The Casio A163 vs A168 comparison is a good choice if you want a small silver Casio Vintage watch, but you are not sure whether to go for the less common A163 or the more popular A168.
Both watches have the same basic idea: a compact digital display, stainless steel bracelet, chrome-style case, simple functions, water resistance and old-school Casio charm. But they do not feel exactly the same.
The Casio A163 is the quieter and more compact option. It looks cleaner, slightly more understated and less common on the wrist. The Casio A168 is the more recognizable classic. It has the famous ElectroLuminescence / Illuminator look, a stronger backlight identity and more vintage Casio personality.
My honest opinion is simple: the A163 is interesting if you want a smaller and less common silver Casio, but the A168 is the better choice for most people.
Quick Verdict
| Buyer type | Better choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best classic Casio Vintage | Casio A168 | More recognizable and more iconic |
| Best less common choice | Casio A163 | Not as common as the A168 |
| Best for small wrists | Casio A163 | Slightly smaller case width |
| Best backlight experience | Casio A168 | Electro-luminescent backlight |
| Best understated style | Casio A163 | Cleaner and quieter look |
| Best daily usability | Casio A168 | Better light and more familiar layout |
| Best first vintage Casio | Casio A168 | Safer and easier to recommend |
| Best if you already own A168 | Casio A163 | Adds variety without leaving the same style |
| Best collector-style alternative | Casio A163 | More niche than the standard A168 |
| Best overall | Casio A168 | More practical and more iconic |
Short answer: buy the A168 if you want the classic. Buy the A163 if you want a slightly smaller, quieter and less common vintage Casio.
Casio A163 vs A168: Main Differences
| Feature | Casio A163 | Casio A168 |
|---|---|---|
| Watch type | Compact vintage digital Casio | Classic vintage digital Casio |
| Case size | 36.8 x 33 x 9.1 mm | 38.6 x 36.3 x 9.6 mm |
| Weight | 48 g | About 50 g |
| Case / bezel material | Resin / chrome plated | Resin / chrome plated |
| Band | Stainless steel band | Stainless steel band |
| Glass | Resin glass | Resin glass |
| Water resistance | Water Resistant | Water Resistant |
| Battery | CR2016 | CR2016 |
| Approx. battery life | About 7 years | About 7 years |
| Light | LED light | Electro-luminescent backlight |
| Stopwatch | Yes | Yes |
| Daily alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Hourly signal | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Compact, low-key vintage look | Better light and classic Casio identity |
The A163 is not a technical upgrade over the A168. It is more of a style and size alternative.
The A168 is not massively more advanced either, but its backlight and recognizable design make it feel more complete for everyday use.
Design and Style
This is where the decision really starts.
The A163 looks more understated. It has a cleaner, tighter face design and a smaller case. On the wrist, it feels less loud than the A168. It is a good choice if you want the silver Casio Vintage look without wearing the most obvious model.
The A168 looks more colorful and more recognizable. The blue ElectroLuminescence text, orange/red accents and Illuminator branding give it a stronger retro personality. It feels more like the watch people imagine when they think of a silver Casio digital.
| Style factor | Casio A163 | Casio A168 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall look | Compact, clean, understated | Classic, colorful, more recognizable |
| Wrist presence | Smaller | Stronger |
| Retro identity | Good | Stronger |
| Minimalism | Better | Less minimal |
| Casio Vintage recognition | Lower | Higher |
| Outfit flexibility | Very good | Very good |
| Best for subtle style | A163 | Good, but more noticeable |
| Best for classic vintage look | Good | A168 |
My personal opinion: the A163 is the cleaner watch, but the A168 has more character.
If you want quiet silver vintage style, A163 makes sense. If you want the watch to feel like a proper Casio Vintage icon, A168 is better.
Comfort and Wrist Feel
The A163 is slightly smaller and lighter, so it has the advantage for smaller wrists.
The A168 is still compact, but it is wider and a little heavier. That extra size gives it more presence, but it also makes it less subtle.
| Comfort factor | Casio A163 | Casio A168 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 48 g | About 50 g |
| Case size | Smaller | Larger |
| Thickness | 9.1 mm | 9.6 mm |
| Small wrist fit | Better | Still good |
| Sleeve comfort | Very good | Good |
| Bracelet feel | Basic folded metal feel | Basic folded metal feel |
| All-day comfort | Very good | Good |
Both watches use affordable stainless steel bracelets. They look good for the price, but they are not luxury bracelets. Expect a light folded-metal feel, some rattle and possible hair pulling depending on wrist hair and bracelet fit.
If you want the most comfortable of the two, I would choose the A163. If you want more visual presence, choose the A168.
Backlight: The A168 Wins
This is the clearest practical win for the A168.
The A163 uses a basic LED light. It is useful enough for checking the time, but it does not give the same even glow or retro charm as the A168.
The A168 has an electro-luminescent backlight. This is one of the main reasons people love the model. The blue-green glow feels more premium, more nostalgic and more useful at night.
| Backlight factor | Casio A163 | Casio A168 |
|---|---|---|
| Light type | LED light | Electro-luminescent backlight |
| Night readability | Usable | Better |
| Display glow | Basic | More even |
| Retro charm | Lower | Higher |
| Main practical advantage | None | Better night use |
If you rarely use the light, the A163 is fine.
If you check the time in the dark often, the A168 is the better watch.
Functions and Everyday Use
The basic functions are very similar. Both are simple digital Casios, not smartwatches or sports watches.
| Function | Casio A163 | Casio A168 |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Yes | Yes |
| 12/24-hour format | Yes | Yes |
| Daily alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Hourly time signal | Yes | Yes |
| Stopwatch | Yes | Yes |
| Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Light | Yes | Yes, better |
| Smart features | No | No |
| Sensors | No | No |
In normal daily use, both watches do the same simple jobs: tell time, set an alarm, use a stopwatch and check the date.
The difference is not what they do. The difference is how they feel while doing it. The A168 feels more complete because of the better backlight. The A163 feels cleaner and smaller.
Water Resistance
Both watches are Water Resistant. That is enough for normal daily moisture, but not enough to treat either watch as a swimming watch.
I would not use either watch for regular swimming, showering or sea water. The bracelet and chrome-style finish are not ideal for repeated wet use.
If water confidence matters, choose Casio W59, W800H, AE1200 or a G-Shock instead.
Durability and Long-Term Wear
Neither watch is rugged.
Both use resin glass, chrome-plated resin case construction and affordable stainless steel bracelets. They are fine for normal casual wear, but they are not watches for heavy manual work, gym abuse, rough outdoor use or water-heavy situations.
| Durability factor | Casio A163 | Casio A168 |
|---|---|---|
| Daily reliability | Good | Good |
| Scratch resistance | Basic | Basic |
| Bracelet durability | Basic but acceptable | Basic but acceptable |
| Case finish wear | Possible over time | Possible over time |
| Rough work | Not ideal | Not ideal |
| Sport use | Not ideal | Not ideal |
| Long-term casual wear | Good | Good |
The A163 may feel a little safer as a quiet daily watch because it is smaller and less flashy. The A168 may show wear more obviously because people notice it more.
For actual toughness, skip both and buy a G-Shock DW-5600.
Price and Availability
The A168 is easier to find in many markets. It is one of the most common Casio Vintage models and comes in many variations.
The A163 can be less common depending on where you live. That can make it more interesting, but also less convenient.
| Buying factor | Casio A163 | Casio A168 |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | More limited depending on market | Usually easier to find |
| Typical price | Varies more | Usually predictable |
| Replacement | Less convenient | Easier |
| Best first purchase | Good | Better |
| Best second Casio Vintage | Better | Already the common choice |
My recommendation: if the price is similar, choose based on style. If the A163 costs much more, the A168 is usually the smarter buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the Casio A163 if:
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| You want a smaller watch | It is more compact than the A168 |
| You prefer subtle style | The design is quieter |
| You want something less common | A163 is not the default choice |
| You already own an A168 | It gives you variety |
| You do not care much about backlight | Then A168 matters less |
| You like cleaner vintage watches | A163 fits that style better |
Buy the Casio A168 if:
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| You want the classic Casio Vintage | A168 is more iconic |
| You want better backlight | EL backlight is the big advantage |
| You want easier availability | A168 is easier to find |
| You want a safer first vintage Casio | It is easier to recommend |
| You like more wrist presence | A168 looks stronger |
| You want better daily usability | Better light helps in real use |
My personal recommendation
If I were buying my first silver Casio Vintage, I would choose the A168.
If I already had an A168 and wanted something similar but more subtle, I would choose the A163.
The A168 is the better all-rounder. The A163 is the more interesting quiet alternative.
Better Alternatives to Consider
| Model | Why consider it |
|---|---|
| Casio A163 | Compact and less common vintage Casio |
| Casio A168 | Classic Vintage Casio with EL backlight |
| Casio A158 | Similar compact style, often easier to find |
| Casio A159 | More niche compact model with Made in Japan appeal |
| Casio A700 | Thinner and more refined vintage Casio |
| Casio ABL100 | Vintage look with Bluetooth and step tracking |
| Casio AE1200WHD | More functions and 100m water resistance |
| Casio F91W | Lighter and cheaper plastic icon |
| G-Shock DW-5600 | Better if you need real durability |
If you want subtle, look at A163 or A158. If you want classic, choose A168. If you want thin and stylish, look at A700.
Pros and Cons
| Watch | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Casio A163 | Compact, subtle, less common, comfortable, clean vintage style, 7-year battery | Basic LED light, less iconic, can be harder to find |
| Casio A168 | Iconic Vintage design, EL backlight, strong wrist presence, easy to find, 7-year battery | Larger, more common, less understated |
| Both | Affordable, simple, reliable, stainless steel bracelet, retro digital charm | Basic water resistance, resin glass, not rugged, bracelet can feel cheap |
Final Verdict
The Casio A163 and A168 are both good silver digital Casios, but they are not equal in personality.
The A163 is the quieter choice. It is smaller, more understated and less common. It makes sense if you want a compact vintage Casio that does not feel as obvious as the A168.
The A168 is the better everyday choice. It has the stronger Casio Vintage identity, better electro-luminescent backlight and broader appeal.
So the final answer is simple:
A163 for subtle compact style.
A168 for classic Casio Vintage charm.
If you want one watch, buy the A168. If you already own the A168 or want something less common, the A163 is worth considering.
FAQ
What is the difference between Casio A163 and A168?
The A163 is smaller, more understated and uses a basic LED light. The A168 is larger, more recognizable and has an electro-luminescent backlight.
Is Casio A163 better than A168?
Not for most people. The A163 is more subtle and compact, but the A168 has the better backlight and stronger classic appeal.
Which is smaller, A163 or A168?
The A163 is smaller at 36.8 x 33 x 9.1 mm. The A168 is 38.6 x 36.3 x 9.6 mm.
Which has better backlight, A163 or A168?
The A168 has the better backlight because it uses an electro-luminescent backlight.
Do A163 and A168 have the same battery life?
Both are around 7 years on CR2016 battery.
Are Casio A163 and A168 waterproof?
No. Both are Water Resistant, not proper waterproof watches.
Which is better for small wrists, A163 or A168?
The A163 is better for small wrists because it is slightly smaller and more compact.
Is the Casio A163 rare?
It is not extremely rare, but it is less common than the A168 in many markets.
Which looks better, A163 or A168?
The A163 looks cleaner and quieter. The A168 looks more iconic and more recognizable.
Should I buy Casio A163 or A168?
Buy the A168 if you want the classic. Buy the A163 if you want a smaller and less common alternative.