A168WA
A digital classic that proves good design does not need to be expensive.
The A168WA is light, practical and instantly recognisable. The materials are basic and water resistance is limited, but few watches deliver this much character for so little money.
+ Iconic design at an exceptionally low price
+ Lightweight, slim and genuinely comfortable
− Basic materials and limited water resistance
Why it made our list
The Casio A168WA is one of the cheapest watches in this guide, but that does not make it an afterthought. Its compact digital design has become recognisable in its own right, and decades after this style first appeared it still feels relevant.
Functionality is straightforward but useful. You get a stopwatch, daily alarm, 12- and 24-hour time formats and an electro-luminescent backlight that makes the display easy to read in the dark. More importantly, everything is simple to operate and requires very little attention from the owner.
The low price does show in the construction. Despite its metallic appearance, the case is chrome-plated resin rather than stainless steel, and the resin glass is more vulnerable to scratches than mineral or sapphire crystal. Water resistance is also basic. The A168WA succeeds because it embraces those compromises rather than pretending to be something it is not.
Design & wearability
At just 36.3mm wide, 9.6mm thick and 50 grams, the A168WA almost disappears on the wrist. The compact dimensions work across a wide range of wrist sizes, while the slim case slips easily beneath a sleeve.
The design is the real reason to buy it. The rectangular digital display, silver-tone case and simple steel bracelet create a distinctly retro look without turning the watch into a novelty. It works just as naturally with casual clothing today as its predecessors did decades ago.
The adjustable stainless steel bracelet suits the watch visually and is easy to size. It is lightweight rather than luxurious, and it can occasionally pull arm hair, but replacing it is not something we consider necessary. The bracelet is part of the A168WA's character and feels appropriate at this price.
Casio
Casio was founded in Japan in 1946 and later became one of the defining names in affordable digital watches. Rather than approaching watchmaking through traditional mechanical movements, Casio built its reputation around practical electronics, durability and accessibility.
The A168WA represents the simpler side of that history. It does not offer the extreme toughness of a G-Shock or the long feature list of more complicated digital models. Instead, it combines basic everyday functions with a design that has become a modern classic in its own right.
Our verdict
The Casio A168WA is a reminder that value is not only about specifications. Its chrome-plated resin case, scratch-prone glass and limited water resistance are obvious compromises, even at this price.
Yet very few watches this inexpensive have such a clear identity. The A168WA is compact, comfortable, useful and instantly recognisable. Its excellent backlight and simple digital functions make it practical as well as visually distinctive.
If you want premium materials or a watch for swimming, look elsewhere. If you want an inexpensive everyday watch with genuine design character, the A168WA remains difficult to beat.