Casio A158WA vs A168WA | Best Budget Casio Battle!

[@BensWatchClub]

Watches Featured (affiliate): A158WA: geni.us/CasioA158W A168WA: geni.us/CasioA168

[@johnnyhoover5870]

I wear the 158 because it's almost identical to the watch my dad wore when I was a kid. The backlight is terrible but a small price to pay for childhood memories. Great review, glad I happened across your channel.

[@Recap_God]

Same

[@oblivion_007]

These watches are Timeless. Casio should revive more vintage watches.

[@simondoutre6225]

They are literally not timeless bruh. They're like the opposite of that

[@johnnguyen8956]

@@simondoutre6225 he meant the design of this watch is timeless

[@spliffnotes8359]

@@johnnguyen8956 they are watches. Get it?

[@jasonclarke7422]

@@simondoutre6225 😂 I feel that your comment got lost in translation with a few people

[@PizzzaMozarella]

2 days ago I discovered a local store that still has ones of these, bought a A159WA is super cool

[@BosunM8James]

It's surprising how much attention these little watches get in the public. I wasn't sure I was going to like this watch since I had become more accustomed to larger watches in the 40mm range. I wear the Casio A168 and I've noticed quite a few people who take notice to this little gem. These little Casio's have an amazing amount of character. The Casio A168 definitely became my new daily driver and this video sold me on the purchase.

[@shayan824]

I personally think the face of the A158wa is more appealing than that of the A168wa with the understated colors, as you mentioned. The red on the face of the 168 looked more cheap to me, so I went with the 158 and have never looked back! Funny to think I wear a $20 Casio more than my $70+ G-Shocks.

[@shayan824]

@Casio Cannabis Club funnily enough, I ended up buying 3 different A168s. One gold face with black bracelet, one classic silver, and one more dark gunmetal grey. I like the bigger face and thicker case more! I bought the A158 in March 2019, nearly wore it everyday until September 2022. It’s kinda been retired since I bought the A168. The 158 held up very well though. The bracelet is scratched up and the plastic case has some scratches but I like the scratches, it’s kinda like a leather patina. Still works, of course. The silver and dark gunmetal grey A168s have mostly taken its place though.

[@SlowDIIV]

I just bought the A168, the red and typography doesn't bother me, I think it even contributes to that retro vibe. I ended up choosing the A168, due to the fact that it looks a little bigger than the A158, I'm still not used to watches that small. I love the style of these Casio watches 🤌🏻

[@jimmymcgill2557]

@@shayan824i just bought the F91w after seeing Chris Pine rocking one in 'The Contractor' (have a thing for watches in movies & with a £12.50 price tag it was a no brainer!) 😂 i actually didn't buy it to wear but i haven't taken the thing off since it arrived! love everything about it except the backlight which i think is the same as the A158 & really is dog shite...😂 could you tell me if there's much of a noticeable difference with the 168's 'illuminator' backlight? i don't find it a problem if it's pitch black but just in low light it's terrible! Thank you!

[@shayan824]

@@jimmymcgill2557 the backlight of the A168 is MUCH better than that of the green left side corner light of the A158 and F91w. It’s a night and day difference in terms of usability in low light/pitch black. I’d also recommend the A700. It’s a bit sleeker/thinner than the A168 and has a just as legible orange backlight vs the blue electroluminescent one of the A168. The straps are different, A700 comes with the horizontal bar links or a Milanese mesh (more expensive version) while the A168 comes with a more standard strap like the A158. Both are very legible and functionally the same, just a matter of preference with styling and I believe the A168 is slightly cheaper. Ben’s Watch Club covered all of the different cheap digital Casios and he has a few reviews of the A700 if you’re interested!

[@shayan824]

@@jimmymcgill2557 the backlight on the A168 is much better than that of the A158 and F91w, it’s a night and day difference. I’d also recommend the A700, it’s a bit different styling from the A168 with an orange backlight instead of the blue of the A168. Both are very legible, just a matter of styling (different band style of the A700 and it’s very thin) and I think the A168 is slightly cheaper.

[@RaufAbasquliyev]

I've got my A168 for about a month, and it's great!

[@paulvandermaas6639]

I have a 7 and a half in wrist which is flat and wide. I still prefer the smaller 158. Small, lightweight watches are so liberating. A sort of reverse snobbery too. I love my little cheapy :-) Thank you for your vids.

[@jeffj318]

Great comments.

[@fukutaichou1903]

I have the A158W and spends a lot of wrist time vs my other watches. It's my daily wear but whenever I go out with it, I love it when I catch people looking at it. I know it's a common beater but you just know when someone is a watch person when they stop to appreciate.

[@anmol3457]

Yesterday someone complimented me on the watch. Feels good.

[@danyram89]

Saw my little cousin with one of these and now I'm looking to buy my own

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

I would choose the 158. I like the design of the dial better and the slimmer profile. I wouldn't mind having both of them thou. Great review Ben, it was nice seeing both these watches side by side.

[@chrisjohnson6876]

A158 WA bought a month ago and love it. Sooo comfy to wear. Yesterday, I caved and bought a silver A700 as well with the mesh band for more formal occasions, although I suspect will be a good contender for the A158, as a daily driver.

[@AFCAWorldBodybuildingArchive]

A158 every day of the week. Slimmer, more understated color scheme, clearer dial, super sweet bracelet in that "Nautilus" design.

[@gbsprasanna]

A158 anytime. I have never given a thought about the bracelet. Now that you mention it, it is indeed Nautilusesque.

[@FeralInferno]

Not sure if you knew this, but the A168W is a re-release from the late 80's/90's. My dad had this watch and I used to wear it all the time.

[@oldiesfreek]

I have both and, you're right, I prefer the A158wa as it does seem to be of a better quality :) Has a more solid feel.

[@pstamaria]

Thx for your review dude. I prefer the 168 because it's chunkier and has more colour with that splash of red.....keep it coming. Both great watches! Thx

[@BardofCornwall]

I just got the A158, and for me that's the best one, due to the longer pedigree and slimmer profile.

[@SaSpursFan]

Need to save up for one of these, next time this year ill buy one!

[@RaphyJmusic]

😂😂

[@yorusuyasoul69420]

Still saving

[@SaSpursFan]

@@yorusuyasoul69420 yes...hahah

[@bien.mp4]

lol what it's so cheap

[@msuelzl]

I feel you, saving up for one of these since 20 years now. Over the time I sometimes think about giving up and buying a Rolex or Omega or something. But the dream of the casio is still there. Maybe one day I can afford one.

[@susrev88]

i bought the 168 today. and a few months ago the f91w too (silver case). i couldn't happier with the a168, light, looks cool and fits my wrist better than f91w (i have an 8 inch/18cm wrist). now my orient mako 2 won't get any wrist time unfortunately, too heavy. i was against casio for years, had the misconception of cheap and commor therefore crap, and i always wore a round case analogue watch, but fortunately evolved. this is one of the videos that started to raise my interest for these watches.

[@MRREE-zw6xc]

Casio is god tier!! Everyone has one from famous people to us average Joe's. And they last forever!

[@thesquashman]

I'm wearing the 168 now lol I bought it once I seen your review one the 158 I needed thr better light cause I work nights lol. Great review and great watch even though my wife calls it my dad watch 😂

[@Skylabersean]

I have A168wa and and just got a gold A700wmg, both are great retro watch !

[@loismcfadden586]

I have a wee skinny girl wrist and I love my A168! The size was such a quandary when thinking about getting but I needn't have worried. That luminescence is the bees knees, just what I wanted. Just came across your channel! Loving the videos!

[@valueink]

I personally prefer the look of the A168. It’s a good thing we have choices ;)

[@surfside75]

I know it's Seiko Saturday but I was wearing my a158 for fun today as you upload😂🍻 Yr to blame for my 9+ classic Casio collection✔️💙

[@DanielLiuzzi]

I don't understand why Casio doesn't put Electro Luminescence displays in _all_ their models rather than just a handful; backlighting in them is actually usable. I love the A168, especially the newer "WEM" variant with a minimalist face and inverted display. I picked up an A168WEM-1EF a while back and it's became my favorite Casio. Keep up the great work!

[@TheNickGuy408]

Exactly, I would own more budget Casio models if they had the backlight of the A168… But instead it’s my only budget Casio

[@Sparks68]

The EL backlight was the clincher for me with the A168WA after suffering the F-91W backlight. If you've got an F-91W, you've got an A158WA in chrome livery with stainless bracelet. Not much point in buying one unless you're a collector that must have every variant of the 593 module.

[@hiroyasuohata3981]

I bought a A158 today. Thank you for the information.

[@ronch550]

Good to see men wearing these small digital Casio watches. I got a Casio A500WA 4 years ago and thought it's a bit small, but I guess the size gives it a refined look on one's wrist.

[@lee-pp7bs]

This video was very informative. After a few thoughts, I watched all the videos that compared 158 and 168 on KZbin. But this video was the best core video. Even your pronunciation and atmosphere could be understood comfortably by the people of the Another country. Thanks to your stylish video, I‘ve already ordered 3 Casio. And I look forward to seeing you again with your other beneficial video in the future. I would like to express my gratitude for your wonderful video. 🎉

[@neverknowinglyunders]

I have the A168WA and I’m very happy. I love the colourful retro styling and the backlight.

[@anibalurrutia157]

Nice review, thanks to this video I decided for the A158, keep the good work

[@carllange3950]

I was not really looking for a watch that I was going to wear much, just wanted a representative sample of this style of Casio for my collection. I decided to skip the F91 and A158WA. The A168WA’s electroluminescent backlight was the deciding factor for me.

[@TheAlfaMan]

👍 same I brought A168 just because of back light

[@anmol3457]

Hmm, while the backlight is no comparison, i like the slimmer and smaller profile of the A158 more.

[@tonywong8134]

It was nice seeing this watch in the Wonder Woman 1984 movie.

[@theta38]

In which scene?

[@edmund8954]

@@theta38 It's in the trailer,I believe a guy gave it to gal Gadot

[@Y0utub3me]

super cool! just looked up the scene and it was indeed the a168w :)

[@johnlucas6683]

Oh no! Hope it doesn't make the prices go up.

[@wans5885]

You will see the a lot of wrist time on the guy in the movie..

[@D-me-dream-smp]

I LOVE my A168. I personally like the bright orange and retro look of the text. I also have a really cheap plastic black version. The backlight makes a huge difference reading it over the standard lighting. I am female with smallish wrists but bigger hands so I like the extra chunkiness over the flatter thinner look.

[@gujjewman96]

So how long are these watches suppose to last?

[@nottruly6132]

@@gujjewman96 for 20 years

[@zetenybende]

@@gujjewman96 the battery is for 10 years

[@wizzgamer]

​@@zetenybende Battery is strangely small though for the size should have been cr 2025 rather than cr 2016.

[@cardboardsnail]

I have the A158 as a beater watch. If I had to choose between it any the A168, I'd probably choose the A168 next time. The light on the A158, while usable, is really rather dim. Other than that, I still like it though. The strap is easy to adjust and put on, and the overall watch is light and thin.

[@WhisperExtreme]

I like both. They're both very good in quality. I have the a168 since oct/2017, and stills working perfectly. Im thinking about buying that casio royale too!

[@Flockingtheherd]

To me the 168 looks like it has more shadow angles on the screen, almost like there’s more distance between the glass and screen. Glad I ordered the 158, I’m using this as a desk watch/clock for my work so the backlight is the least of my worries.

[@johneli495]

I need to get an A158. I've been using the A168 for the last year and it's been great

[@m.kennedy342]

I own both. The 158 does have a more balanced feel and I prefer the less text on the dial. It’s a cleaner look.

[@thanhhainguyen5747]

Can a168 can water resist

[@nmhbrooklands]

Just ordered a 168 to add to my collection. Really like your reviews, everything is affordable and well described.

[@JonathanRhodesLee]

Interestingly, on the US Amazon right now, the A158 is more expensive than the A168 (by just about $1). I like them both!

[@MyNameJim]

158 for Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays, 168 for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

[@21amateurs79]

My a168 is coming this 24th. :) I'm going to wear it on my cousin's wedding.

[@TheAlfaMan]

I was confused between 158 and 168 then I brought A168 after watching this review ...now I am happy ...thanks for the detailed comparison...

[@thanhhainguyen5747]

Does a168 can water resist, can u tell something plz

[@km-yx8vl]

Thank you very much for the nice review... It helped me to decide between these two beauties! Edit 2 years later: Althought my wrists are over 8 inches I've decided myself for the A158 and I am wearing this nice little watch almost daily since two years. I wear it at work and it survived even the hardest strain as I work as a welder and despite some marks and bruises it still works. What a great watch this is...!

[@ayandey137]

You got balls sir wearing that on a 8+inch wrist, respect 🙏

[@km-yx8vl]

@Casio Cannabis Club As I am getting always very dirty at work, I wash the watch daily in the sink under running water and with a brush, while I am washing my hands... Never had any problems. It is running to this day...

[@ccooper8785]

I bought a 158w as a work watch about 5 years ago. Love the size and would wear it as my main watch apart from:- I hate the crappy case, the plastic "crystal" and the backlight which gave up very quickly. But my main gripe is the poor accuracy. 40 years ago I had a Casio Marlin which gained less than 3 seconds PER MONTH. This 158w gains almost 1 second PER DAY ! Get it together Casio ! There is a market for better quality products, which people are willing to pay extra for, alongside poorer and cheaper versions.

[@mikewheeler9011]

I've heard the accuracy is all over the place. Some bad modules are close ±30 seconds but that's still technically within the range. My f105w keeps ±3 seconds a month, luckily. You might have to try a few more before you get one that's accurate to your liking.

[@hd591]

Just bought the A168 today. A very nice, clean look, retro version.

[@ajithp.r6787]

I love this. It is so peaceful to watch and now, even though i don't a wear watch, I feel the urge to buy a casio... I always wanted one❤️

[@The_Yin_Tiger]

I like the A158 slightly more for two reasons. The colors are a little more subdued and understated. Idk, the brighter red looks a little out of place for me, but maybe Im just more accustomed to the darker, almost crimson red on the 158. The other major reason is I prefer the slightly smaller size and weight of the 158. When I wear the watch, similarly to the F91W, I sometimes forget I am wearing it sometimes. Some people actually WANT a larger watch, and the 168 would probably be better suited for those with slightly larger wrists, but the 158 is almost perfectly sized for people with around 6.25 cm wrists.

[@Solitaire001]

I have the A168 and I've been very pleased with it, it is the best watch I've ever owned. It is easy to use and I can be sure that if I set something (like the alarm) that it is set right. It is perfect for my needs and I don't have an issue with its display/thickness. The backlight is the reason I'd give the A158 a pass. One thing I hope to find in the future is a version of the A168 with a stainless steel case since its plastic case is the only (slight) negative of the A168.

[@adrianmorris3772]

Good review .im going to get the 68 version I think ....is off to Argos.

[@Meesmashadi]

I just ordered A158W with the black display. I can’t wait. I have the Casio world watch for 2 year now and I still love it, I just wanted something smaller. Thanks for the review

[@marmara199]

Thanks, Ben. I'm buying the oldest one. Your review does help! 😉

[@davekat4680]

Just picked up my 168 yesterday. My 4th Casio in a month. Nice clean little retro watch but after wearing it today it seemed a bit small and tough to read compared to my AE1500 😂 loving my Royale ( 1st purchase) and black 200H. Jury is out on these ‘classic’ retro models for time being. I’ll wear it some more. Only cost 21.95 a nice value 🍻 cheers

[@mohammedtaqi700]

I have a 6.89 inch wrist and I wear my historical the Casio F-91W and I'm loving it. Watch is sooo accurate, sorry Omega you will have to sit in the box for a while.

[@jimmymcgill2557]

i just bought the f91w and love everything about it except it's awful backlight! 😂 i might have to get a 168 i think!

[@Demosthenes409]

although i own both, the a158 has better "wrist feel" or lack thereof. I don't use the backlight very much anyway. I do like the faceplate design and colors of the 168, but still prefer the 158 because of size and simplicity.

[@RM-pf3wd]

I personally like the 158 for its more slicker appearance.. yes the backlight is dull but im hopefully gonna sleep well at night to even care about checking the time at 3am

[@nintendokings]

The 158 looks a bit more slick and classy.

[@lietuviserikas]

true, but it lacks the backlight

[@petersilecchio4417]

Hi. I agree the 158 is much nicer.

[@h0llyn1gga]

@@petersilecchio4417 I got both and I prefer the a168, looks better to me but both are awesome

[@gerrardnicodemus3000]

Just bought the A168WA a month ago. The watch was great. It was very light and really comfy to wear. Probably I'm gonna buy the A158WA as well next time.

[@ajbcruz]

The EL is the deciding factor for me. I bought one last year, but then I discovered the B650 -- its spiritual successor but bigger, and therefore, better for my aging eyesight. Too bad it doesn't have EL ☹️

[@youraveragepasser-by7367]

Definitely! I have the f-91w which has a terrible backlight. The EL is much nicer on the eyes

[@christopherlogan9315]

Excellent review of both and has definitely helped me to make my mind up.

[@Kaybe-i6f]

For me the A158 sits more natural and looks better on my wrist also with the strap it give that lovely 70s look and feel. I still use my A168 and enjoy it but for me it’s the 158 and the one I wear even on my above average size wrist. Excellent watches regardless of which one.

[@moogish]

Hay great reviews of all these low cost, everyday, retro style Casio watches. I’ve been watching you & one other guy a lot lately, along with extensive research. So do all Casio watches have check if it’s official Casio feature?

[@roobookaroo]

First-class presentation. Couldn't be bettered. Bravo!

[@Cynara2468]

My very first watch is the a158. It's really appealing to me. Using it as my daily watch.

[@dimasbaskoro8150]

I like the F91 and A158 aesthetic, but the LED lighting is too dim, so I bought W217 instead Edit: or anything with module 3454

[@RossMcgowanMaths]

Think I prefer the 168 , a alittle bit more 'blingy' , stads out a bit more , also like the overall chunky look. I lecture math , my A168 watch along with my fx-29 calculator (1977) , I got it all going on , haha.

[@PatriotPete1791]

Casio never upsets!

[@thomascatt5736]

Definitely, the 158 is preferable, because it's thinner. So, less likely to get stuck when you try to put your hand in your pocket, less wear on your shirt cuffs, and less likely to get knocked about and, especially, get scratched.

[@msheehandub]

I first bought the Casio F91W with gold color watch face after seeing it in the TV show "Mr. Robot" on White Rose's wrist. Just ordered the A158W to have another option for daily wear. I love the F91W and wear it nearly everyday!

[@silvanigra]

The 168's size is more to my liking, but the EL panel is less crisp in daylight than the regular LCD of the 158, F91 etc. I noticed the same on my GW-M5600/5610.

[@Beck-Stein]

This watch goes great in a tuxedo. Really dressy and classy compared to say a Patek. Most billionaires wear this Casio due to its classic lines, accuracy and wrist presence. Nothing says class like a 5 dollar Chinese digital watch.

[@machigiceb7788]

Chinese?

[@Beck-Stein]

Machi Giceb oh yeah. Chinese watches show class and sophistication.

[@skeletonw00t]

@@Beck-Stein Exactly! that's why stylish people use iPhones!

[@angry_engineer]

as an 168 owner i am very very happy with it.

[@zxyz2191]

After my cat decided to chew my F-91W I picked up an A168W, just because it was on sale in Europe, it’s cool.

[@yoinkhaha]

The A158 is slightly clearer to read than the A168 because of the A168's electro luminescent display... something about the way the display has to be built to do EL compromises that clarity.

[@friendlyjunco6836]

I have a lot of watches more expensive and better than my a158 but I'm always drawn to wear it. I'm a massive muscular guy with big wrists and is very comfortable. This watch has been worn under 405lb bench presses to closing millions of dollars at the firm. It works for me.

[@yajkushal1995]

158wa all the way because it’s iconic

[@tanpanamaaja2364]

I like Ben's review, especially this classic casio. Ben's review is clear & interesting.

[@jakob7335]

Good Video, help me a lot because i definetly want to go for a smaller and lighter watch since i have smaller wrists

[@Mulder-Scully]

I just picked up the Casio A168 and i haven't worn a watch in decades so i hope i can get used to it again.

[@SOURIZZ_]

How's your experience mate

[@julianpereira3015]

Great review! I just wanted to know if I press and hold the right button for 5 seconds will it read CASIO if it is original or this originality function does not apply for the A158wa?

[@sakshamsood2857]

Yes if it’s original then pressing the right side button for few seconds will display “ CASIO “.

[@weightelk]

I've had both for over a year and love them both so much

[@thanhhainguyen5747]

Does a168 can water resist

[@weightelk]

@@thanhhainguyen5747 yes

[@luiscaballero5493]

Casio A158 hands down MORE slick, elegant, thin and crispy LCD vs A168. I own the 2 variants of the A158 and the A168.

[@brentneves3602]

I like the slightly larger size of the 168wa, however the face of 158wa is nicer looking, with less visual clutter on the dial.

[@Apocalypse_y]

I love A158.its my favourite watch.its remind my childhood memories

[@Hokage250]

I just ordered the A168 it comes in 2 days I can’t wait!!

[@Carcacha]

A (not minor) advice: dont get fooled by the light! At all the videos its seems that you can barely see the minutes, but I tried it at total darkness and you can see al the info really well. It was one of the doubts that I had before buying it

[@monke2305]

Just what i was looking for. Got the A158!

[@agungdprakoso6239]

i have the A168 simply because its larger and fits perfectly with my wrist

[@moneytron4143]

Very good detailed comparison!

[@sidarthasingh8158]

Thanks for the help I'm buying the smaller one

[@jimdog9020]

Nice to see these 2 watches compared. I didn't know they were so different! You can't go wrong with either for the price :-)

[@alandennis3853]

I have the 168, and the increased depth of the case is noticeable, compared to my F91. This also means it sticks up from your wrist more prominently, not a good thing in my opinion. Honestly, I find the light to be usable, not good but it works, which is what matters most. I think I will be getting a 158 because I like the form better and the face design looks better with a more simple design to me. Great comparison

[@Userno123-g4z]

It's been a long time , but which one did you get ?

[@caglayanharun]

My favori is A158WA, but you can choice for better bracelet and japan made 159WA version; thanks for video..

[@noobfl]

i own the a168 and i love it. for me, i have a bit bigger arms, so a bit bigger watches are no problem for me. and the much, much, much better illumination is worth every of the 3 €, it costs more then the a158 xD

[@joselozano7939]

I prefer the a158w, saludos desde México! 👋🏼

[@Fernando-c3d6w]

Ahuevo

[@jonysaav6759]

@@Fernando-c3d6w soplas y dejas nuevo!

[@randomdude6940]

Just ordered one for myself. Hope I like it. Will see in a week I guess

[@ernestb.2377]

I have chosen the classic A168 due to it's slightly bigger size (and much better back light), although you may be right, A158 looks more elegant, with it's less pronounced red details, less height and now I see the model CASIO A158WEA-1EF in "all-black dial" with white text, which I think I would have preferred after all. Less nostalgic, but okay I am 51, so less of a "child watch colors look" is also an issue. Although I don't have a big wrist, about 6.7 inch a too small watch. Beside 168 I also have Lineage, A1000 and B650, so need to be careful not ending up buying yet another watch 😆hmmm 🤔

[@petersilecchio4417]

Hi. Great Video. So Helpful. I think the model 158 is Much Cleaner Looking. The Newer model face has too much writing on it. And I like the older model being thinner.

[@abdrulahmanscorner3861]

Why was this so comforting to watch? Like early 2000s british telly 😂

[@flovanhoorn5444]

A 168 has a shade of grey on the dial. Thats why sometimes the older version is better readable.

[@canuck81]

I'll take the a158w. I don't like the bigger size of the 168. I don't care for that red and blue on the face of the 168 either. Yeah the 158 has a crappy backlight but it's still usable.

[@MH-ot8lr]

Nice comparison review. I personally preferred A159, the slightly upgraded bracelet version of A158. I dont really like the A168 due to its flashy and crowded bezel. Too many colors and large lettering basically.

[@santiguierrez]

I just got mine and I totally agree. The a159 looks amazing to me

[@slayermeb]

I needed this video! Thanks!!