Casio A158WA-1 (Standard Digital Retro)
Digital Tool Watch / Quartz Complication · Casio (Casio Computer Co., Ltd.). Positioned as an 'Affordable' tier brand, renowned for durability, accuracy, and iconic digital designs.
Period: Modern Retro / Neo-Vintage. It is a modern production of a design aesthetic originating in the late 1980s and early 1990s, characterized by its rectangular resin case and integrated steel bracelet.
Type
Digital Tool Watch / Quartz Complication
Brand
Casio (Casio Computer Co., Ltd.). Positioned as an 'Affordable' tier brand, renowned for durability, accuracy, and iconic digital designs.
Movement
Quartz Caliber 593. Features include high precision (+/- 30 seconds per month), CR2016 battery with a roughly 7-year life.
Dimensions
36.8mm width, 33.2mm height, 8.2mm thickness, 18mm lug width. Wears smaller than most modern watches due to its thin profile.
Description
The Casio A158WA-1 is the quintessential digital watch for enthusiasts who value functional minimalism. It is a lightweight, low-profile timepiece that blends the utility of a tool watch with a nostalgic 80s aesthetic. Its polished silver-tone case and matching steel bracelet allow it to transition easily from casual wear to a quirky, budget-friendly dress alternative. It is celebrated for its 'set-it-and-forget-it' reliability and incredibly slim wrist presence.
Key Features
Single green LED microlight for night viewing, daily alarm, 1/100 second stopwatch, hourly time signal, and auto-calendar set for 28 days for February.
Dial Description
Digital LCD display with a grey background. Border features blue and red accents, "Casio" logo, "Alarm Chrono", and "Water Resist" text. Displays hours, minutes, seconds, PM indicator, day, and date.
Case Material
Chrome-plated resin case with a polished finish. The case is plastic/resin internally to save weight, with a metallic-effect plating.
Crystal Type
Acrylic (Plastic) flat crystal. It is prone to light scratching but can be easily polished with polywatch.
Bezel Details
Fixed integrated bezel as part of the resin case. It is polished chrome-silver with no markings; information is printed under the crystal.
Crown & Pushers
Three stainless steel push-buttons: Light/Reset (Top Left), Mode (Bottom Left), and 12/24hr Start/Stop (Right). No crown.
Bracelet or Strap
Adjustable Stainless Steel Link Bracelet with a fold-over sliding clasp. Features brushed finishing on the top surfaces and polished sides.
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel caseback secured by four small screws. Engraved with 'Casio', module number [593], 'A158W', and 'Made in China' or 'Thailand'.
Movement Type
Quartz Caliber 593. Features include high precision (+/- 30 seconds per month), CR2016 battery with a roughly 7-year life.
Water Resistance
Rated 'Water Resistant' (ISO 22810). Typically 30m / 3ATM. Suitable for light splashes and rain; not recommended for swimming or bathing.
Origin & Provenance
Designed in Japan. Manufacturing typically outsourced to Casio facilities in China or Thailand. Internal movement (Module 593) is a proprietary Japanese-designed quartz movement.
Age Estimate
Likely manufactured within the last 5 years (circa 2019-2024). This specific reference has been in continuous production for decades.
Cultural Significance
A titan of 'God Tier' horology. It represents the democratization of timekeeping, proving that a watch doesn't need to be expensive to be historically significant or respected by serious collectors.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. The chrome plating on the case appears intact with no visible chipping. The bracelet links show no significant stretch. The LCD panel is crisp with no fading of digits.
Value Estimate
Retail: $25 - $30. Secondary market: $15 - $20. Value is consistent due to high production volume.
Care & Maintenance
Minimal maintenance required. Replace battery every 7 years. Wipe the bracelet with a damp cloth to remove skin oils. Avoid deep water as seals are basic.
Similar Watches
Casio F-91W (Resin strap version), Casio A168 (Electroluminescent backlight version - larger and thicker), Casio A159 (Made specifically in Japan).
Interesting Facts
The A158 is often called the 'Steel Brother' of the F-91W. While the F-91W was famously worn by Barack Obama and utilized in military contexts, the A158 provides the same internals in a more 'civilized' metal-looking package.