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Casio, an unconventional muse for a menswear narrative, transcends the traditional boundaries of fashion. While predominantly recognized for its wristwatches rather than apparel, Casio’s journey is a unique case study in the expansive realm of Japanese business, where diversification knows no bounds. As a conglomerate, Casio’s influence extends far beyond the wrist, encompassing calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, mobile phones, gaming consoles, and even tills or cash registers.
Established in 1946 in Mitaka, Tokyo, by Kashio Seisakujo, Casio’s origins lie in the production of mechanical parts. An early innovation, the yubiwa pipe, showcased the brand’s ingenuity, providing a practical solution for smokers in postwar Japan facing a shortage of tobacco. However, with the inclusion of Kashio’s brothers, whose expertise lay in electronics, Casio’s trajectory shifted towards consumer electronics. The foray into calculators began in 1949, with the advent of groundbreaking all-electronic models in the 1950s.
It wasn’t until the 1970s that Casio made its mark in watchmaking. As quartz-driven watches, pioneered by Japanese companies, revolutionized the industry, Casio leveraged its three-decade expertise in calculators and computers to seamlessly integrate electronic infrastructure into digital watches. The CASIOTRON, introduced in 1974, boasted a futuristic digital display and an automatic calendar function, captivating the market with its groundbreaking features.
With the decline of quartz watch novelty, Casio adapted and continued its commitment to affordability and innovation. Quartz watches, cost-effective and technologically versatile, allowed Casio to introduce a range of iconic models, including the F-91W, A168W-1, Databank calculator watch, AE1200WH-1A World Timer, MQ24-7B, and the renowned G-SHOCK series.
Beneath the seemingly mundane serial numbers and familiar facades lies a brand with enduring appeal. Casio watches often mark the beginning of a horological journey, etching themselves into the memories of wearers and casting a warm glow of nostalgia. Affordable, with a touch of retro-futurist novelty, Casio watches have become timeless icons, cherished by those who wear them.
Who wears Casio watches? If fiction mirrors reality, they are everyman protagonists, lovable eccentrics, cool ’80s teens, and red-blooded action stars. This eclectic representation is surprisingly reflective of real-life Casio enthusiasts—individuals who are just entering the world of watches and seasoned collectors alike. Casios grace the wrists of those seeking budget-friendly options and trend hoppers exploring the latest limited releases. They adorn the arms of kids and grandparents, the fashion-forward and the oblivious, hypebeasts and hipsters, outdoor enthusiasts and bookcore adherents.
Casio’s enduring allure lies in its crossover appeal and universal accessibility. The logo on a Casio watch unites a diverse community of wearers. This inclusive quality, combined with its affordability, aesthetic charm, and nostalgic resonance, ensures that Casio watches, like steadfast companions, will remain by our sides for decades to come.