There’s been a watch making its rounds on social media as of late, and it’s captured the attention of none other than our youth, Gen Z. To mark the 50th anniversary of its digital watches, Casio is unveiling a groundbreaking release: its first-ever functional ring watch, the CRW-001-1JR.
While Casio has experimented with ring watches before, this is the first time one serves as more than a mere accessory. Featuring a retro six-segment LCD display, the CRW-001-1JR displays the time, date, and even includes a stopwatch. For god’s sake, it even has dual time zone capabilities. Sure, it lacks the health monitoring features like heart rate or oxygen tracking that have become almost standard in today’s digital watches, but let’s be honest—young people couldn’t care less about that. They’re loving it for entirely different reasons.
This launch has sparked a flurry of buzz across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with users embracing the watch for its “adorably ridiculous” charm. Its whimsical appeal makes it the ultimate multifunctional accessory, blending personal style with practical use.
Priced around SGD$172, the CRW-001-1JR is relatively affordable compared to other tech wearables. This price point makes it accessible for younger consumers who are looking for trendy gadgets without breaking the bank. The fact that it’s launching in Japan first adds an intriguing layer of exclusivity, further fuelling the desire among fans outside Japan to get their hands on one.
Despite their age, young people are deeply drawn to nostalgia, as seen in the resurgence of Y2K fashion and the growing trend of collecting vintage pieces through thrifting and other avenues. The watch cleverly taps into that, channelling the vintage aesthetic of Casio’s classic look while reimagining it in an entirely new form. Its unique ring form opens up a breadth of aesthetics it can fall under—from Y2K nostalgia to cutting-edge tech fashion, the CRW-001-1JR seems to have perfected that delicate balance between past and present. And like all things in life, an intriguing juxtaposition is precisely why this piece might just be in contention for the hottest horological trend of 2025—among the youth, at the very least.
