Casio has introduced the CRW-002, a full-metal ring watch that shrinks the A168 digital watch design into a finger-worn accessory, with prices starting at $135. Scheduled to go on sale this month, it combines a six-digit display with working timekeeping features, including dual time and a stopwatch that measures hundredths of a second.
The silver CRW-002D-1A will cost $135, while the gold CRW-002C-7A is priced at $155. Buyers will be able to find the series through select retailers, Casio's website and the G-SHOCK Soho Store during November. The gold version carries a $20 premium over the silver version, with both listed as part of the CRW-002 series.
The design draws on the A168, which Casio first introduced in 1995, transferring details from its face and band to the smaller format. Casio has reproduced the indicators on the watch face as well as the band's contours and surface finish. The ring's band has a matte texture that contrasts with the case, giving the two metal elements different finishes.
Inside, Casio says the timekeeping module is approximately a tenth of the size of a standard watch module. The company attributes that reduction to densely mounted components and a miniature battery, allowing digital watch functions to fit into the ring. Three buttons accompany the display, retaining a physical control arrangement for the miniature timepiece.
For lighting, the CRW-002 includes an LED backlight and a separate pulsing light function. The pulse can glow at a time selected in advance or when each hour begins, giving the ring a lighting feature tied to its clock. Alongside its dual-time capability and stopwatch, the ring has water resistance.
Casio uses metal injection molding to form the detailed case and band shapes in the CRW-002's metal construction. The ring also includes an automatic calendar for datekeeping and a choice between 12-hour and 24-hour time display formats.
