Casio Goes Mechanical With Edifice EFK-100 In A Smartwatch-Obsessed World

Ever since launching its first watch in 1974, Casio has stuck to quartz timepieces. For 51 years, every movement across its lineups has been battery-powered. But that’s finally changing in 2025 with the debut of the Edifice EFK-100 series, the company’s first-ever automatic watch, now available for purchase in multiple countries.

The launch comes at a time when global smartwatch sales are slowing. After a decade of rapid growth, the segment has reached a saturation point. For traditional watchmakers, this is the perfect moment to win back customers who may be tiring of tiny screens. Casio is seizing the opportunity with the Edifice EFK-100, its first step into mechanical watchmaking.

The new Casio automatic is reasonably sized at 39mm, with four of the five models crafted from polished and brushed stainless steel. At 12.4mm thick, it wears comfortably on the wrist.

The integrated bracelet design isn’t as refined as Tissot’s PRX series, but considering Casio’s sub-$300 pricing, that’s hardly a drawback. The steel versions ship with an H-link stainless steel bracelet featuring polished inner links, though there’s no micro-adjustment or quick-release system. Still, given the pricing, it’s not a compromise.

The Edifice EFK-100 series offers 100m of water resistance, a transparent caseback, and a textured dial framed by an angled inner flange. Applied markers appear to float above the dial, complemented by lume-tipped openworked hour and minute hands. A neatly placed date window sits at 6 o’clock, aligned with the logos for visual balance. Overall, this dial is a winner.

Inside, the EFK-100 runs on a Seiko automatic movement with a 41-hour power reserve, beating at 3Hz. It’s a widely used and dependable caliber. The collection includes four steel models with textured dials, plus a standout variant: the EFK-100CD-1A, featuring a forged carbon black dial. This premium model also comes with blacked-out markers, date disc, and hands, setting it apart from the rest.

The Casio Edifice EFK-100 is now available, starting at $280 / EUR 279 / INR 25,995 for the silver (EFK-100D-7A), green (EFK-100D-3A) and blue (EFK-100D-2A) variants. On the other hand, the forged carbon edition on a rubber strap will set you back at EUR 449 / INR 39,995 (not available in the U.S.).