Casio's A168 Becomes a Ring: The CRW-002 Ring Watch Arrives in Japan

Casio has unveiled the CRW-002, a ring watch modeled on its A168 digital watch. It is the second ring in the line after the CRW-001, and it goes on sale in Japan this November. No international date has been announced.

Two versions are offered: the silver CRW-002D-1A at 19,800 yen and the gold ion-plated CRW-002G-9A at 21,450 yen. The A168 debuted in 1995 and has stayed a staple for years. Casio says the ring follows the original closely, from the case outline and the function markings on the face to the shape of the metal bracelet.

To build an all-metal structure at this scale, Casio used metal injection molding, in which fine metal powder is molded with high precision. The band has a matte finish that contrasts with the case. A special glass-bonding method keeps the ring water resistant for everyday use while still allowing the battery to be replaced.

Inside, the standard watch module has been reduced to roughly one tenth of its usual size. The ring carries three buttons and a six-digit LCD showing hours, minutes and seconds, plus dual time, alarm, stopwatch, auto calendar, 12/24-hour display and a light.

The ring has an inner diameter of 20 mm and a circumference of 62.8 mm, equal to a US size 10.5. Spacers for 19 mm and 18 mm inner diameters are included. Taiwan is also getting the ring, with suggested prices of NT$4,200 and NT$4,600.