Casio’s strange watch-shaped smart ring is coming to the US

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What you need to know

• Casio has revealed a strange product for the 50th anniversary of the Casio watch, and it’s a ring.

• The “ring size version” of a Casio watch costs $120 and will arrive in December 2024.

• Initially believed to be a Japanese exclusive, the ring watch was recently spotted in Casio’s US store, confirming a stateside release.

When we first heard about Casio’s upcoming ring watch, we thought it was This looks like an April Fool’s joke. However, it turns out that the Casio CRW-001-1JR isn’t entirely a Japanese exclusive. The Casio CRW001-1 is exactly the same as the CRW-001-1JR, except it will be available in the US starting next month for a retail price of $120 (via The edge).

It’s an interesting concept to say the least, and this “ring watch” is exactly what it sounds like. This is a ring-sized version of Casio’s classic watches designed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Casio Watch. And while it’s a strange product – it doesn’t have any of the modern smartwatch features you’re probably familiar with – it took a lot of clever engineering to get here.

The Casio CRW001-1 is made entirely of metal, and Casio says it had to use special processes to use injection molding to create a unified case, case back, and ring. At the same time, it is still a traditional watch, so the battery still needs to be replaced. That’s why Casio used a unique glass bonding method to create a water-resistant seal that still allows the battery to be replaced.

Talking about battery life, it is claimed to last two years and just uses an SR621SW coin cell battery and can be replaced. In some ways, this makes the Casio CRW001-1 more repairable than the best smart rings – and even smart watches – you can buy.

Ultimately, one has to wonder whether Casio saw the strangely positive reception to the Casio CRW-001-1JR and decided to bring it stateside – or if that was always part of the plan. With a price tag of $120, it’s expensive for what it is, but it’s not really too expensive when you consider the going rates for rings, watches, and collectibles.

This is clearly a novelty item, but with a December 2024 release, it could make a great gift for a gadget lover. I know it’s something I would want in my personal collection, although I probably wouldn’t replace my smart watch or smart ring.