Casio

 

Hi guys. Today I’m writing about Casio Edifice Review, specifically the model no. EQS500DB-1A1 which retails on Amazon at less than $200.

What’s great about it is it’s really good looking and fully packed with functions that other watches in this price range don’t even try to include.

I’ve written about another Casio watch, the Wave Ceptor WVAM640D-1A previously and it seems the brand really likes to make good value for money watches.

And while this Casio Edifice is more expensive than the Wave Ceptor, the price hike is justifiable with full stainless steel case (the Wave Ceptor case is a hybrid of plastic resin – stainless steel) and better looking overall.

 

 

Edifice – Casio’s Stylish And Technologically Advanced Watch

The Edifice line up of watches is not as well known as their G-Shock line up which is very popular for its unique plastic resin design.

While G-Shock is more towards outdoor type of watch, the Edifice is designed for casual or everyday use by men.

This is visible from their very different case – the G-Shock with rugged plastic resin case and the Edifice with polished stainless steel and more stylish look.

But specification wise, the Edifice is the same as G-Shock with its numerous functionalities that makes them both such a good value for money.

 

That’s it for the introduction. Let’s go to the in-depth Casio Edifice review.

 

Casio Edifice Watch EQS500DB-1A1 Specification

Diameter: 44 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Lug Width: 22 mm
Case: Stainless steel case
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Watch Crystal: Mineral crystal

Dial: Black-Gray dial
Subdials: Right subdial (day, current mode, 1/100 second chronograph); Upper left subdial (24-hour time display); Lower left subdial (second timezone, chronograph second and minute marking)
Hands: White hands with lume
Markers: Index markers with lume

Movement: Casio Movement Module 5123 – Quartz solar watch with 5 independent motors
Accuracy: +-15 seconds per month
Power Reserve: 6 months

Water Resistance: 100 m
Other Features: Solar powered, World time display, 1/100 second chronograph, Alarm, Day date display, 24-hour time display, Full calendar until 2099

Casio Edifice EQS500DB-1A1 Manual: Click Here to download the manual (Module 5123)

Best Place To Buy: Amazon, MSRP is $250

Sophisticated And Stylish Dial

The first thing that anyone will notice about the Casio Edifice is how sophisticated and busy the dial is.

And Casio seems to have decent experience as even though the dial is busy, it still looks pleasing and cool!

This is obtained by careful color selection and placement of elements on top of the dial.

As you guys can see, the dial is flooded with lots of information. The fixed bezel is black with minute markings on it.

The outer edge of the dial is scribbled with timezone indicators (which we will touch later on) and there are index markers on it.

The hour markers are white with green lume on top of it and there is a date window at 4.30 o’clock.

 

 

An interesting bit about the date and day function is it’s pre-programmed up to 2099 to include all leap-years. There is no need to adjust the date at the end of February.

While the outer dial is busy with numbers, the inner dial is busy with 3 subdials.

There are right subdial (for day, current mode & 1/100 second chronograph), upper left subdial (24-hour time display) and lower left subdial (second timezone, chronograph second & minute marking).

By using gray color as the background for the dial and white/silver as the markers and frames of subdial, the watch is able to create a nice contrast so much so there is no issue in telling time even with this busy layout.

Sophisticated, manly and stylish – this is the perfect look for a casual trendy watch =)

 

Polished Stainless Steel Case For A Sleek Look

 

Accompanying the stylish dial of the Casio Edifice is a highly polished stainless steel case which exudes quality and looks really sleek.

It’s not so big, at just 44 mm diameter and 13 mm thick though a guys with smaller wrist size should do well to avoid this watch.

I think apart from a good looking watch, the fit of the watch to the wrist is also an important factor to determine whether the watch will look good on the wearer or not.

Just like how distasteful an oversized clothes on a small body look, that’s how a big watch will look on a small wrist.

The watch case is also built differently than other watches. If you guys can notice, there are 4 crowns/pushers for this watch, each serving different functions.

Casio opted to position the 4 pushers at diagonal locations thus creating a unique case. Each pushers also has their own guards.

 

 

On top of the watch is a mineral crystal that’s sadly is not scratch resistant. Mineral crystal scratches easily and any watch with this type of crystal should be looked after carefully to avoid ugly scratches.

 

(Click here to read more about types of watch crystals)

 

The watch uses a 22 mm width stainless steel bracelet that is a nice complement to the stainless steel case.

To top it off, the Casio Edifice also has a 100 m water resistance as an additional protection from any unintentional water ingress.

 

Solar Powered Watch Movement For Total Convenience

One of the major selling point of this Casio Edifice is the Tough Solar technology by Casio that makes it a great solar watch.

What is a solar watch?

Solar watch is a quartz watch that can recharge its battery by converting any light into electricity. It’s able does this by a photo-voltaic cells underneath its dial.

Early solar watches had ugly solar cells stamped directly on their dial. But with technology advancement, these cells are now cleverly placed underneath the dial itself.

So now nobody will know a watch is a solar watch until they look at the specification list.

Performance wise, the Casio Edifice has the same accuracy as a normal quartz i.e +-15 seconds per month.

It also has 6 months power reserve which can be easily recharged by simply wearing or exposing the watch to any light.

 

Table above gives a guide on the recharging time required for the Casio Edifice. Level 1 is the highest power reserve level.

 

When the power reserve is almost depleted, the seconds hand will change to only skip every 2 seconds.

This is an indicator to let the owner know that the battery is almost dead and you should bring the watch out underneath the open sky LOL!

This ability to recharge itself effortlessly is what makes solar watches a great watch for its convenience. No more manual winding (automatic watch) or changing batteries (quartz watch) =)

4 Major Functions Of The Casio Edifice EQS500DB-1A1

There are 4 major functions (or modes) that the Casio Edifice has. The functions can simply be selected by a push of a button.

In addition, there are 5 independent motors inside the watch that moves the various hands to according to the function selected which is very nice to look at.

 

By pushing the lower left pusher, we can cycle through the 4 main functions of the Casio Edifice

 

Now, let’s see the 4 major functions of Casio Edifice EQS500DB-1A1:

 

1- Timekeeping Mode

Above diagram shows the functions of the Casio Edifice dial in the normal timekeeping mode

 

The default mode of the watch is timekeeping mode which is basically a normal watch. The 3 main hands will show the current time while the upper left subdial will show the 24-hour time.

Meanwhile, the lower left subdial will show another timezone (or called World Time) which need to be set up earlier. The right subdial is used to show the current day.

 

2- Chronograph / Stopwatch Mode

The second mode is the chronograph mode that uses the main seconds hand (1/10 second), the lower left subdial (minutes and 1 second) and right subdial (1/100 second).

Quite special is how casio chose to make the main seconds hand showing the 1/10 seconds – this makes the hand spinning very fast up to 30 seconds or so.

 

During chronograph mode, the dial of the Casio Edifice will change its usage for the stopwatch function

 

This chronograph is also very accurate as it can measure up to 1/100 second (i.e 3.29 seconds) which is usually reserved for electronic/digital chronographs.

The only flaw that I can see is the time measurement has a limit of 24 minutes that is very short compared to other chronographs.

 

3- World Time

Next, the Casio Edifice watch can show the current world time around the world. This can be done by selecting the intended time zone (as denoted by the cities at outer edge of the dial).

Up to 29 timezones can be selected and the watch will automatically calculate the time.

In order for this to work precisely, the home time (current location) must be set correctly as the watch use this info to calculate the time at other zones.

 

4- Alarm

Well, I don’t think I need to explain much about this function right?

 

As with any multi-function watch, there is a steep learning curve to learn all its functions. Thus, it’s important to read the user manual to learn how to use it effectively.

 

(Download the Casio Edifice EQS500DB-1A1 manual by clicking here)

Watch the video above to see the Casio Edifice in action

 

Who Is This Watch For?

If you want a cool looking watch with sophisticated and busy dial, then this Casio Edifice is definitely for you. It’s busy dial is tastefully designed and just look so sleek and gorgeous.

It’s definitely an eye-catching watch for sure.

Anyone that wants a watch that’s very different than a normal watch should also consider it seriously.

It has a long specification list, and when compared to its more affordable price, one can’t help to think how good value for money the Casio Edifice watch is.

With a quite big dimension, it has a nice wrist presence and looks very masculine too =)

Who Should Not Get It?

Anyone wanting a true dress watch for formal functions might need to look elsewhere since the watch is more suited for casual/everyday use.

The watch is just too “techy” for any formal functions. Check out the Seiko SARB033, Hamilton Jazzmaster and Tissot Visodate for dress watch alternatives that has killer look while still being affordable.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Stylish and sophisticated dial
2. Chronograph can measure accurately up to 1/100 seconds
3. Multitude of functions at an affordable price
4. Polished stainless steel gives it a very nice look
5. Solar powered for a very convenient watch

 

Cons:

1. As with any multi-function watch, there is a steep learning curve to learn all its functions
2. Very short chronograph time measurement limit (24 minutes)

 

Like This Watch? Buy It Cheapest On Amazon!

If you like this Casio Edifice, consider getting it at Amazon for a great discount over its MSRP of $250. Click the link below to check out the best prices for the watch on Amazon.

 

->Click Here To Check Out The Casio Edifice EQS500DB-1A1 On Amazon<-

Final Thoughts

Casio Edifice is one of the less known secrets from the Japanese watchmaker. While its brother, the G-Shock watches are more popular, the Edifice watches are lesser known even though it’s specification and design is on par with G-Shock’s.

This EQS500DB-1A1 model especially is an example of how good value for money an Edifice watch can be.

Solar powered, world time, chronograph and alarm are some of the major features that will surely be an useful tool to its owners.

All in all, the Casio Edifice EQS500DB-1A1 is a handsome watch with a great specification in it.

 

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I hope you guys like this Casio Edifice review. Let me know if you guys have any comments or questions regarding the watch.

I’d love to hear your opinions =)

Till next time. Cheers!
Isaac

 

Hi guys. Today I’m writing about the Casio Wave Ceptor review, a very affordable solar AND radio-controlled atomic watch – all for less than $160!

Yep you read that right.

This solar watch that’s also can keep resetting itself to atomic time is much cheaper than other “normal” watches out there.

I was very surprised at first but then knowing how Casio usually dishes out great watches at low prices, this could definitely be the real thing.

The Casio Wave Ceptor watch is a hybrid of analog and digital watch (kinda like the Tissot T-Touch series).

 

 

The analog is used to show the normal hour, minute and seconds while the digital display is used for other informations such as day, date, power reserve and others.

Let not get ahead of ourselves and go to the Casio Wave Ceptor review shall we.

 

Casio Wave Ceptor Watch Specification (WVAM640D-1A)

Diameter: 43 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Lug Width: 23 mm
Case: Plastic resin and stainless steel
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Watch Crystal: Mineral crystal

Dial: Hybrid analog + digital dial
Hands: Sword hands with lume
Markers: Index markers with lume

Movement: Casio Movement 5161
Movement Features: Solar powered quartz movement
Accuracy: +- 15 seconds per month
Power Reserve: 4 months

Water Resistance: 100 m
Other Features: Radio-controlled atomic watch, World time, Solar/light powered, LED light, Lume, Alarm, 1/100 second chronograph up to 1-hour, Countdown timer, Power reserve indicator, Calendar

Casio Wave Ceptor Manual: Click here to download the manual from Casio’s website. Module no. is 5161

Best Place To Buy: Amazon, MSRP is $160

Hybrid Analog and Digital Dial

The dial of the Casio Wave Ceptor watch is a hybrid of analog and digital, giving it a really unique look. The analog 3 hands shows the normal hours, minutes and seconds.

The digital display at the bottom of the watch is used to show day and date as well as its other numerous functions (which I’ll go in depth later on in this review).

The dial is black in color with circular pattern on it that makes it nice to look at.

The hands are slim sword hands while the markers are index type. Both hands and markers are lumed for visibility in the dark.

 

 

What I like about the look is how it’s so functional, while still keeping the analog display to tell time.

I know that digital watches are very popular and useful, but those digital displays have already conquered the world around us.

Just look at our smartphone, computer, display on the train station, television, etc. All of them are filled with digital displays.

Which is why I cherished an analog watch (such as this Casio Wave Ceptor watch) as it’s giving a more traditional non-digital look.

Perhaps its fatigue from looking at all those digital things but an analog watch is definitely a must for me.

Not only that, it’s also looks better and more versatile than a normal digital watch.

 

Plastic Resin and Stainless Steel Case

One of the thing that you guys should know about this Casio Wave Ceptor watch is the case is not fully stainless steel. It’s actually a plastic resin case with stainless steel plated on top of it.

I’m not really sure why this is done but I believe it’s to reduce cost.

Performance wise, it’s lighter than normal stainless steel watches and I don’t think we need to worry much about the plastic case since Casio’s G-shock also use the same construction material with great feedback from owners

But in terms of aesthetics, I believe some people might be put off by this.

From the outside, the stainless steel case covers about 60% or so of the surface while the plastic can be seen from the sides, back and top of lug.

 

As you can see, the case of this Casio Wave Ceptor is a combination of plastic resin and stainless steel

 

Though this is the case, it’s not too obvious since the plastic is gray in color and blend well with the silver stainless steel case.

But again, those that are strictly metal watch type of guy might be put off by this.

Thus, I recommend you guys to think deeply whether this type of case is acceptable to you to avoid buyer’s remorse =)

 

Average Size With Good Water Resistance

The Casio Wave Ceptor watch has a size of 43 mm diameter and 12 mm thickness, an average size by today’s standard. It’s also hooked up with a stainless steel bracelet (no plastic on this one guys!).

One drawback with the stainless steel bracelet is it cannot be changed like normal watches. It’s screwed to the case, unlike using spring bars and lugs like normal watches.

So sadly, no Nato or leather straps for this watch.

On top of the watch is a mineral crystal which is not a good scratch resistant crystal.

My own experience with this type of crystal urges me to be very cautious while using the watch without banging it or whatsoever. Even putting the watch in your pocket might cause some scratches.

But in my opinion, it’s logical for Casio to use it since this watch is meant to be at the lower price range. I can’t see they use any premium material when the watch will be selling less than $200.

Putting that aside, the watch also has a good 100 m water resistance rating that’s surely more than enough for most people.

I don’t recommend anyone to use it for any water activity (swimming, scuba diving, etc) since the three pushers of the watch are all possible points for water ingress.

If you want a watch for water related activities, a diver’s watch is the one that you need.

 

(Click here to check out my top 10 automatic dive watches under $500)

 

Radio-Controlled Atomic Timekeeping

One of the best feature that this Casio Wave Ceptor watch has is its radio-controlled atomic timekeeping.

In short, this means the watch will be able to pick up radio signals which has the current atomic time. Then, the watch will automatically adjust the time according to the atomic time and the current timezone.

 

(Read my introduction to atomic watch for more information about the most accurate watch on earth) 

 

There are 29 timezones to choose from corresponding to all over the world. But sadly, the radio frequency supported is only limited to only 6 radio stations.

Thus, if you are outside of the range (namely Eastern Europe and some parts of Asia), I’d say this watch is not the best for you.

 

Above figures show the approximate radio signal coverage that the Casio Wave Ceptor can use for its atomic timekeeping function

 

Though be warned that the setting of the watch to your timezone can be a bit confusing.

Please refer to Casio Wave Ceptor manual which can be downloaded below. The manual has helpful step-by-step figures to explain the setting process.

 

(Click here to download the manual from Casio’s website. Module no. is 5161)

 

The synchronization will be done automatically from 12:00 am to 5:00 am daily. Make sure the watch is located near to windows to ensure it can pick up the signal effortlessly.

Also, being in a concrete jungle or mountains will severely affect the signal reach. Luckily the watch also has manual sync function so that its owners can sync whenever they are at a clear area.

What I like the most about this function is it will keep the watch super accurate. The Casio quartz movement has a normal +-15 seconds per month accuracy which is good enough for use.

But having this synchronization with atomic time DAILY will make the watch as accurate as an atomic watch itself! For those that want a perfectly accurate watch, then this one is the watch that you have to consider.

 

Casio’s Tough Solar Movement

Powering the Casio Wave Ceptor watch is none other than the clean energy, solar. Like Citizen’s Eco-Drive, Casio also has their own solar watch brand i.e Tough Solar.

I’ve written at length on how solar watches are a step up from the normal “boring ol'” quartz watches.

Since it’s powered by solar/sun or any light for the matter, owners don’t have to change the battery every few years.

The Casio Wave Ceptor will recharge it’s battery by converting lights into electrical energy and it seems the minimum battery life for these watches is 10 years.

That’s a lot longer than the normal 1-2 years of battery capacity for a normal quartz.

Not only that, solar watches are very easy to be charged. Just wear them under bright sunlight for a few minutes and the watch is good to go.

But normal fluorescent indoor lights will take longer to charge it. Thus, you might need to take this into consideration especially when you are working night shifts will little exposure to sunlight.

 

Charging the Casio Wave Ceptor is very easy, especially if you’re always exposed to light (sunlight, indoor lights, etc) all day long – which is most of us do!

 

7 Other Useful Features

Besides those two functions above, the Casio Wave Ceptor watch has a multitude of other features. Well, it’s actually a digital watch after all so this is to be expected.

Among some of the features worth mentioning are:

1. LED light
2. Alarm (up to 5 alarms can be set)
3. Chronograph/stopwatch
4. Countdown timer
5. Power reserve indicator
6. Full calendar
7. World time feature (can check the time at other timezones)

 

The Casio Wave Ceptor also has an LED light which is very useful to tell time in the dark

Casio Wave Ceptor Problems

Perhaps one of the most common problems with the Casio Wave Ceptor watch is the atomic time synchronization.

Firstly, the home time is a bit difficult to set (which is why you must always have a copy of the manual) and we need to change it every single time when we’re at a different place for travel.

Next, the sync with radio signal is not as smooth as it depends heavily on the current location, presence of obstruction (tall buildings, mountains, etc) and where the watch sits during the night.

And lastly, some areas are not covered under the atomic time radio signal so do make sure your location is within the covered areas.

 

Who Is This Watch For?

Those who want a real convenient watch should go for this Casio Wave Ceptor watch. It’s solar powered, meaning the battery will not have to be replaced for years.

The atomic timekeeping will keep it as accurate as ever. Heck, if the synchronization happens every night, the accuracy of the watch will never be more than one second at any point of time! Now that’s a very accurate watch.

The digital display also makes the watch look more unique. It’s giving a lot of information without looking too complicated.

 

Who Should Not Get It?

In my opinion, those that want a more better built watch should not get this. The plastic resin is great and also lightweight but nothing beats a full metal watch.

There’s just too much difference in the feel of the watch due to this. Thus if you are already used to full metal watch, then the Casio Wave Ceptor watch might be a bit odd to you.

I also feel anyone that don’t reside in one of the radio signal areas should not buy this watch. I mean what’s the purpose of buying a radio-controlled watch if you can’t even get the watch to sync?

 

Watch the video above to see the Casio Wave Ceptor up close

 

Casio Wave Ceptor Watch Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Radio-controlled atomic timekeeping for a very accurate watch
2. A unique and cool hybrid digital and analog watch design
3. Digital display is very functional as it will give lots of information
4. More convenient as the battery does not need to be changed as frequent as normal quartz watches
5. Solar watch is a cool and cutting edge technology

Cons:

1. Can be quite complicated to learn about its functions, especially to set the timezones
2. Does not has a full stainless steel case
3. Atomic time radio signals are not covering the entire earth. Some areas will not be able to use the radio-controlled atomic time setting function.

 

Like This Watch? Buy It Cheapest On Amazon!

If you like this Casio Wave Ceptor watch, get it cheapest on Amazon. It’s MSRP is around $160 while you can have it cheaper online. Click the link below to check out the watch on Amazon.

 

->Click Here To Check Out The Casio Wave Ceptor (WVAM640D-1A) On Amazon<-

Final Thoughts

The Casio Wave Ceptor watch is a good piece of technology timepiece – solar and atomic timekeeping – all in a very affordable price.

I can say Casio really pushed the boundary on how low a good watch can cost us. It’s really that such watches are available for us at such a great price.

All in all, this is a watch that I’m sure most of you guys will like for its aesthetics, great technical specs and affordable price.

 

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I hope you guys like this Casio Wave Ceptor review and find it’s beneficial. Let me know if there is any questions or comments on this watch.

I’ll be very happy to get your feedback on it =)

Regards,
Isaac.