Watch Journal

Embracing the Charisma of the Casio A168

An inexpensive gem with charm to spare — but can it replace the Apple Watch?

First Impressions

Hard to Resist

The Casio A168 possesses a unique charisma and charm that captivates once you experience it—this inexpensive gem is hard to resist! I'm currently debating whether to make it my daily driver again.

 

Update — October 14, 2023

A Few Days In

I decided to wear the A168 for several days, and I've come to realize how much I rely on my Apple Watch for quick updates, like checking the weather and accessing other information that typically requires pulling out my iPhone.

While the A168 is perfect for at-home use—where I only need to check the date and time—it becomes less practical when I'm outdoors. The functionality of the Apple Watch truly shines in those moments.

That said, I'm glad I gave the A168 a shot. While it may have disrupted my three rings and exercise records, does it really matter if it's logged on my Apple Watch as long as I maintain my exercise routines? Absolutely not!

The Verdict

A168 vs. Apple Watch

Context	Casio A168	Apple Watch
At Home	Perfect — date and time is all you need	Works fine, arguably overkill
Outdoors / On the Go	Less practical — no quick info access	Shines — weather, notifications, more
Fitness Tracking	None — disrupts three rings & records	Full activity and health logging
Charm Factor	Undeniable — unique character and charisma	Functional, but no old-school soul

The rings will get closed whether the Apple Watch logs it or not — don't let the tracker dictate the habit.

Casio A168 · A charming at-home companion — the Apple Watch still wins outdoors, but this gem earns its place in the rotation.