The Big Bad Brother: Casio W-86
There was one watch I was anxious to feature when I returned back to this page, and it just so happened to be the watch I wore the most during my long hiatus. This, ladies and gentlemen is not the #casiof91w that we all know in love. This is in fact the bigger and badder brother from the U.K., and it's the Casio W-86.
I'm sure some of you are thinking, what is this F-91w rip-off?! But I can assure you, this watch is better in every single way. As previous mentioned, this watch is a U.K. exclusive only, hence the scarcity.
As you can probably tell upon initial glance, the #w86 is constructed of the same resin as the #f91w but with a little bit more heft to it. This results in a slight increase in thickness, yet this watch still has the same wearability as the F-91.
With its deeper screws and slightly thicker rubber case, this upgraded #w86 boasts an improved water resistance rating of 50m compared to the splash resistant 25m of the F-91.
Biggest upgrade would have to be the module inside. Now, the #w86 doesn't necessarily offer additional functions that's make it superior, however, it DOES replace the infamously poor backlight with an LED Illuminator that is far more usable in low-light situations.
Lastly, the #w86 comes standard with perhaps the most comfortable Casio strap every made. This resin band is thicker, feels less cheap, and it even has angular cutouts that help with ventilation and faster drying if gotten wet.
Every negative for the Casio #f91w is addressed with this alternate Casio #w86 which is why it's baffling to me that this watch isn't as popular as it should be. Maybe thats a good thing. Or maybe I just ruined it by writing this review? Eh, nobody will read this far down anyway.
Have a fantastic #digihumpday watch fam!
The beauty of this hobby is in the details. Check out my personal watch blog: https://www.instagram.com/thewrist_index/
That's interesting, I didn't realise that Casio did a UK specific model?
Do you know the reason for it? Do we as a nation need/deserve more hefty watches than others??
Gotcha!
Their decision to use that awkward turquoise shade, presumably a reference to the backlight, is a huge faux pas for me. I'm not big on the holey band either.
That's interesting, I didn't realise that Casio did a UK specific model?
Do you know the reason for it? Do we as a nation need/deserve more hefty watches than others??
Fantastic question, I have no clue haha.
Gotcha!
Their decision to use that awkward turquoise shade, presumably a reference to the backlight, is a huge faux pas for me. I'm not big on the holey band either.
Fair enough! I'm a huge fan of the color but I can recognize that some would prefer the original F91W.
The whole "UK Exclusive" (or any other geographical market) is a moot point. I just found it for $38 on Amazon.
Looks like a nice little watch. 😀
The whole "UK Exclusive" (or any other geographical market) is a moot point. I just found it for $38 on Amazon.
Looks like a nice little watch. 😀
Oh nice!!! When I searched prior I didn't see one haha. But you should get it! Lol
Simple classy great watch, just gone on my wish list.
Gotcha!
Their decision to use that awkward turquoise shade, presumably a reference to the backlight, is a huge faux pas for me. I'm not big on the holey band either.
Right. I’ve seen this one before — that turquoise printing is like too much frosting on a slice of cake.
Simple classy great watch, just gone on my wish list.
You should definitely get one! @TwiceTollingClock said they have them on Amazon now for $38 bucks 👍
Fantastic question, I have no clue haha.
I swear I’ve seen one here in the U.S. at my default Walmart.
I love mine! I got it due to the improved WR and now it's mainly my son who wears it. I bought a modded one off eBay with a different colour backlight.
Fantastic little watch indeed. I really like the look, and the little increase in the all-round dimensions might also be a one up over the F91W for some. The extra water resistance is really nice, and it's the only model I've seen with it.
I'm personally not a fan of hooded lugs like on this W86 or G-Shocks in general, hence why I went with the F105W, but that's probably just me.
@Recaan,
Thanks for writing this up & keeping the "vintage digital tech" alive with us. I really love these, especially because of having had a few versions throughout childhood.
So, I know this is the BIG brother of the F91W, but I'm curious if there is still a larger version. I'm at the point where anything below 40mm feels too svelte on my wrist, even though I certainly do not have wrists of substance.
Anyone know of one on the larger size that still retains the minimalist looks of the 86/91s?
Thanks again!
I have this watch (tho I'm not British ;-). It's fantastic. It's a perfect movie theater watch. You can turn on the back light without distributing other people. I cup my hand over the display and no one noticed.
The weird "tourquoise" color is a turn off for me. There are many similar Casio watches in this price range that I would go for instead of this model. Mais, À chacun son goût.