The A168 is a great choice for:
- Users who favor a slim and lightweight design for comfortable everyday wear.
- Individuals who prioritize a classic digital watch aesthetic and superior backlight readability.
No matter which Casio watch you choose, you’re getting a reliable and functional timepiece from a brand renowned for its commitment to quality and affordability. The B640 offers a slightly more comprehensive feature set with its stopwatch function, while the A168 counters with a slimmer profile and superior backlight.
Ultimately, the best Casio watch comes down to your individual needs and style preferences.
FAQs
1. What are the biggest differences between the B640 and AE-1200?
It’s important to clarify that you likely meant the Casio A168 instead of the AE-1200 in this question. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the B640 and A168:
- Size: The B640 boasts a slightly larger case (43.5mm x 45.4mm) compared to the A168 (38.8mm x 35.4mm).
- Functionality: The B640 offers a stopwatch function with subdials on the display, while the A168 presents a simpler layout with basic timekeeping and an alarm indicator.
- Water Resistance: The B640 has superior water resistance (50 meters) compared to the A168 (30 meters).
- Backlight: Some users report the A168 as having a brighter and more readable backlight.
2. Is the B640 or A168 more durable?
Both watches are known for their Casio durability. They utilize resin cases, known for their lightweight and scratch-resistant properties. The B640’s 50-meter water resistance might give it a slight edge in withstanding more extreme conditions compared to the A168’s 30 meters.
3. Are there any other color options besides black?
While black is the most common color for both the B640 and A168, there might be a limited selection of alternative color options available depending on the retailer and current stock. It’s always best to check with the retailer for the latest color variations.
4. Which Casio watch is better for sports and activities?
The B640 might be a slightly better choice for sports and activities due to its:
- Slightly larger size: Offering better visibility during exercise.
- Stopwatch function: Useful for timing workouts or intervals.
- 50-meter water resistance: Withstanding sweat, rain, and shallow swimming.
However, the A168 is still a suitable option for basic activity tracking and timekeeping.
5. Where can I buy a Casio B640 or A168?
Casio watches are widely available online and at major watch retailers. Here are some suggestions:
- Casio’s official website
- Online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or department store websites.
- Brick-and-mortar watch retailers and department stores.
Remember to compare prices and features before making your purchase.