The Edifice Automatic allows you to experience a higher level of Casio, and its mechanical movement is not the only attraction!

Casio, which has dominated the world with its precision quartz and digital technology, has finally stepped into the realm of mechanical watches. Its debut model, the Edifice Automatic, is part of the sporty Edifice line, employing high-quality materials such as forged carbon and sapphire glass to achieve a level of perfection that defies conventional wisdom for its price range. Daniela Push, editor-in-chief of WatchTime Germany, examines why Casio announced a watch equipped with a mechanical movement in 2025 and how serious the Edifice Automatic is through a hands-on review.

The Edifice Automatic is incredibly well-made!

　As Daniela Push, editor-in-chief of the German edition of WatchTime, I rarely feel a sense of high aspiration when picking up a mechanical watch costing around 10 yen, but the new Edifice Automatic gives me the impression from the first impression that it aims to be something a step above, or even above.

　This watch offers an experience that goes beyond simply being "affordable." The mechanism, choice of materials, and design are all brought together in a highly harmonious and refined way, and you'll forget for a moment what price range the watch you're currently in.

A new chapter begins for Casio

　For decades, Casio has been synonymous with highly accurate quartz movements, such as the G-SHOCK, functional digital watches, and watches that are tough companions for everyday use. Watches with mechanical movements are a new field for the company, and they have never existed before.

　That's why the news of Casio's long-rumored but unfulfilled entry into the mechanical watch market has continued to pique industry expectations and curiosity. Now, at last, Casio has taken that step, entering the entry-level watch market head-on, a category previously dominated by brands like Seiko and Citizen.

　What's even more noteworthy is that Casio chose Edifice, a brand with a sporty yet urban image, as the stage for its mechanical debut. This isn't just about introducing a new mechanism; it's a signal that shows the brand's future direction.

The core of the lineup: the philosophy behind the five models

　The Edifice Automatic series is comprised of five models, all equipped with automatic movements, and differing in materials and design. The four main models feature stainless steel cases, all strategically priced at under 55,000 yen. The most iconic of the series is the Ref. EFK-100XPB, which uses forged carbon not only for the dial but also for the case.

　Casio has adopted forged carbon, a material with roots in the aerospace industry that is now essential for high-performance cars, for its entry-level priced mechanical watches. This is not just a choice of material; it is a challenge to price, and a bold statement that symbolizes the brand's technological capabilities and future-oriented approach.

A shape, design and fit that speaks of quiet confidence

　The stainless steel model has a diameter of 39mm, while the carbon fiber model has a diameter of 40mm, both of which are in line with modern wear trends. The thickness is modest, and the carbon fiber model in particular achieves an exquisite balance between sportiness and elegance. Weights range from the lightest 87g to 148g, but all models are well-balanced on the wrist, allowing you to wear them for long periods without feeling fatigued.

　The matte-finished case, marbled carbon, the flexibility of the resin band, and the solid metal bracelet on the stainless steel model with a folding clasp with safety—these details are clearly designed to provide an experience that exceeds the price.

Enjoy a peek into the movement

　The case back is screwed down and transparent, allowing the wearer to enjoy the movement in action. The rotor features the Casio logo, and while it is not overly decorated, it expresses the watch's sincere commitment to mechanical movements.

　The stainless steel case has a surface finish that combines hairline and polish, giving the watch a rich, expressive appearance even at this price point.

　The only thing to note is that the angle of the lugs may appear a little protruding on smaller wrists, but this shouldn't be an issue for those with standard wrist sizes.

Casio's answer to "mechanical"

　The movement has a power reserve of approximately 40 hours and a stable beat of 6 vibrations per second. The published daily rate appears to be wide, ranging from -35 seconds to +45 seconds, but this movement is a general-purpose movement that has already proven itself in other brands, and if properly adjusted, it will be reliable enough for everyday use.

　The watch features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, water resistance to 10 bar, a screw-down case back, and a robust construction, all of which demonstrate Casio's clear philosophy of "a mechanical watch that can be used daily."

The Edifice Automatic: A Quiet Revolution

　The Edifice Automatic is not just Casio's first foray into the world of mechanical watches. It is a model that embodies the company's technology and mass production techniques, as well as a reinterpretation of the real needs of modern users, to create a watch that allows anyone to experience the charm of mechanical watches head-on at a realistic price they can afford.

　It's not a watch that makes a flashy statement. However, its quiet presence embodies the vision for the next generation of watches that Casio is aiming for. The Edifice Automatic is an important first step that sheds light on how the company will approach mechanical watches in the future.