For decades, Casio has built itsreputation on affordable, durable, and highly accurate quartz watches. From iconic digital watches like the G-Shock to the sleek and sporty Edifice line, the brand has long been synonymous with quartz innovation. But recent leaks suggest Casio is preparing to shake things up – by launching its very first mechanical watch.

A Surprising Shift for Casio

Casio’s upcoming Edifice EFK-100 series marks a significant departure from its usual approach. The new watches are rumored to feature a modified Seiko NH35 automatic movement — a popular and proven mechanical caliber known for its reliability, ease of servicing, and wide parts availability. This would be Casio’s first mechanical offering, signaling a bold and game-changing new chapter for the brand.

While it might seem unexpected at first, the move actually aligns well with the current market landscape. Seiko has been steadily shifting upmarket, offering fewer mechanical options under the 300€ mark. This has created a sizable gap in the entry-level segment — a space now increasingly dominated by Citizen, Orient, Timex, and a flood of often “questionable” Chinese brands.

Citizen has been capitalizing on this shift, gradually stepping up its presence in the affordable automatic category. Orient, while respected among enthusiasts, still hasn’t gone fully mainstream — and remains hard to find in physical retailers in many parts of the world. While Timex has some popular models, much of their offering still consists of quartz and digital watches.

In this context, Casio stepping into the mechanical space makes perfect sense. The brand carries strong global recognition, a reputation for reliability, and the manufacturing muscle to make a real impact — especially in a price range that’s becoming underserved by traditional Japanese players.

What We Know About the Models

Leaked information reveals several versions of the EFK-100 series:

• EFK-100D-2A
• EFK-100D-3A
• EFK-100D-7A

There are also two black dial versions, one of which features a carbon case, adding a modern and sporty touch.

The watches will reportedly include a sapphire crystal, and 100 meters of water resistance, making these timepieces practical for daily wear and even some aquatic activities.

The rumored pricing positions these watches between €270–300 for the steel models and around €400–500 for the carbon-cased variant. This price range puts Casio’s mechanical debut in direct competition with entry-level automatic watches from other well-known brands, making it an intriguing option for buyers looking for value and heritage.

What Could This Mean for Casio?

While this may initially appear to be a one-off experiment, it could also mark the beginning of a broader shift in Casio’s product strategy. Mechanical watches appeal to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate traditional watchmaking craftsmanship, something Casio has largely stayed away from until now.

By combining its proven design expertise with a reliable automatic movement, Casio could expand its appeal to a new segment of watch lovers, potentially redefining its brand image and product lineup.

Final Thoughts

Casio’s potential move into mechanical watches raises some interesting questions for the watch community. Is this simply a test to gauge interest, or is Casio preparing to challenge the mechanical watch market more seriously? Only time will tell, but this new direction certainly has fans and collectors buzzing.

What do you think? Is Casio’s mechanical debut a one-time experiment or the start of a new era? Drop your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!

Sources: This news was first leaked by @geesgshock in March and recently confirmed by CasioBlog, which shared official renders of the new models.