Casio's First Mechanical Watch Could Be the Best Sub-$1,000 Tissot PRX Alternative
Published: 30 Jul 2025 |Last Updated: 29 Jul 2025
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Casio's first mechanical watch, EFK‑100, starts around AUD$550
Compact 39 mm stainless case, sapphire crystal, 100m water resistance
Reliable NH35A automatic movement, 40‑hour reserve, hacking seconds
Integrated steel bracelet echoes Tissot PRX, brushed sporty finish
Choose from four dials: green, white, navy, forged carbon
The Casio EFK-100 (from AUD$550) is the brand's first mechanical watch, which is kind of a big deal. Long-time innovators in the solar and quartz business, they've expanded their range and created an enthusiast piece that sits under the EDIFICE brand, and it includes all the hallmark features that we look for in a great watch.
There are four dial options, a compact 39mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal glass, and a trusty Malaysian-made NH35A movement (known as the 4R35 in Seiko terms).
We can't ignore the integrated stainless steel bracelet that takes a page out of the Tissot PRX's playbook and adds a similar brushed stainless steel finish. The sharp angles from the raised indexes continue to the bezel, where Casio has presented a smooth texture. Overall, it's a smart timepiece that has an edge of refined sportiness that only a few watches can achieve at this price point. Let's take a closer look!
EFK-100CD-1A | Image: Casio
Casio EFK-100 Key Specifications
Here are the key specifications for the Casio EFK-100:
Movement : automatic (manual‑wind capable), 24 jewels, 21,600 vph, hacking seconds
: automatic (manual‑wind capable), 24 jewels, 21,600 vph, hacking seconds Performance : 40‑hour power reserve, -35 / +45 seconds per day, magnetic‑resistant
: 40‑hour power reserve, -35 / +45 seconds per day, magnetic‑resistant Case material : solid stainless steel, one‑touch 3‑fold clasp
: solid stainless steel, one‑touch 3‑fold clasp Case diameter : 39 mm
: 39 mm Case thickness : 12.5 mm
: 12.5 mm Weight : 148 g
: 148 g Functions : three‑hand time, date display, see‑through screw‑lock back
: three‑hand time, date display, see‑through screw‑lock back Water resistance: 100 m (10 bar)
The Casio EFK-100 uses a Malaysian-made NH35A movement that offers a commendable 40 hours power reserve, -35 / +45 seconds per day accuracy, and exhibition screw‑lock case back. We could sit here and question why they didn't go with a better Miyota 9015 movement, but we don't really care. It's exactly what you would expect to find in a watch at this price point, and our experience with Seiko watches powered by the Japan-made 4R35 proves that it's fine for a daily driver.
EFK-100CD-1A | Image: Casio
EFK-100D-2A | Image: Casio
EFK-100D-3A | Image: Casio
EFK-100D-7A | Image: Casio
There are four dial options to choose from, including textured green, white, navy, and forged carbon. It's a tough choice, but it allows you to take this watch in any direction you please. If you want a fun weekender, the green dial is a smart option. If you want a smart dresswatch, the textured white dial oozes Grand Seiko. However, after polling the Man of Many office, our favourite is the forged carbon ref. EFK-100CD-1A, which has a high-end sports car feel to it.
Whether you're a fan of this particular watch or not, something is exciting about the fact that we have another quality sub-$1,000 watch to choose from.
Alternatives to the Casio EFK-100 include the aforementioned Tissot PRX and Seiko 5 Sports, but the Citizen NB-1050 is also another great option if you're looking for a reliable daily driver Japanese sports watch. Either way, the EFK-100 is available right now from AUD$550 at Casio stores, including First Class Watches, which we've linked below.
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18 hours ago
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