Casio has launched two new wearable devices: the F-B100W smartwatch, a minimalist fitness tracker with two-year battery life, and the CRW-H001M-8 health-monitoring ring, available only in China. Both rework the brand’s 1980s digital watch legacy with modern tech while retaining retro aesthetics.
Casio’s latest wearable innovations blend 1980s design with 2024 technology, offering two distinct approaches to smartwatches. The F-B100W, a reimagined version of the iconic F-91W, focuses on minimalism with basic fitness tracking, while the CRW-H001M-8 transforms the brand’s digital watch style into a health-monitoring ring. Both devices highlight Casio’s strategy to revive its retro appeal through functional simplicity.
The F-B100W: A Smartwatch That Refuses to Be Smart
The F-B100W, launched in Japan in January 2024, retains the 1980s digital watch’s signature LCD display and resin casing but adds Bluetooth connectivity and a step counter. Unlike modern smartwatches, it lacks app notifications, heart rate monitoring, or GPS. The device syncs with a mobile app to track steps, set daily goals, and alert users to inactivity, but all data is viewed on a phone, not the watch itself.
Available in three color variants, the F-B100W retails for £55 in the UK and sold out instantly in Japan upon release. 20minutos.es reports its success reflects a growing trend for discreet wearables that avoid screen glare and subscription fees. The device’s simplicity—no app downloads, no cloud syncing—positions it as a competitor to fitness trackers like the Fitbit Air and Whoop, which also emphasize low-friction usage.
The CRW-H001M-8: A Health Ring for Casio’s Digital Legacy
Casio’s CRW-H001M-8 takes a different approach, converting its 1980s digital watch design into a health-monitoring ring. La Razón reports the device measures heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and body temperature, while tracking steps, sleep, and exercise. Unlike the F-B100W, it includes a vibration motor for notifications and a small LCD screen showing time, date, and a second time zone.
Priced at 1.990 yuan (approx. €256), the CRW-H001M-8 is currently available only in China. Its design combines stainless steel and ceramic with a mineral glass lens, and it offers 4–6 days of battery life. La Razón notes the device’s health metrics are intended for general wellness, not medical diagnosis, and it lacks the advanced sensors of competitors like the Oura Ring or Samsung Galaxy Ring.
Why Casio Is Betting on Retro Design
Casio’s dual releases reflect a broader industry trend toward disruptive minimalism, where consumers prioritize simplicity over feature overload. The F-B100W’s two-year battery life and lack of app dependencies appeal to users tired of constant charging and digital clutter. Meanwhile, the CRW-H001M-8 targets health-conscious buyers seeking a low-profile alternative to traditional smartwatches.
The company’s focus on retro aesthetics also taps into nostalgia. Xataka highlights that the F-B100W’s design echoes the F-91W, still sold today, while the CRW-H001M-8’s ring form factor mirrors early 1980s digital watch concepts. This strategy positions Casio as a bridge between vintage and modern tech, avoiding the premium pricing of competitors like Apple or Samsung.
What’s Next for Casio’s Wearables?
Casio has not announced global release dates for either device. The F-B100W is available in the UK but remains unconfirmed for Europe or the U.S., while the CRW-H001M-8 is limited to China. 20minutos.es notes the lack of international availability could limit their impact, though the F-B100W’s popularity in Japan suggests demand for minimalist wearables exists beyond niche markets.
The company’s next move may depend on how these devices perform in their initial markets. If the F-B100W’s simplicity resonates, Casio could expand its “retro tech” lineup. For the CRW-H001M-8, success hinges on whether health-focused users prefer its minimalist design over more feature-rich competitors. For now, the devices remain curiosities—proof that even in 2024, Casio’s 1980s aesthetic still has a place in the wearable tech world.
