Casio Vintage watches: A168, A158, AQ-230 and LA680

Casio Vintage is Casio’s range of retro-style digital and analogue-digital watches, with the A158, A168, AQ-230 and LA680 among its best-known models. Briefly, the A158 is a small, simple classic, the A168 is slightly larger, the AQ-230 combines hands with a digital display, and the LA680 is smaller and suits a slim wrist. The models shown here are lightweight watches with metal bracelets, suitable for jeans or a shirt.

What is Casio Vintage?

The Vintage range features older Casio designs that are still produced today. Casio says it draws inspiration from the fashions of the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. On Casio’s European website, Vintage watches are divided into several groups:

• ICONIC – the best-known designs, such as the A158, A168, A700 and LA680.
• EDGY – more angular, bolder models, such as the AQ-230, AQ-800 and A100.
• ROUND – digital watches with round cases, such as the A171.
• MINI – small watches, such as the LA670.

Casio notes that all Vintage models are unisex. The women’s or men’s label on a product page is therefore more of a suggestion than a rule.

Casio A158 – the simplest classic

According to Casio, the A158 has been on sale since 1989, and its design has stayed the same. The case is slim, under 9 mm, so the watch fits easily under a shirt cuff. Casio says it suits wearers of any age and gender.

The classic version is silver-tone with a steel bracelet. If you want a softer look, consider the mesh-bracelet Casio Vintage A158WEM-7EF (light grey dial) or A158WEM-3EF (dark green dial). For those who prefer gold tones, the Casio A158WETG-9AEF is a good choice.

Casio A168 – slightly larger and bolder

The A168 is a little larger and heavier than the A158. According to Casio, the case measures 38.6 × 36.3 mm. The dial bears the word ILLUMINATOR, and the entire display lights up evenly, making it easy to read in the dark. Casio describes its style as inspired by the 1990s.

• Casio Vintage A168WG-9EF is all gold-tone and immediately stands out on the wrist.
• Casio Vintage A168WEM-2BEF has a metallic dial whose design, according to Casio, is inspired by space and science fiction.

If you have a broad wrist or like your watch to be noticeable, the A168 is a better choice than the A158. The steel bracelet has an adjustable clasp, so you can set the length yourself without visiting a watchmaker.

Casio AQ-230 – hands and digits together

The AQ-230 is a combination watch: hands show the time as on a conventional watch, while a small display shows digits. Casio places it in the EDGY group. According to Casio, the case measures 38.8 × 29.8 mm and is 8.1 mm thick, making it elongated and slim.

For example, the Casio Vintage AQ-230A-9AMQYES has a sunburst dial and steel bracelet. Casio describes it as a classic analogue-digital watch in attractive colours. The Casio Vintage AQ-800E-7A2EF follows the same idea, with hands and a small display.

Casio LA680 – smaller and more delicate

The LA680 was released in 2013, and its design has not changed since. According to Casio, its size falls between the A158 and the very small LA670. The case measures 33.5 × 28.6 mm, and the multi-row steel bracelet gives it a more jewellery-like appearance.

The silver-tone Casio LA680WEA-1EF is a good choice for everyday wear. The gold-tone Casio LA680WEGA-9ER pairs well with gold jewellery. If you like a small watch but prefer a round shape, consider the Casio A171WE-1AEF.

What to wear with a Vintage watch

• Jeans and a T-shirt. All Vintage models work here. A silver-tone A158 or A168 is the most neutral choice.
• A shirt and blazer. Choose a slim watch that fits under the cuff: the A158, AQ-230 or LA680. Match a gold-tone watch to the colour of your belt buckle or jewellery.
• Gold or silver. If you wear a ring or bracelet, choose a watch in the same tone. This makes the whole look feel considered.
• More than one watch. A Vintage makes a good second watch alongside a nice analogue watch. We also wrote about this in the article how many watches a man should own.

Most Vintage watches have small cases. If you are unsure about size, see the guide watch size and strap length.

Who Casio Vintage suits

A Vintage makes a good gift for a teenager getting their first ‘proper’ watch, a student, or someone who usually wears a smartwatch but sometimes wants something simpler. It also suits someone who loves retro style and wants a simple watch without notifications. The digital display makes the time easy to read, so a Vintage also suits a child who can already recognise numbers. For exercise or outdoor work, a G-Shock is a more durable choice.

A Vintage watch has the advantage of not being too personal a choice as a gift. Its simple shape suits different styles, and choosing silver or gold is easy if you know what jewellery the recipient wears.

You can find all Vintage watches in here. We are an authorised Casio retailer, and all watches come with a 2-year warranty. If you do not know which watch style the recipient prefers, another option is gift card. For an overview of all Casio ranges, see the article Casio watches – choosing a range.