Skmei vs Casio Digital Watch Battle – Which Is The Best Cheap Watch?
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For valentines day, Phoebe got me a super romantic gift; she knows me well! I unwrapped the package to find what looked like a Casio…but wasn’t. This was the name on the dial. Skmei. Not a clue how to pronounce this properly, but I was excited nonetheless; because loads of you have bombarded me with questions about this brand before.
This is extra interesting because it looks just like a watch that I already own, the Casio A158. At a glance, you may think these are the same watch and I wouldn’t blame you because this Skmei is a copy, with a couple of small differences.
Design
Design-wise, these both have the same square shape, with the LCD in the centre. Both are 33mm in diameter, which becomes 34 if you include the lumps around the pushers. The Skmei is a fraction wider, but more importantly, is notably deeper. Both cases feature a rear bulge, housing the quartz movement. The bulge on the Skmei is more pronounced and this means you’re left with more of a gap between the lugs and your arm. It works out about a millimetre deeper, which may not sound much but the Casio sits flusher to the wrist, which I prefer the look and feel of.
While the colours on each face are quite similar, both include red, yellow and blue, it’s clear the Skmei is brighter. The A158 looks more understated and is slightly less reflective. Both have similar wording, though in different positions. I have to say, I’m not a fan of the Skmei font, I think it looks pretty bizarre and rather ugly. Almost like the font is inflatable and it doesn’t suit a watch like this.
Display
The display may look the same on each, however, they perform quite differently. From an overhead view, I’d say the clarity is about equal. On the Skmei there is more contrast between the digits and background; though there does seem to be more of a shadow when moved even a fraction to the side. The viewing angles are far better on the Casio though, which remains clear from virtually any perspective. With the Skmei, you often get that weird effect, where sections of the panel become visible. I’m unsure of the technical terminology, but it’s inferior in this regard.
The pushers on the Skmei are slightly larger but both feel similar. There is an audible difference in the pitch between the two when pressed. In terms of functions, both watches perform similarly well.
Case
According to Aliexpress, the knock-off has a case constructed of Zinc alloy, rather than the resin used in the A158; which is quite unusual. Both aren’t great materials; I’m unsure which would be more durable over time. To be fair the Skmei does feel a tiny bit heavier, though it’s easy to see that Casio have done a better job with the case finishing, which is neater overall. The lines around the lugs and flanks of the watch just look more refined and sharper, versus the knock-off which…well, it looks like a knock-off. Some areas look scrappy and rushed.
Regardless of looks, both watches should offer roughly the same water performance, at around 30m of resistance. Nevertheless, these Casios have a legendary reputation for outdoing that; something which the Skmei doesn’t, yet. Both watches feature the same screw secured stainless steel rear. The Skmei does dominate the Casio when it comes to night-light functionality. The A158 has the terrible side-light carried over from the F-91W, which technically works, albeit performs poorly. This Skmei features an unusual light that inverts the display for a few seconds when pressed. This is brighter and better.
Covering both watches seems to be the same acrylic crystal, Aliexpress lists this one as simply ‘glass’, though both seem to be the same stuff. This will provide virtually no scratch resistance but will survive hard impacts.
Bracelet
The Chinese brand has also copy and pasted the A158 bracelet onto their watch. Both look and feel very similar but again the Casios is noticeably better. This time it’s the clasp that is the big difference-maker. The Casio’s clasp functions just how it should, it keeps the watch secure when sealed but is easily adjusted when required. While the quality of the Skmei bracelet is fine, it’s clasp is difficult to set and then reopen, without ripping your fingernail off. Both straps can be removed using a tool if you feel the need to.
Casio Or Skmei?
If I was choosing between them, I’d save up the few extra quid and buy the Casio. While the Skmei is a surprisingly good watch for the price; it feels like a subpar of the watch is aspires to be. It may be advertised as ‘original authentic’ on Aliexpress, but the original mega value watch is the Casio. It’s from a better brand, it looks better, it’s easier to read, it’s more comfortable and is proven to be virtually indestructible. This is arguably the best watch for the price point, so I’d go with that. I reviewed it on one of my blog articles, which you can read here.