Casio's Smartwatch Lineup

Yes, Casio makes smartwatches, but not in the way most people think. Casio produces the WSD-F series, which are rugged outdoor smartwatches designed for hiking, climbing, and extreme sports. These are not fashion smartwatches like the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch. They run their own operating system and focus on durability and outdoor navigation rather than social media notifications and fitness tracking.

Casio also makes the A500WA and similar models that look like classic digital watches but include basic smart features like Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone notifications. These sit somewhere between a traditional digital watch and a true smartwatch—they keep the iconic Casio look while adding limited smart functionality.

The company is better known for its traditional digital watches, which have been a staple since the 1970s. If you are looking for a Casio watch with smart features, you will find options, but they are narrower and more specialized than what you might find from Apple, Samsung, or Garmin.

Key Takeaways

  • Casio's WSD-F series are true smartwatches built for outdoor activities, with GPS, topographic maps, and weather data built in.
  • Casio also makes hybrid watches like the A500WA that blend the classic digital watch design with basic Bluetooth notifications.
  • Casio smartwatches run their own software, not Wear OS or watchOS, so app selection is limited compared to mainstream smartwatches.
  • If you want a Casio watch primarily for fitness tracking, social media alerts, or general smartphone integration, a mainstream smartwatch brand may serve you better.

The WSD-F Series: Casio's True Smartwatch

The WSD-F10 and WSD-F20 are Casio's flagship smartwatches. Both are built to survive rough conditions—they are water-resistant to 50 meters, shock-resistant, and designed to handle dust and dirt. The screen is a color LCD that stays readable in bright sunlight, which is a real advantage over OLED screens on other smartwatches.

These watches come with offline topographic maps, GPS navigation, and a compass. You can read maps for specific regions before you go hiking or climbing, so you do not need a phone signal to navigate. They also track altitude, barometric pressure, and temperature, which makes them useful for mountaineering and backcountry travel. Battery life is typically 1 to 2 days with heavy GPS use, or several days in standby mode.

The trade-off is that the WSD-F watches are bulky and expensive compared to mainstream smartwatches. They also have fewer apps and less integration with your phone than a Wear OS or watchOS device. If you spend most of your time in cities and want to check email on your wrist, this is not the right watch.

Hybrid Smartwatches: Classic Casio Design with Basic Smart Features

Casio also makes hybrid smartwatches that keep the look of a traditional digital watch while adding Bluetooth connectivity. Models like the A500WA-1 and F-91WM look exactly like the classic Casio watches people have worn for decades, but they can receive notifications from your phone and sync with a companion app.

These hybrids are much cheaper than the WSD-F series and have better battery life—often lasting weeks or months on a single charge. However, they do very little beyond showing notifications and syncing time. You cannot run apps, respond to messages, or track detailed fitness data on the watch itself. They are best for people who want a traditional Casio watch that occasionally buzzes when something important happens on their phone.

How Casio Smartwatches Compare to Other Brands

Casio smartwatches occupy a different space than Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, or Garmin Forerunner models. The WSD-F series competes directly with Garmin's outdoor watches, not with consumer smartwatches. If you are choosing between a Casio WSD-F and a Garmin Instinct, you are picking based on outdoor features, durability, and map quality—not on app selection or smartphone integration.

The hybrid Casio watches have no real competitors because they are a niche product. They appeal to people who want a Casio watch first and smart features second. If you want a smartwatch first and a watch second, you will be happier with an Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch.

Casio's advantage is durability and outdoor capability. Its disadvantage is a smaller app ecosystem and less frequent software updates. Casio does not have the resources to compete with Apple or Samsung on features, but it does not try to. It builds watches for specific use cases—outdoor navigation, extreme durability, or retro style—and does those things well.

Where to Find Casio Smartwatches

Casio smartwatches are sold through major electronics retailers, sporting goods stores, and online marketplaces. The WSD-F series is typically stocked by outdoor retailers like REI because of its hiking and climbing focus. Hybrid models are more widely available because they appeal to a broader audience.

Prices vary widely. Hybrid smartwatches like the A500WA cost between $100 and $200. The WSD-F series runs $400 to $600 depending on the model and features. These are not budget watches, but they are less expensive than high-end smartwatches from Apple or Garmin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Casio smartwatch with an iPhone or Android phone?

The WSD-F series works with both iOS and Android through a companion app. Hybrid Casio watches also work with both platforms. However, the app ecosystem is small, so you will not have access to the thousands of apps available on Wear OS or watchOS devices.

Do Casio smartwatches have fitness tracking?

The WSD-F series tracks steps, calories, and altitude, but it is not designed as a fitness watch. It focuses on outdoor navigation and durability instead. If detailed fitness tracking is your priority, a Garmin or Apple Watch will give you more features.

How long does the battery last on a Casio smartwatch?

The WSD-F series lasts 1 to 2 days with GPS turned on, or several days in standby mode. Hybrid Casio watches last weeks or months because they use less power. Battery life depends on how much you use GPS and notifications.

Are Casio smartwatches waterproof?

The WSD-F series is water-resistant to 50 meters, which means it can handle swimming and snorkeling but not diving. Hybrid Casio watches vary by model, but most are water-resistant to at least 30 meters. Check the specific model's specs before using it in water.

Can I read apps on a Casio smartwatch?

The WSD-F series has a limited app store, but you cannot read thousands of apps like you can on Wear OS or watchOS. Hybrid Casio watches have almost no app support. If app selection is important to you, a mainstream smartwatch brand is a better choice.