A ring that tells the time is not a new idea for Casio anymore, but the CRW-002 makes the first one look like a prototype. Casio has launched a direct successor to its original ring watch, this time built as a faithful miniature of the cult classic A168 from 1995. It starts at $135 and goes on sale this November. Here is what the Casio CRW-002 offers and whether it is worth wearing on your finger.
Design: The A168 Shrunk Down to a Ring
Casio built the CRW-002 around one idea: recreate the A168 watch in a form that fits on a finger. The A168 has been selling for around 30 years, and the ring version copies its details closely, from the feature indicators on the face to the design and finish of the band.
- Build: Metal injection molding (MIM), where fine metal powders and resin are injected into molds, gives the ring a full-metal body at this size
- Finish: Matte band against a glossy case for a textural contrast
- Face: Mineral glass over a seven-segment LCD showing hours, minutes and seconds
- Controls: Three working side buttons, just like the original watch
- Packaging: Casio ships it in special packaging made for the ring watch line
The watch is water resistant for daily use, and the battery can still be replaced, which is rare for something this small. For anyone who owned an A168 in the 1990s, the look will feel instantly familiar.
Features and Specifications
The CRW-002 is a miniaturised digital watch first, and a piece of jewellery second. The feature list stays close to classic digital watches:
- 12-hour and 24-hour time formats, switchable as you prefer
- 1/100-second stopwatch
- Auto calendar
- Water resistance for daily use
- LED backlight with a pulsing light mode that glows at a preset time or at the top of every hour
- One size (size 22, which is US 10.5, EU U), with two size-adjusting spacers for sizes 19 and 16 in the box
One thing to keep in mind: the CRW-002 follows the original CRW-001, not the CRW-H001 health-tracking ring watch Casio released earlier. That means there is no heart rate monitoring, no step tracking and no smart features of any kind. It is a watch on a ring, nothing more.
The trade-off is battery life and simplicity. Without radios draining power, the CRW-002 runs for years on a single battery, and when it does run down, any watch counter can swap it. There is no app to pair, no firmware to update and no subscription. For a lot of people tired of charging yet another device, that is the whole appeal.
Price and Availability
Casio has priced the CRW-002 in two finishes, and both go on sale on Casio’s website this November:
- Silver (CRW-002D-1A): $135
- Gold: $155
These are the US prices listed by Casio and reported by Android Authority. At current exchange rates that works out to roughly Rs 12,000 and Rs 13,700 before import duties and taxes. Casio has not announced India pricing or local availability yet, so expect the ring to reach Indian buyers through import sellers first. Treat the rupee figures as a conversion estimate, not a confirmed price.
Each CRW-002 ships with the ring, the two size-adjusting spacers (19 and 16) and Casio’s special ring watch packaging. The silver model carries the reference CRW-002D-1A and goes on sale in November 2026 on Casio’s website, with the gold version arriving at the same time.
How the CRW-002 Compares With Casio’s Other Ring Watches
This is the third ring-shaped product Casio has made, and each one targets a different buyer. Understanding the lineup matters before you spend money.
- CRW-001 (2024): The original ring watch that started the line. The CRW-002 is its direct replacement, keeping the pure digital watch concept while upgrading the build and the display.
- CRW-H001: The health-tracking model with heart rate monitoring and activity features. If you want smart features on your finger, that is the one to look at instead.
- CRW-002 (2026): The refined classic. Metal injection molded body, mineral glass, LED backlight, and no smart features at all.
The metal injection molding process deserves a mention because it is the reason this ring can exist. Casio mixes fine metal powders with resin, injects the mixture into molds, and produces a full-metal ring-sized case that would be impossible to machine at this scale. The result is a matte band against a glossy case, with textural contrast that echoes the original A168.
Who Should Buy the Casio CRW-002
Three groups will get the most out of this ring watch:
- Retro tech fans: If the A168, the F-91W or any classic Casio is part of your memory, this is the most faithful miniature Casio has made.
- Watch collectors: A wearable piece of watch history at around Rs 12,000 sits comfortably next to a serious collection without pretending to be a smart ring.
- Gift buyers: The special packaging and the unusual form factor make it an easy gift for anyone who likes quirky gadgets.
A few practical tips before you order. Measure your ring size first, because the ring only comes in one size and the spacers only cover sizes 19 and 16. If your finger is well below size 19, this will not fit. Treat it like a watch, not jewellery: it is water resistant for daily use, but it is not made for swimming. And remember the battery is replaceable, so a trip to a watch counter will keep it running for years.
Care is straightforward. Wipe the mineral glass with a soft cloth, avoid exposing the ring to solvents or perfume, and take it off before heavy gym work since the band finish will scratch against metal bars. The pulsing light can be set to glow once a day at a preset time, or at the top of every hour for a subtle effect. Most owners will set it to once a day and forget it exists, which is exactly how a watch ring should behave.
FAQ
How much does the Casio CRW-002 cost?
The silver Casio CRW-002 costs $135 and the gold version costs $155 in the US, according to Casio and Android Authority. Both go on sale in November 2026 on Casio’s website. India pricing is not announced.
Does the Casio ring watch track health or heart rate?
No. The CRW-002 is a successor to the original CRW-001 ring watch, not the CRW-H001 health model. It has no heart rate monitoring or smart features. It only tells time, with a stopwatch, calendar and alarm-style LED light.
What size finger does the CRW-002 fit?
The ring comes in one size (size 22, US 10.5) and ships with two size-adjusting spacers for sizes 19 and 16, according to Casio. Smaller fingers need the spacers, and the ring will not fit sizes below 19.
Is the Casio CRW-002 water resistant?
Yes, the CRW-002 is water resistant for daily use, and its battery is replaceable. It handles splashes and hand washing, but it is not designed for swimming or diving.
