In a move to rival its longtime competitor Timex, Casio has introduced the CRW-001-1JR, a sleek digital ring watch that offers more features than the wearable released by Timex last month. The new timepiece, designed to mark the 50th anniversary of Casio’s entry into the digital watch market, will hit the shelves in Japan this December, priced at ¥19,800 (approximately $128).
Despite its compact size—just under an inch in diameter—Casio has managed to incorporate a retro-style six-segment LCD display showing the time down to the second. The ring also boasts three functional buttons, enabling users to access a variety of features including the date, a second time zone, and a stopwatch function.
In line with its modern yet nostalgic design, the CRW-001-1JR includes a backlight for the screen and an alarm that flashes the display rather than sounding an audible tone. Casio promises a two-year battery life with a single power cell, which can be easily replaced. Additionally, the ring is waterproof, making it as durable as it is stylish.
The ring’s construction is equally impressive. Crafted using a metal injection molding process, the CRW-001-1JR is made from powdered metal, ensuring a premium feel and a nod to the high-quality craftsmanship Casio is known for. Unlike Timex’s adjustable-band version, Casio’s watch comes in a fixed size of US 10.5, though spacers are included for those with smaller fingers. Larger-fingered buyers, however, might find the fit less accommodating.
Casio had previously launched a collection of non-functional ring watches last year, based on the brand’s iconic digital designs from the past. The CRW-001-1JR marks the company’s first fully operational ring watch, blending retro flair with modern technology. As Casio celebrates its 50-year legacy, fans are already speculating on what the next milestone anniversary might bring—perhaps a miniature calculator ring watch for its 75th?
The CRW-001-1JR will be available exclusively in Japan starting December, but if the interest from the international market is any indication, a wider release may soon follow.
