CheckMag | 8 great Casio Edifice watches under $200 that can challenge Seiko and Citizen's models
Over the past two decades, Casio’s Edifice watches have made a reputation for themselves. Design-wise, they are very straightforward and reliable, and are available at accessible price points. First introduced in 2000, the Edifice collection was originally intended as sports-influenced watches with practical specs that were uncommon among affordable quartz watches at the time. The earliest model, the EF-100, featured analog accuracy and 100-meter water resistance.
Since the Edifice line became more mainstream, it has consistently included user-centric features, like robust stainless steel cases, water resistance, easy-to-read dials, and, on select models, practical extras like screw-down crowns or sapphire crystals. By doing so, Edifice has attracted a buyer-base that prefers good-looking watches, but also handle wear and tear equally well.
Here are eight Casio Edifice models under $200 that pack premium features without the premium price tag.
1. Casio Edifice EFV-100D - $90
The EFV-100D represents extraordinary value in the sub-$100 category, with features typically found in watches costing twice as much. This 40mm timepiece features a screw-down crown, which is quite rare at this price point - along with 100-meter water resistance and mineral crystal protection. The watch's gorgeous blue dial creates depth through an angled chapter ring and vertical drop-off design that can easily rival more expensive competitors.
Key specifications: 40mm case, 10.9mm thickness, mineral crystal, screw-down crown, date display
2. Casio Edifice EFR-S108D - $170
This ultra-slim timepiece measures just 7.8mm thick while having a sapphire crystal - an almost unheard-of combination around this price point. The octagonal bezel design draws clear inspiration from luxury sports watches, while the integrated bracelet and refined finishing create an overall premium aesthetic. Multiple reviewers have explicitly mentioned that its exceptional thinness makes it incredibly wearable despite the 40mm diameter.
Key specifications: 40mm case, 7.8mm thickness, sapphire crystal, octagonal bezel, integrated bracelet
3. Casio Edifice EFB-730D - $145
Combining chronograph functionality with sapphire crystal protection, the EFB-730D, like the EFR-S108D, gives you a remarkable value in the $145 range. The 40mm case in this watch also comes with an impressive 11mm thickness despite housing a full chronograph movement. User reviews on Reddit and other watch forums consistently praise its elegant design that transitions seamlessly from casual to formal settings.
Key specifications: 40mm case, 11mm thickness, sapphire crystal, chronograph, 100m water resistance
4. Casio Edifice EFR-566 - $150
Drawing inspiration from aircraft cockpit instruments, the EFR-566 comes with a distinctive countdown bezel and asymmetric design elements. The watch includes a reliable stopwatch function accurate to 1/10 second and maintains 100-meter water resistance. Its aluminum bezel construction keeps weight down while making sure that the watch is still durable enough.
Key specifications: 47mm case, aluminum bezel, countdown bezel, stopwatch, aviation-style design
5. Casio Edifice EFR-547 - $170
The EFR-547's Super Illuminator LED system provides exceptional visibility in low-light conditions, which also surpasses standard luminous materials. This aviator-inspired design makes use of an aluminum bezel and a somewhat sophisticated dial layout that covers both functionality and aesthetics. Released in 2015, it has maintained a consistent level of popularity due to its feature set.
Key specifications: 46mm case, Super Illuminator LED, aluminum bezel, aviation-centric design, date display
6. Casio Edifice EFV-C100 - $150
Featuring comprehensive world time functionality across multiple zones, the EFV-C100 includes a remarkable 10-year battery life that removes frequent replacements from the equation altogether. The watch has a countdown timer and telememo functions, so this will suit business travelers a lot. Its 46mm case provides excellent dial legibility while staying comfortable enough, in spite of its large size.
Key specifications: 46mm case, world time, 10-year battery, countdown timer, telememo 30
7. Casio Edifice EFR-526 - $120
With over six years of proven real-world performance, the EFR-526 has earned a devoted following for its exceptional reliability and durability. Users consistently talk about minimal scratching and excellent chronograph performance even after years of daily wear. The 45mm case size and design is very attractive as a package, and it should serve well on both formal and casual occasions.
Key specifications: 45mm case, chronograph, mineral crystal, genuine leather strap, proven 6-year track record
8. Casio Edifice EQS-800 - $200
At the top of our budget range, the EQS-800 ships with Tough Solar technology that has made Casio so famous over time. Carbon fiber dial accents and a robust 47.5mm case shape the watch into a unique motorsport-inspired aesthetic. The watch needs virtually no maintenance, and easily justifies its price when you put it next to competing models.
Key specifications: 47.5mm case, Tough Solar movement, chronograph, carbon fiber accents, mineral crystal
In direct comparisons, Casio Edifice models constantly offer more features per dollar than, say, equivalent Seiko 5 Sports or Citizen Eco-Drive models. While Seiko does provide mechanical options and Citizen has its own extensive solar lineups, Casio easily delivers a great balance of features, materials, and pricing in the under-$200 segment - with a multitude of options to choose from. And with the advent of the new EFK-100D mechanical watches, the Edifice series has a strong lead going, it seems.
