Not to be outdone by its longtime competitor, Casio has unveiled its own digital ring watch, boasting more features than Timex’s wearable, which debuted last month. Created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Casio's entry into the digital watch market, the CRW-001-1JR will be available in Japan starting December for ￥19,800, approximately $128.
Despite the watch’s case being just under an inch in size, Casio has managed to incorporate a retro six-segment LCD screen that displays hours, minutes, and seconds. The ring also includes three functional buttons that allow users to access additional features, such as viewing the date, checking the time in another time zone, or using a stopwatch.
The screen is equipped with a light, and the alarm function flashes the display instead of emitting an audible sound. The ring watch is powered by a single battery that Casio claims will last about two years. When the battery runs out, it can easily be replaced, and the watch is also waterproof.
To replicate the design and fine details of Casio’s classic digital watches, the wearable is crafted as a single piece using a metal injection molding process with powdered metal. Unlike Timex’s ring watch, which has a stretchable band for different users, the CRW-001-1JR is fixed at a US size 10.5. For users with smaller fingers, Casio includes spacers to adjust the fit. However, those with larger fingers will need to find another way to tell the time.
Last year, Casio introduced a collection of ring watches inspired by some of its most iconic digital designs from the past five decades. Unfortunately, none of those were functional, making it exciting to see Casio now offering a ring watch that actually works. Perhaps for the 75th anniversary, we’ll see a miniature calculator ring watch.
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