Casio EFB-108D vs EFR-S108D Review | Casio’s Most Popular ‘Edifice’ Returns...Again?
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In recent years, Casio has taken “inspiration,” shall we say, from a variety of much more expensive watch brands.
Now, several of these are brazen copy-and-paste jobs with very few visual alterations, many of which unfortunately have questionable build quality and sub-standard materials.
However, Casio also produces other watches that look quite like certain luxury models but with more pronounced differences.
Casio EFR-S108D
One of the best examples in recent times was the Edifice EFR-S108D. That watch, with its Octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet, was a clear nod to the AP Royal Oak; yet the handset and dial surface are both markedly different. It was also really well built for the money, with beautiful finishing, a wafer-thin profile, and a sapphire crystal.
Now, this post was meant to be a review of another of these half-homage watches, the new-ish EFB-108. It looked incredibly similar to the near-identically named EFR-S108D, so I was keen to see how it stacked up in person.
But then, right as I went to make this post, Casio did something that made both watches virtually obsolete, and surprisingly, you’ll probably be glad they did.
Design
So, here’s the EFB-108. Those of you who saw my previous Edifice review will probably notice some similarities straight out of the gate. Most obviously, the dial is really similar, with an identical handset and subtle black wood grain texture; in fact, from a distance, you’d be forgiven for thinking they were the same watch. With the same sports watch styling, an integrated bracelet, a fixed bezel, and a vertically brushed steel case, it’s almost as if Casio has copied another kid’s homework; only this time, it’s their own homework!
Casio EFB-108
Casio EFB-108
I was thinking that would pretty much be the tale of the tape. Casio had just rereleased the same watch to capitalize on its success. However, after getting hands-on with the EFB, the conclusion isn’t so clear-cut.
Dimensions
Now, I sold my EFR a couple of years back, and my memory completely failed me when it came to sizing. Out of the box, I thought the EFB could be reusing the exact same case, as it boasted similarly thin construction and a comparable angular structure, and I overlooked the fact that this watch was noticeably larger.
For reference, the EFR version came in at about 38.2mm wide when omitting the side bulges, paired with a thickness of just 8.1mm and a lug-to-lug of 44.8mm, the latter effectively being closer to 50mm (49.7mm) when considering the extended central end links.
Casio EFB-108
Casio EFB-108
The EFB, meanwhile, has a bezel size of 40.4mm, and unlike the EFR, its case exceeds the bezel width, giving a real diameter of around 42mm without the side protrusions. Those bulges are also more prominent, resulting in the EFB commanding even more wrist presence. When combined with the 8.9mm thickness and 47.4mm lug-to-lug (which becomes 51.8mm with those central links), you get a totally different on-wrist experience that’s catered best to those with large wrists. As you might be able to tell, that isn’t me.
Case Construction
So, I was wrong about the bulk of the case being reused, but are there any noteworthy differences? Well, from above, they share the same diamond shape, though the EFB drops the AP-inspired screws from the EFR. At an angle, you’ll see that the EFB has a polished two-step design, while the flanks of the EFR have a predominantly brushed finish, with some sexy chamfers running the edges. Overall, I think the EFR looks nicer in this regard. Still, the brushing is excellent on both models, especially considering the retail price; these Edifice watches have always boasted this advantage over the mainline, classic Casio watches.
Casio EFR-S108D
Casio EFB-108
I was surprised to discover that the rears came with different fixtures: the EFR a snapback, the EFB a screwback. Both are streamlined and flush to the case, with neither holding an advertised water resistance advantage, each commanding a 10-bar rating. I’d guess the EFB would hold up better aquatically, though neither has a screw-down crown to really seal the deal. That said, these aren’t dive watches anyway, and in most cases, 100m is absolutely sufficient.
Bracelet
Another change is also noticeable from this perspective. Looking closely, you’ll see that the end links on the newer EFB are solid, unlike the hollow ones on the EFR; a trend that continues across the entire bracelet. Indeed, the EFB has solid links throughout, which look and feel much more premium than the lower-end folded links on the older watch. To be clear, the EFR bracelet isn’t particularly bad; the EFB one just has the legs on it, with an extra micro-adjustment hole to boot. Unsurprisingly, this also looks just like the Tissot PRX bracelet, a watch whose overall design undoubtedly influenced this model.
Casio EFB-108
Casio EFB-108
Despite the appearance, you can remove both of these bracelets, but good luck finding a 12mm replacement band to replace it with. It would have to be a custom job.
Movement
Of course, this Casio Edifice isn’t powered by a swanky automatic movement like some PRX models. Instead, it’s powered by a simpler Japanese quartz, specifically the Epson VX42E. There isn’t a great deal of information about this movement online, though this unit has great alignment; it’s just a shame that the seconds hand falls a touch short of the chapter ring, something avoided by the more compact EFR model. While it’s also a little loud, it’s serviceable for a budget watch.
What’s funny is that these third-party movements expose a bunch of the bogus reviewers out there, who consistently state that these Casio watches are powered by Casio movements, which is almost never the case nowadays. They’ve either never touched the watch or can’t be arsed to check inside it, which is embarrassing either way.
On a lighter note, this new model retains the sapphire crystal, which helped make the last one so popular, and while this fact is still written on the dial for some reason, there’s one less line of text this time, giving a marginally cleaner aesthetic.
EFB-108 vs EFR-S108D
When weighing up the pros and cons, things seem to lean heavily in favor of the EFB-108. It’s got a cleaner dial, a much better bracelet, and a more secure caseback. Has it displaced the EFR-S108D? No...the EFR-S108D has displaced it. No, not the model I reviewed last time...this one!
Yes, Casio has gone back and reissued this popular model in a bunch of new colors, and boy, am I glad they did!
The updated design is available in three new colors: a bright, tiffany-style blue, a darker denim blue, and a forest green (also available on Casio UK). Those last two are the ones I’m more excited by, as they have minor changes that result in a far classier overall appearance versus the others.
Not only are these presented in subtler, tasteful colors that are extremely versatile, but they also feature a different dial texture. I purchased the green one, and it features a radial sunburst effect, which completely transforms the appearance, especially in combination with the silver handset; a change from the black and white pilot-inspired hands used previously. These are used on tonnes of Edifice watches, and, admittedly, I’ve never been a huge fan. Usually, their quirky shape looks a bit awkward and clumsy, but atop this newly refreshed design, it finally feels right at home and it helps the EFR-S108D look like the sports watch it was always meant to be.
In a similar fashion to the Orient Mako Sport I reviewed last year, the new EFR, at least in this color, looks phenomenal and simultaneously way more expensive than it’s currently selling for. It’s £119 at the time of writing, which is an absolute bargain. While the Edifice logo is somewhat divisive, I think few will disagree that this is one of the best-looking low-cost watches on the market. It was already a great watch, now it’s a brilliant one. I imagine the darker blue model would be similarly impressive, though the Tiffany version seems much plainer from the stock images.
Casio ERF-S108D
Casio ERF-S108D
On wrist, I think the EFR looks better proportioned, not just for my wrist but for the average one, too. It’s sleeker and more aggressive, giving a more unique vibe that’s unmatched by most AP clones or the more restrained EFB.
Sadly, this unexpected twist makes the poor EFB feel displaced, despite it being marginally better built and a competent all-rounder in its own right. It’s decent, but I’d take the EFR every day of the week.
I got rid of the last one, I get the feeling I’ll be holding onto it this time.