Casio A168WG-9EF review
The gold Casio: a cheerful, low-cost gift that suits almost anyone.
- Skip it if
- You want hands on a dial
as of 6 Nov 2026, 13:25 GMT · Details
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Researched, not used. We haven't used this product. This review is built from the maker's details and what other buyers report.
What we like
- Gold-look styling with a lot of character
- Alarm, stopwatch, auto calendar and light
- Battery lasts years in a 35 mm case
Worth knowing
- Gold-tone plating wears over time
- Modest water resistance
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Our review
The A168WG-9EF is the gold-tone version of Casio's classic retro digital, in a 35 mm case with a matching bracelet. It offers alarm, stopwatch, auto calendar and a light, and runs on a battery that lasts years. It is a very affordable way to wear a gold-look watch with a lot of character. The drawbacks are that gold-tone plating wears over time and the water resistance is modest.
What it is
The A168 is the larger, more rounded sibling of the A158 in Casio's Vintage family, and the WG-9 version has a gold-tone finish on the case and bracelet. It has become a fashion favourite, partly because it looks smart with a plain outfit despite being a basic Casio. The case is given as 35 mm, which puts it on the small side in modern terms.
The movement
It is a quartz digital with a battery Casio rates for years of life, usually quoted at around seven. Accuracy is typically about 30 seconds a month either way. Features run to a daily alarm, hourly time signal, stopwatch and calendar, plus an electroluminescent backlight that glows evenly when you press the button. There is no solar or radio setting, so you adjust the time yourself.
On the wrist
At 35 mm the case sits comfortably on slimmer wrists and looks neat on larger ones as a dressy accent, though the rounded shape is quite chunky in profile for its width. The bracelet is a simple steel-based link style in gold tone with a folding clasp. It is light and has some give, so it does not weigh on the wrist.
Water and everyday wear
Water resistance is the basic everyday level, meaning splashes and hand washing are fine and swimming is not. The glass is mineral. The main long-term catch is that gold-tone plating on cheaper watches can rub off at the edges and where the bracelet touches skin, so it will not look new forever. Keep it away from harsh chemicals and cosmetics to prolong the finish.
Against the alternatives
The Casio A158WEA-1EF is the silver-steel version of a similar idea and a slimmer case. The Casio A168WEM-1EF uses the A168 shape in a dark finish if you want less shine. The Casio F-91W-1YEF is the stripped-back plastic option. If you want something genuinely gold-toned and analogue, the Casio MTP-1302PGC-3AVEF takes a similar look into a three-hand format.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
It suits anyone who likes the retro-digital fashion look, wants a small light watch with a gold touch, or wants a quirky second watch for dressing up a casual outfit. Skip it if you want hands on a dial, if you will be near water, or if you want a finish that will keep looking brand new. Those who dislike gold tones should look at the silver or black versions.
A researched review, built from the maker's specs, manual and Amazon.co.uk listing; facts checked 6 Nov 2026.
Who shouldn't buy this
Don't buy it if you want hands on a dial: it shows the time in digits.
Key specs
| Movement | digital |
| Calibre | Casio 3298 |
| Case | 35 mm |
| Thickness | 9.6 mm |
| Lug width | — |
| Water resistance | — |
| Crystal | — |
| Strap | bracelet |
| Power reserve | — |
| Accuracy | — |
This is a Researched review: we haven't used this product. We check the maker's details against at least two independent sources, re-check the price where we can track it automatically, and say plainly who it isn't for. Commissions never change a rating.
If this isn’t the one
as of 6 Nov 2026, 13:25 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 13:25 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.