Casio Edifice World Time Review

At Long Last, the Casio Edifice and I Finally Get Acquainted

Watch supplied by by Certified Watch Store, who provided this Edifice for our review and giveaway!

I’ve wanted to spend more time with some of Casio’s other lines, such as the G-Shock and, yes, Edifice, for a while now. Back in September Don posted a great piece on Casio watches, and since then I’ve been actively looking for a way to get some wrist time with an upscale Casio.

Well, here it is: the Casio Edifice World Time. Finally.

In the United States, nearly 7,000 people every month type “Casio Edifice” into Google. The Edifice line of watches has steadily grown in popularity over the years (according to Google Trends, anyway), and today there are numerous variations of the Edifice that feature a variety of functions, sizes, and complications.

The one I have here – and the one we’re about to give away to one lucky reader – is a World Time model. In addition to being a snazzy-looking watch, it also features a built-in alarm and world-time function- perfect for the frequent flyers out there!

Where to Buy

We worked closely with Certified Watch Store to make this review happen. They offer:

Great Prices & Free Shipping
100% Authentic
2 Year Warranty
From $185

Casio Edifice World Time Technical Specifications

Model Number: EFB-301JD-2A
MSRP: $450
Case Diameter: 44mm
Alternate Models: Lots of options for band, dial color, and features.
Movement: Quartz
Complications: Alarm, date display, world time
Battery Life: Estimated 3 years
Water Resistance: 100m / 330 ft
Crystal Material: Sapphire

Definitely Not Ideal for the “Weak Wristed”

As I lament in basically every review of any watch larger than 42mm, I suffer from weak wrist syndrome, a terrible affliction that has endowed me with puny 6.75″ wrists. I contracted this condition after losing 60lbs, and finding that the result was a dramatic reduction in girth… around my wrist.

This means that big, bold watches (like the Edifice EFB-301JD-2A I have here) impose themselves on my tiny little wrists. It’s like wearing a hat that’s two sizes too big, only it’s on my left wrist instead. But I don’t care; I’ll rock this Edifice no matter how big it looks on my wrist.

Because yea, I like it (shocking).

This Edifice is a Snazzy-Looking Watch

I love the rich blue of the dial which, thanks to the grooved finish, catches the right amount of light- it’s a great looking effect that matches perfectly with the reflective hands and hour markers. The texture brings an added measure of depth to an already cavernous dial.

While the navy-blue dial is clean and professional, it rocks a dash of sportster, too, thanks to orange touches on the tips of two hands. The Edifice logo is also pretty sporty looking. Those two sporty touches aren’t left to stand alone: the heavy-steel bracelet, twin-pushers, crown guards, and crown work together to complete the look.

The sapphire crystal makes the face extremely durable, too, which further speaks to this Casio’s sporting intentions.

But it’s not made for sport- not really. It’s made for travel.

The inner-bezel is lined with 24 city-names that you can set the center hand to direct to via the pushers above and below the crown. The date display window is tucked away in front of the 4 o’clock marker, and the small-seconds hand ticks away at the 9 o’clock position.

All told, the package is clean, polished (literally), and attractive.

It’s Relatively Easy to Use (ish)

Unlike most wrist watches that make their way across my desk, this Edifice requires that you spend some time learning its operation. That’s because, like the Citizen Skyhawk Blue Angels I reviewed a while back, there’s more to the Edifice than simple timekeeping functions. In addition to basic timekeeping, we also get the world time and alarm functions.

The world time function has 24 timezones built-in. You simply set your current time, then use either the top or bottom pusher (when the crown is fully depressed) to set the timezone. This will also adjust the world time subdial at 12 o’clock.

The alarm will deliver a two-tone beep for a continuous 20 seconds at the time you set (when beeping, it can be deactivated by pressing either pusher). The alarm is set using the bottom pusher (when the crown is in the middle/position 2 spot).

Using these functions is a pain in the butt the first few times, but once you figure it out, it’s simple enough. Since you’re going to need it, here’s a direct link to the most current user manual.

Accuracy

Casio specs a monthly accuracy of +/- 20 seconds, which is pretty average for a quartz timepiece. If you’re really concerned about accuracy, the Bulova Accutron ii Alpha is probably more your style.

Operation

To adjust the time, pull the crown to the farthest position (position 3). Turn the crown clockwise to adjust the time. Note that the date display will automatically rollover at midnight.
To adjust the date, pull the crown to its middle position (position 2). Turn the crown clockwise to adjust.
To set the alarm, pull the crown to its middle position (position 2) and press the bottom pusher. Holding the pusher will cause the alarm hand to turn quickly.

An Affordable, Upscale, & Functional Watch

For someone that appreciates the world time functionality, the Edifice is going to be a welcome companion on the wrist. It has weight – enough to make it obvious when being worn – and carries itself well thanks to sharp styling and tasteful design choices. Quality of build is evident everywhere you look at this Edifice.

The deployant clasp is high-quality, feeling snug and secure when closed and stable and well-made when in use. The clasp never gave way without my direction to do so- exactly how it should be.

For the price (currently $185 on Certified Watch Store), this Edifice provides novel functions, an alarm, and years of trouble-free ownership (probably) along with a great look and sapphire glass. I’m a fan.