Casio F91 and F105 Comparison Review

In today's review I would like to focus on a comparison of two extremely affordable Casio models, namely the legendary F91 and the less common F105, so sit and enjoy.

The world of watchmaking doesn't have to consist only of magnificent pieces of famous brands with a pedigree longer than the history of some state formations. Even the technological cutting edge in the form of tourbillons, perpetual calendars and clock repeaters wrapped in an incredibly complex mechanical coat is not important if one wants to make somoene happy. Today, thanks to the almighty progress, the world of watchmaking can offer excellent and now legendary pieces at a price not exceeding a decent dinner for two in a country pub or a few beers in an urban agglomeration. Let us ask ourselves, where would we be today if it were not for the watches oriented websites and that incredibly contagious disease called chrono fever? More specifically, what would be on our wrists as we travel through this world. Chances are, these would be some of the pieces I'd like to detail today.

Casio is no newcomer to the field of affordable and quality watches. For me, it's the brand that shaped my journey into the adult watch world. The Casio ana-digital watch with Illuminator has been with me all through elementary school, high school and part of college where it was replaced by other Casio watches. To this day, however, it still rests quietly in a drawer somewhere, awaiting a lithium resurrection. The Japanese giant's range includes everything from the cheapest digital watches to radio and GPS-controlled monstrosities in a variety of exotic materials and metals. From the former group comes today's pair of siblings.

Casio F91 probably does not need any detailed introduction. Here in the somewhat less usual gold finish, properly playing the digital retro string. In size and weight, it's almost a child's piece these days thanks to the fashion for larger watches. Somewhat limiting may be the strap length, which really isn't enough for bigger wrists. However, those who strap it on their wrist and are a big enough guy (or girl) for such a small watch will be rewarded with the absolutely unbeatable comfort of the low case, supple strap and hummingbird weight. It is the small size and weight that makes one forget about the watch completely, and one can fully engage in almost any activity without restriction. This fact is also supported by the plastic buckle, so there is no risk of damaging the four-wheeled darling when washing the car. Speaking of water, it is necessary to mention the resistance to this life-forming element. The two watches are united by the fact that they show the phrase water resist below the displays, among other things. Thus, the watch should not be subjected to anything other than the occasional splash of blue liquid. The truth is, however, that both digital creations of the far east will survive bathing, showering, washing dishes, cars and dog and bathing an uncooperative toddler unscathed. The internet is full of videos of users gleefully diving with their watches. As an absolute opponent of water sports, I'll settle for durability enough for a soak in the tub.

The watch functions are an absolute luxury for the mechanical watch lover. Here you will find a clock in both the 24h format, as well as an AM/PM function that is easily switched with the right-hand push button. Moreover, thanks to the electronic movement, the accuracy is such that the mechanical movements cower shamefully in the corner. There is also a date and day of the week display. The calendar even recognizes long and short months, but these are not displayed by default. You can also choose an alarm and an hourly beep. Finally, there is a chronograph or stopwatch function of 1 hour and the option of measuring intervals. These functions are common to both watch pieces and differ only slightly in the layout and font of the digital numerals. From the perspective of a lover of ticking cogs and springs, there are so many functions here that the mechanical equivalent would attack the sum of a passenger car. From the point of view of a smartphone and watch user, it is just an outdated digital watch, without any modern features. But let's leave these slaves to chargers and consumer electronics to their fate and let's point out some of the differences between these two timepieces.

The main and everywhere discussed difference is the Illuminator function of the F105. As I hinted at in the introduction, my first watch included this, then new feature, and I couldn't resist taking a picture of the stopwatch, which lights up with a solid blue-green glow when the button is pressed. In comparison, in the F91, only the green LED is lit, which needs the right angle of view to read the complete time. This is really the biggest difference between the two Casio pieces. However, it is not the only one. The 105 is slightly larger in size and feels much more grown up on the wrist. I can't describe it in exact terms, but the F105 feels much better on my by no means large hands. The control buttons are further apart and more visibly separated from the case. Also, the bezel or sort of raised area around the display is more pronounced on the 105. Although the strap may be identical, it connects to the classic-looking case lugs on the 105. The F91's lugs are hidden. However, not to just brag, but for some reason I find the buttons on the F91 a bit easier to operate. Not that the F105s are bad to operate (compared to the DW5600, it's beautiful), but the F91s are better in this regard. Also, my particular piece is definitely not one of the most accurate, and it's late by almost a second a day, whereas the F91 is one of the most accurate watches in my modest collection.

What to say in conclusion? F91 are definitely legends and deserve this status. They have existed unchanged for several decades in many variants with different markings. They are the cheapest branded watch from a real brand. They can be worn all day and night and you don't even know it. They are durable enough for the rigors of everyday life and contain features that are really useful in everyday life.

I see the F105 as a slightly improved alternative. For me it looks better and I use the better lighting at night all the time - it's an ideal sleep watch, it doesn't get in the way, it weighs nothing, it's all plastic. Since I got it, I've strapped it to my wrist and it's there practically all the time. No matter what I do.