Casio W-86 Review |The True Successor To The Legendary Casio F-91W
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What if I told you that the famous Casio F-91W isn't the best super-cheap watch? I've gone mad, right?
I've been on the prowl for a cheap digital that alleviates the flaws of the F-91. I've gone through most of the Casio lineup and even tried a Timex or two on my quest. Yikes, that last one was bad. However, I keep finding myself returning to the same piece every time. This being the W-86. You've probably never heard of it, but it's basically an F-91 that's better in every way but one...or maybe two.
Watch Case
As you can probably tell from the color and texture, this W-86 is constructed of the same resin as the F-91.
Given this watch is also on the lowest end of the price spectrum, that's hardly surprising, but consequently, it will accrue many scratches and scrapes over time. No metal in use here.
Left - Casio F-91W Right - Casio W-86
The mold is more precise than the F-91 (check out the F-91 on Amazon here), as you can see from the more refined edges, and the black is more mattified, but I like the W-86 for its proportions. Many other F-91 alternatives boast improved specs over the original but often at the cost of size. Most are significantly larger, removing the diminutive on-wrist feeling that the old-school classic is famous for.
The W-86, on the other hand, remains well within that ballpark, with a near-identical lug to lug size and only a marginal increase in the thickness and width, resulting in a similar on-wrist experience. It's still an unobtrusive watch that never gets in the way.
It still has no trouble fitting thin wrists but is a touch more viable for larger ones too.
Water Resistance
Both pieces share a similar quad-screwed steel case back, though the W-86 boasts an improved water resistance rating of 5bar, as opposed to the 3bar splash resistance offered by its predecessor. Upon its removal, the rear of the W-86 reveals an altered layout with deeper screws and a slightly thicker rubber gasket, likely contributing to the increased performance.
Modules
Looking at the internals reveals that the modules used here are also different. The 3298 module in the W-86 doesn't offer any additional functions over the old 593 used in the original. However, it does replace the infamously poor backlight with an LED alternative that is far brighter and much more usable. This is identical to that in the popular Casio A168.
Viewing angles and clarity are indistinguishable from the original unless you put them directly side by side. Possibly due to the type of luminescence, you'll notice the background is slightly grainier and not quite as flat, but for the most part, the time is just as readable at a glance, which is all that really matters.
Watch Strap & crystal
Another improvement comes in the way of the strap. While far from a vast upgrade, the resin band on the newer model is thicker, feels less cheap, and has a more contemporary design, including some angular cutouts that help it look less dated. The straps on the F-91 are already known to wear out before the rest of the watch, so I think this one should last you a little longer.
Unfortunately, the crystal here is the same acrylic as before, which will scratch over time. It would be nice to see a mineral option in the future, as that material isn't exactly expensive to implement.
Design
The design is still retro, with two turquoise beams sandwiching the display and a slim grey edge that outlines the black backdrop. For me, the result is a bit of an oxymoron. It looks more tasteful than the older model and achieves the retro aesthetic without looking so dated; however, I don't think it's such an easy wearer. The brighter color scheme isn't so subtle or versatile, and as such, I doubt the W-86 will obtain the retro fashion acclaim that the F-91 has garnered over recent years.
That's one of the two drawbacks I mentioned at the start. This watch isn't the F-91 and can't quite cash in on the same legendary reputation. People will still recognize it as one of those retro Casios; they just won't be able to pinpoint it the same way they might with its super-popular grandfather.
If you're not bothered about your watch being some sort of conversation starter, then the only other factor to consider is the price.
The W-86 costs more than the standard F-91W, falling in line with some F-91 special editions at around a 50-70% markup. Of course, these are markups on meager base prices, so the overall discrepancy isn't huge; just expect to pay closer to $30 on the likes of Amazon.
Final Thoughts
Despite the increased cost, I think the W-86 is the clearcut superior choice if you're happy with the design. It packs in additional functionality for a competitive price without sacrificing some of the core fundamentals that have made the F-91 so enduring.
BEN’S WATCH CLUB RATING (4.5/5):