Casio F-B100W hands-on video reveals Bluetooth, step tracker, metal buttons, and premium packaging
Casio’s new F-B100W has quickly become one of the most talked-about affordable digital watches of the year. After launching in Japan on August 7 for ¥8,800, roughly $55, the Bluetooth-equipped retro digital watch reportedly sold out on Casio’s official store within hours. Now, fresh hands-on footage from Japanese watch channel ザ!適当!趣味は腕時計! gives watch fans a much better look at the model beyond the official product photos.
The video focuses on the Casio F-B100W-1BJF, the all-black version with a negative LCD display. On the wrist, the watch keeps the familiar compact rectangular profile that many people associate with Casio’s classic F-91W, but it adds several modern touches that make it feel like more than a simple retro reissue.
One of the biggest highlights is the step tracker display. A segmented progress bar stretches across the top of the screen, sitting above the day and date area. It is marked from 0 to 100 and fills up as the wearer gets closer to their step goal. This gives the watch a simple, glanceable fitness feature without turning it into a full smartwatch. Casio has used similar step-tracking layouts on other vintage-inspired models, but this is the first clear real-world look at how it appears on the F-B100W, especially with the negative display.
Despite the dark LCD background, the digits appear clean and readable in the footage. Negative displays can sometimes be harder to read than standard LCD panels, but the reviewer describes this one as easy to see in actual use. That will be reassuring for buyers considering the all-black version, since legibility is often one of the main concerns with inverted Casio screens.
Another detail that stands out is the use of metal buttons. The F-B100W has four polished steel buttons, which immediately help separate it from the more basic resin-button models in Casio’s affordable digital lineup. The button labels are printed around the case: Adjust, Mode, Light, and Search. The inclusion of a Search button also points to the watch’s Bluetooth functionality, which is one of the key upgrades over traditional budget Casio digitals.
The case itself remains resin, with the stepped rectangular shape that gives the watch its vintage charm. The strap is also resin and uses the familiar slitted design Casio has relied on for decades. This combination keeps the watch lightweight and practical while preserving the nostalgic look that made older Casio digital watches so popular.
Casio has also given the F-B100W a busier, more feature-focused face design than the classic F-91W. The bezel includes “Step Tracker” text across the top, a Bluetooth marking above the water resistance label, and clear function labels near each button. The result is a watch that still feels retro, but with a more modern, gadget-like personality.
The packaging is another pleasant surprise. Instead of the simple plastic-style packaging often seen with lower-priced Casio watches, the F-B100W comes in a textured dark presentation box with a gold Casio logo. It gives the watch a more premium first impression, which should appeal to collectors and gift buyers alike.
The Casio F-B100W launched in three color options, with the black F-B100W-1BJF currently getting much of the attention thanks to its stealthy look and negative LCD. With Bluetooth connectivity, a built-in step tracker, metal buttons, and a classic Casio silhouette, it offers a compelling mix of old-school design and modern everyday features.
Given how quickly it sold out in Japan, demand appears strong. For fans of affordable digital watches, the F-B100W could become one of Casio’s most desirable new retro-inspired releases, especially for those who want step tracking and Bluetooth features without moving to a full smartwatch.
