Guest post by Saige Arseneault
If you are reading a review on The Time Bum, I can already guess two things: you think watches are fun, and you understand that “fun” does not always mean “expensive.” I feel the same, and yet, I am continually surprised by just how inexpensive a truly enjoyable watch can be. For example, the $42.92 Casio Vintage Collection watches that I am reviewing today.
Due to their affordability (yay), this graduate student got their hands on this little vintage-style cutie in both the silver (LA670WA-7) and the gold tone (LA670WGA-9) cases. I have been having my fair share of fun switching between the two.
Whether you are a watch fanatic or a regular Joe, you know Casio. The brand provides its consumers with many options far beyond the vintage collection, from classic Casio watches, which include analog or digital options for everyday wear, to affordable and feature-packed sports watches.
The LA670WA-7 and WGA-9 are part of Casio’s “Vintage Collection” and were released in 2012. According to Casio’s website, the collection’s digital watches provide wearers with a “sleek, timeless, and retro” experience. If you are not sold on the whole “small watch” idea that I am highlighting in this review, I encourage you to look at the entirety of this collection, as it has just under 50 models, or look at how cool Muhammad Ali looked, rocking a small watch, and rethink your choices.
In the watch world, the “vintage” label covers about 100 years. Casio entered the digital watch game in 1974 so their Vintage Collection harkens back to Watergate, the Vietnam War, and apparently “really high gas prices,” according to some of my more seasoned relatives. The “Make Love Not War” motto of the Flower Power movement of the 1970s set the foundation for a societal culture that celebrated the expression of one’s identity. This, combined with the digital age themes that would join American culture in the late 1970s and early 1980s, led Casio to create a microcomputer-styled watch for the hippie and finance bro alike.
This retro-design watch weighs 27.8 grams and measures 24.6mm wide, 30.3mm long, and 7.3mm thick. The square, polished case is protected by a resin crystal and is water resistant to an impressive 100m. It fits comfortably on my 6-inch wrist.
Much of my enthusiasm for this watch revolves around the quality that Casio packs into it. With features such as the stopwatch, countdown timer, daily alarms, and calendar, I made excuses to utilize them all. This watch is highly user-friendly and if you find yourself having trouble, the supplied manual and Casio’s online resources are readily available.
The Casio’s 10mm strap is brushed stainless steel and while its folded links feel exactly as you would expect from a watch that costs under fifty dollars, the self-adjusting design makes it extremely easy to wear. The tail end goes through the clasp and tucks away under the opposite section. I’m happy to report that has never pulled at any portion of my wrist skin, hair, or otherwise. This self-adjusting feature speaks to the utility of this watch. It is very obviously designed to do it all — including freeing you from the pesky task of removing links or employing someone to do so.
It is hard to suggest improvements for a watch clocking in at under $50. You are seriously getting every cent you pay for with this little guy. The Casio LA670WGA-1, LA670WGA-9, and their siblings have completely altered my feelings toward digital watches; with their small size, multifunction utility, and 70s retro styling, these Casio Vintage Collection watches have captured my heart. And as I am sure you have gathered if you have read through the entirety of this review, I am a sucker for a small watch. So, if you want a fun, affordable timepiece for yourself or a loved one, I highly recommend this Casio.
Saige is a social studies teacher and attends graduate school in Baltimore City. Saige found herself enveloped in the world of watches while exploring vintage watch shops while she lived in the Netherlands.
