Casio F91W: A Legend Past Its Prime?

[@Kevster-dp7tt]

Why the F-91w is God tier: 1) It's comfortable 2) It's virtually unbreakable 3) It's accurate 4) It's a design icon 5) You can wear it without fear of being mugged 6) You don't have to pay to have it serviced 7) If you lose it your life isn't ruined 8) A new battery costs pennies 9) It has an hourly chime 10) It's nostalgic 11) It's cool 12) It's not precocious 13) It's cheap 14) It's classless 15) It's the same size as the classic 1960s & 70s men's watches 16) It's retro 17) It's slim 18) It's more water resistant that you think 19) Most watch collectors respect it 20) It's a Casio

[@Realidealgear]

Thank you for sharing! The F91 is legendary for all you’ve mentioned…one of the first on the block. Legendary is its calling. However the list includes all Casios and for $5, $10, and even $20 more, the upgrades are leave the F91 in the shadows. Consider the following. The down side, legendary status aside, none of the F91 functions are near the quality, display size, light quality, strap quality, alarms, WR, fit on a medium/larger wrist of an F108, W736, F201, or W217. For the W736 at $20 more…10yr battery, incredible negative light, 100m WR, display that is easily readable, vibration OR audible alert, programmable alarm (by specific day, entire month, weekly, or everyday), g-shock like style and engineering protecting the crystal. The F91 is a small, unassuming watch however, the F201 is on par for size. The W736 (within $20) and F201 (within $10) and the F108 and W217 are within $5-$10. The F108 has 100m WR, superior light and display. The F201 has a superior light, incredible display, 5 alarms and hourly signal and essentially the same case dimensions. It’s not even close. The F91 is a legend no doubt and I own one. I’ll never wear it because of value for money (aka functions/spec). Being a legend doesn’t cover the functions gap created by other watches with minimal differences in cost.

[@ginoongboyong]

That is my everyday watch whenever I'm home. The strap was replaced with the strap of black A168 after a year of abuse to the original strap. I never had a problem with the light whenever it's dark when I get up. For me, it's an all around watch. My one watch collection. I love the size and the elegant color that can be match with a formal attire. Its also tough and rigid so you won't have a problem wearing it while doing any manual or heavy work. It surpass its water resistant capability that you can use it wear it while bathing, showering, swimming or snorkeling. It can be a field watch having both chronograph and alarm. Its ultimate characteristics that cannot be match by other model is it's history. Wear by great leaders and celebrity. F91w is my one watch collection. I never knew I will love this watch until I wear it.

[@Realidealgear]

Great points/comments! Thank you.

[@ginoongboyong]

@@Realidealgear yes sir!

[@dr0pk1x]

I didn't think i would like this watch until I put it on my wrist - then i never took it off. Preferred it to my much larger G-Shocks. For me, it's the only casio watch where i don't have a ton of excess strap at the end. I wish the watch itself was just a tad bigger but the F91W is more comfortable than any other casio i've worn.

[@Realidealgear]

Now that you mention the extra strap...that is a positive for the F91...Thanks for sharing.

[@FiremanFrach]

Don’t hold back, Tim, tell us how you really feel…😂

[@Realidealgear]

I was restraining my self…after reviewing it I’ll never wear it. I’m keeping it ONLY as a reference. It’s a great reminder of where Casio was.

[@skipinkoreaable]

Yeah, don't open fire unless there really is no other option. As always I appreciate your reviews.

[@Realidealgear]

Thank you....have a great week.

[@KaushikBala333]

​@@Realidealgearwhy what's wrong in wearing it?

[@SethMakes]

I wear my F-91w every day. I mean every single day, and i have a G-Shock square yet still prefer the F91. I wear one with the original resin strap when climbing. I have one with the bracelet replaced with a metal one from the A159 that I daily. Great, great watches.

[@Realidealgear]

It’s legend. Thanks for sharing.

[@ConansEasyDadCarry]

Just found you channel and I'm really enjoying your stuff! I've been going down the Casio rabbit hole for awhile now. Even started doing some casio reviews. I have to say- you're 100% on the F91. I bought one just to have in the collection and to see what the hype was. I have larger wrists myself, so I quickly gave it away and picked up a 217 and a B650 (which is my favorite "simple retro"). Keep up the great work!

[@Realidealgear]

Glad you enjoyed it and I'll check out your channel! Have a great week.

[@TheNunakun]

Finally bought the f91w after almost 20 Casios and gshocks and... It's really, no frills, the best. I can see the hype. I even adore the crappy light. It beat my favorite A168 daily.

[@Realidealgear]

It has appeal. Thanks for commenting. Have a great week.

[@tennbones]

I have a watch collection that numbers 25 watches, 24 G shocks and one Seiko Arnie. This model is the one I wear every single day lol. I have 3 Mudmasters and the $15 f91w is my favorite.

[@Realidealgear]

Casio watch collections bring some interesting preferences. I prefer typical sized watches for my wrist but I tend to wear even larger Casio watches like the GD350, the W736, and the PRW6600Y. If those Casios were mechanical watches I’d never buy them. Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend!

[@johanvandersandt8904]

Weirdly it was my first watch as a kid and although I own many Casio's I don't own this one. The Greyman does everything that it does but better. You are quite right that Casio themselves have made better for cheaper or similar prices. The module on this has the worst backlight on any Casio and its used on a few other watches too. Hope you have a great week Tim!

[@Realidealgear]

Im hanging onto the F91W ONLY as a reference. I’ll never wear it by choice. The light is the biggest complaint I have. I can live with the rest. You brother!

[@Realidealgear]

Im hanging onto the F91W ONLY as a reference. I’ll never wear it by choice. The light is the biggest complaint I have. I can live with the rest. You as well brother!

[@johanvandersandt8904]

@@Realidealgear 😃👌

[@filipesousa9990]

I do agree with you, for me, the F-91W was just not up to the job. I'm staying tight with the G-Shock line (Rangeman, Full Metal Square...).

[@Realidealgear]

Its legacy and history is undeniable, the features, outdated.

[@05Rudey]

I had the same one from the age of 11 to 27 (lost it), stopped wearing it 5 years before, but I just kept it in my bag as a travel alarm clock. It had its time with me and it served a purpose even though I did replace it, I never really wore it again

[@Realidealgear]

The alarm clock idea has officially been stolen...by me. That's a great use for the F91! Thanks for sharing.

[@05Rudey]

@@Realidealgear It was back in the time where I started to wear analogue watches more often and my phone at the time was massively unreliable as a travel alarm clock (I was a student, if I crashed at a friends house after a night out, there was a chance my phone was dead by morning), old reliable F91w to the rescue.

[@HOTSPEEDMike]

Perfect legibility to me not bold digits is part of the charm of this watch. Yeah the light could b better, but it's not as bad as shown in the video. Feared I wouldn't read time at night, but thankfully I can.

[@Realidealgear]

Thanks for watching. It's has its supporters.

[@rayseaman6204]

The F-91W is my daily/beater watch. I have a 7.25 inch wrist, and it is the most comfortable and rugged watch in my collection. I agree with most of your points. So let me make this live for you : IT IS THE BEST DISPOSABLE WATCH IN THE WORLD !

[@Realidealgear]

Nope...it's a legend but not for being the best. Have a great week!

[@good_to_be_gold8]

I have a few of these. Great little time piece on the go

[@Realidealgear]

They do fill a niche very nicely.

[@chriscon8463]

That’s the watch I would leave in my emergency bag in my truck, just in case I’m ever caught away from home without a watch (not likely)!

[@Realidealgear]

That works! thanks for watching

[@adk7962]

I equate this watch to the original Mazda Miata. Compared to vehicles of today (including a new Miata) it’s not a “great” car; however, no one will argue the significance of the car nor the watch. I personally don’t have a f91, but I have his fancy cousin, the A168. I am very slowly getting into Casios (just ordered a GM5600). When I see a f91 or an original Miata in the wild, I’m like, “very cool; that person understands watches/cars” but neither is probably for me. Thanks!

[@Realidealgear]

Excellent analogy...I agree on the impact of legend...its affects others and will always be remember for that. Have a great week.

[@Kiddomike]

I recommend the F105. It’s the F91 inside and out but with the far superior electroluminescence (EL) backlight.

[@Realidealgear]

Great recommendation. Thanks for watching and merry Christmas!

[@hectorfigueredo6613]

Extraordinario y perfecto f91,el reloj todoterreno,precioso 💖👍 gracias por tu vídeo 👍🇨🇴🕓🇪🇸

[@Realidealgear]

You’re welcome and thank you for watching! Have a great weekend.

[@andymakakane2179]

I've got two of these. So light that you can't tell you have it on.

[@Realidealgear]

Absolutely. Great beater watch, maybe the greatest.

[@davidcrandall4958]

Its 10.00 on Amazon! what do you expect?

[@Realidealgear]

It's a low cost watch. There are others in that ballpark (within $5) with far superior features, qualities.

[@CocoCoco-zj9jt]

I suggest you try gd-350 and gwg-1000 if you like that taste …

[@Realidealgear]

Picked up the GD350...love it.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

My first Casio as a teenager was the full steel case & band version of this watch 👍 The F91W has little appeal outside the third world now and the band has a 3yr lifespan.

[@Realidealgear]

Good points.

[@mrfreeseat]

Its the best value watch to buy for a kid taking into account size, quality, functionality and variety

[@Realidealgear]

100%. This is a perfect kid watch.

[@tsarli5819]

Have to agree with your observations. Starting with the F105 and all the way to the W217, simply a lot of better options out there. Some years back when this was just $8, sure I'd pick one up but not at today's (2023) prices.

[@Realidealgear]

agreed!

[@RShanjihad]

thanks for sharing all of the down sides as someone who has puny man baby arms this is the type of watch that I'm looking for. But there is big problem I am facing and that is the amount of fakes and how do I get a real one online

[@Realidealgear]

Direct from Casio, Amazon...look for high numbers of reviews/sales. Reputable online store.

[@RShanjihad]

​@@Realidealgear thanks for the pointer I Really appreciate it

[@marcelovasconcellos6067]

Had whatever the predecessor of this watch was back in 1978 or 70. My second watch, lasted years. Seeing the F91 all over youtube sometimes makes me fel nostalgic, but I won't buy it as I agree with all your points. It's legendary but in the past and in our memories it's where it belongs.

[@Realidealgear]

Thank you for watching and commenting. 100% agree…the design lead to other designs. It’s a Legend! Take care and have a great week.

[@Hallelujah666]

My father had bought me one of these when I was a child. Idk where it is right now. A timeless classic. Idk, just so retro and nostalgic. AFAIK it came out in 89. Just iconic. It also has weird history with some certain terrorist groups etc too. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casio_F-91W PS: I also people from all around the world have certain memories with this watch. This is one of the reasons what makes this one so unique.

[@Realidealgear]

Thanks for sharing. It’s retro legend…worldwide legend! Have a great weekend.

[@codrupaun8070]

All your observations are correct 100%, from technical point of view. BUT 😂😂😂...as you mentioned in a previous video of yours - just put the watch in the right circumstances and it WILL work!! Despite the fact that there are tons of other Casios, with similar prices but much better packed with functions and/or light, still they will never reach the legend of F91W. Why? - I have only one subjective answer - it looks freakin' awesome. Of course if you have smaller wrist like I do - I see you have to use the second hole, I need to use the fifth. Keep rollin' , Tim!

[@Realidealgear]

Agreed! The right tool for the right situation…and why not look cool doing it! Have a good one.

[@deanwaller8283]

Yeah,sorry but the g-shock square slaps this silly from pillar to post,it pre dates it,it beats it at literally everything,AND ,it gets total respect from all sectors of the horological community

[@Realidealgear]

100%. That's another reason why I don't get the fascination with the F91. Thanks for sharing .

[@persaaw]

Casio F105W is a similar looking watch to the F91W. F105W have a better backlight and cost about the same as a F91W.

[@Realidealgear]

Absolutely

[@Anakoollbet]

i prefer choose F91 W due to watch font more readable for me (others type "more bold") *sorry for my bad english

[@Realidealgear]

Thanks for sharing.

[@rohithlal3558]

F91W ❤

[@Realidealgear]

Thank you for watchingg

[@WUDN-WatchUDontNeed]

W-59 lover here. Better than the F-91. And the grey man is even better, as johan said. And yet, one cannot ignore the mythical aura of this watch. Having a thin wrist this is an ideal size. But I prefer gshock squares. Thanks for this video!

[@Realidealgear]

I think that is what this watch relies on the most.

[@mdey8750]

It's legendary..!!

[@Realidealgear]

Absolutely

[@JoeyAnswer]

Wish i would've saw your video earlier. i feel like this watch is neat though way overrated. Even though my favorite basic Casio is the f108, when compared to these types of Casio i couldn't trade that for one and i have small wrist and even wear the Duro very well. I always wanted to try the W59 It has lugs and the shape i find it more attractive then the f91.

[@Realidealgear]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad I could help even if it’s after the fact. I really the watches you’ve mentioned and especially like the F108. I would say the W217 is slightly more nostalgic looking than the F108 and similar in style to the F91W. Lots to choose from when below the $30 price point.

[@JoeyAnswer]

@@Realidealgear That’s what cool about YT. EVEN Months after the release of the video you still get comments. I do at times and have to remember what video they’re referring to haha. I thought the same about the 217 being a moderen f91 and a lot of people said the same. The f108 to me is that sporty slim watch that even being basic it looks so much tougher. Plus from my experience, the f108 is a G-Shock light.

[@Realidealgear]

I agree with your assessments of the W217 and F108...100%. Have a great weekend.

[@teleguy5699]

What size is your wrist?

[@Realidealgear]

Not sure but I’d guess around 7.75

[@teleguy5699]

@@Realidealgear Thanks.

[@FiremanFrach]

I see you’re selling the neon green mrw 200Did you ever oil fill it?

[@Realidealgear]

I tried on one and it had bubbles all around which eventually went into one large bubble. I trashed that one a purchased another and it’s just at for a month. If it doesn’t sell, I’ll try again.

[@FiremanFrach]

@@Realidealgear I’m partial to the look/watch in general, but, as you know, I own one already.

[@MichaelTravis12c27]

Heresy! 😂 It’s a classic, but not for me.

[@Realidealgear]

Right on bro!

[@ericwilleke6613]

I have an f91w and a w217. I like the 217 better

[@Realidealgear]

Ditto. Have a great week.

[@Stugots711]

Just the fact of who used it

[@Realidealgear]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Stugots711]

Semper fi

[@Realidealgear]

verum usque ad finem

[@tennbones]

I am impressed with it, and I do recommend it lol. I have a 24 watch collection and this little cheap, dorky, retro watch is one of my all time favorites. It also has the loudest alarm and chime of any watch I own. I wish my $800 mudmasters and seikos had the same crisp loud sound as this $16 beauty lol.

[@giuliogemino6407]

yes. it past away, obsolete. it is a cheap watch. The only point are 1 you can't get a serious digital watch for less 2 it is comfortable to wear all day and all night long 24/7. It is obsolete comparing W202 and most of all LW204-1B IMO It is an interesting case what Casio has done with A700 and A1000 series, but, at this state of the art. and this point of the casio story W202 module mounted also on B640 is the bare minimum basic offer a classic casio watch must have. I look at e.g. A1000, it is a premium watch but it improves only backlight and cosmetic hardware and nothing else. I will pay that 100 bucks but having countdown and 5 alarms and 5bars water resistance to swim wash so on... today it seems to spend 100bucks to get only a pleasing empty box. so instead I bought LW204-1B getting resistance, the light plastic comfort, and minimal elegance for a mass produced china made watch saving money.

[@Realidealgear]

Well stated!

[@jabirhussain4513]

Get a AE1200 n move on 😊

[@Realidealgear]

That is a Substantial upgrade...thanks for commenting

[@jabirhussain4513]

@@Realidealgear Thanks Tim, few weeks back I got a AE1200 and I'm loving it, heard lot about it.

[@Realidealgear]

That watch is LOADED with features for the traveler.