Casio’s Affordable Racing-Inspired Chronograph Gets a Sporty Reissue

As the Japanese brand is wont to deliver, this driving watch looks way too good to be as affordable as it is.

Close-up of a silver stainless steel watch with a green dial, black subdials, and an orange-tipped second hand.Casio

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Way back in 1816, a Frenchman named Louis Moinet crafted a timepiece designed specifically for astronomical measurements and observations. That device was the precursor to the modern chronograph watch.

Now, this style is a tried-and-true classic, especially among driving and motorsports enthusiasts. Noteworthy examples include the Omega Speedmaster, Rolex Daytona, Tag Heuer Carrera and many more.

While the Casio Edifice Standard Chronograph EFB730D-3AV (and 2AV) shouldn’t be counted amongst those giants, it does look pretty spectacular and offers plenty of reliability, especially for a watch that’s so remarkably affordable.

Silver stainless steel Casio Edifice wristwatch with light blue dial and three dark blue subdials.
The two new takes on this classic chronograph feature either green or blue dials.
Casio

Time to hit the road

Casio is abundantly clear about the driving force behind this watch’s design, stating directly that it is “inspired by the classic sportscar [sic].” Of course, you don’t need to hear it from the brand to make this connection; it bears numerous hallmarks of the racing-inspired timepiece style.

For instance, the watch features the iconic 3-6-9 sub-dial layout, a design quirk shared by just about every legendary chrono. As is typical of these chronographs, the watch also has the same pusher and crown layout for easy, convenient control.

Side view of a silver metal wristwatch with a polished finish and three buttons on the case.
The sturdy stainless steel case is mated to a matching link band.
Casio

The dial, pushers and crown are all attached to a barrel-shaped tonneau-style case — another classic among racing chronographs. And that case, alongside its matching link band, is crafted from brushed stainless steel.

Casio isn’t reinventing the wheel with this watch, but that’s a very good thing. While it’s remarkably affordable — costing just $165 — the brand’s adherence to iconic design elements helps elevate it well above its weight class. The point is: if you didn’t know any better, you probably wouldn’t guess that this watch is a budget-friendly one, at least not at first glance.

Silver stainless steel Casio Edifice watch with a metal link bracelet shown from the back.
Hidden behind the Screw Lock caseback is a reliable quartz movement.
Casio

Springtime drive

It needs to be said that this isn’t a brand-spanking-new model for Casio’s Edifice lineup. Three watches of this model are already a part of the brand’s catalog — one with a silver dial, one with a black dial and one with a blue dial.

However, the two new additions add a bit of a brighter, more distinct pop of color to the line. One is a light, almost robin’s egg blue, while the other is a mossy green.

Casio isn’t reinventing the wheel with this watch, but that’s a very good thing.

In either case, they’re a bit more spring- and summer-friendly, making for a more playful look that’s no less professional. The rest of the watch is otherwise unchanged, beyond those dial colors.

That means there’s still a highly reliably quartz movement keeping them ticking right on time. It also means they maintain their classic chrono complications, should you want to take them for a drive (or, perhaps, a race).

Silver metal wristwatch with black dial and three subdials worn on a wrist held by a hand.
Pictured here is an older colorway, but the watch is styled, sized and wears just the same.
Casio

Available now

The Casio Edifice Standard Chronograph EFB730D-2BV and EFB730D-3AV are now available on the brand’s site for $165 apiece.

Silver stainless steel Casio Edifice wristwatch with green dial, three subdials, and date window at 4 o'clock.Casio

Casio Edifice Standard Chronograph EFB730D-3AV

Specs

Case Size 40mm
Movement Quartz
Water Resistance 100m

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.

add as a preferred source on google
, , , ,