New Casio EFK-100 renders confirm Casio’s first mechanical watch is real and coming very soon

For decades, Casio has built its name on quartz precision, affordability, and reliability. Mechanical movements are not really its thing. That’s why when early leaks pointed to the brand’s first mechanical watch under the Edifice banner, the news raised more than a few eyebrows. Fast-forward a few weeks, and what started as a quiet rumor now appears to be materializing into an actual product line: the Casio EFK-100 series.

The EFK-100 is shaping up to be Casio’s first official step into the mechanical territory, a space long dominated by rivals like Seiko and Citizen. The series will have the design DNA of the Edifice family, with sharp lines, compact dimensions, and practical proportions meant for everyday and business use. But the key departure here is under the dial: an automatic movement - most likely the widely used Seiko NH35, as per previous leaks (and now confirmed by Casioblog).

There’s no in-house caliber at play just yet (nor did anyone seriously expect Casio to develop one out of the gate), but the NH35 is a solid choice. It offers hacking, hand-winding, and a 40-hour power reserve, making it a pretty reliable starting point for an affordable mechanical line. It also means Casio can keep the EFK-100 competitive without making it too expensive.

Design-wise, the newest renders show off at least three dial variants, including deep green, arctic white, and ocean blue - all featuring a textured surface that resembles mineral stone or painted plaster. The watches include simple bar indices, date windows at six o’clock, and "Automatic" text stamped cleanly on the lower half.

According to insider reports, the case will come with 100 meters of water resistance, with a thickness likely under 10 mm. Pricing details are still unconfirmed, but sources suggest around $300 for the standard steel models, and possibly up to $500 for the carbon-cased version.

Casio has dabbled in side projects before - from Wear OS smartwatches to action cameras - but few of them stuck. This time, however, the reception should feel dramatically different. There’s a lot of buzz in the community, and for good reason: Casio entering the mechanical market could stir things up in the same way it once did during the so-called "Quartz Revolution."

Sources state that the EFK-100 is likely heading toward an official June reveal. Even if it doesn't dominate the space right off the bat (which it probably won't), it's impressive that Casio is willing to surprise us, even in 2025.

Buy the Casio Edifice EFB-108D-1AV on Amazon.