The Casio A168 vs ABL100 comparison is basically old-school simplicity against modern convenience. Both watches look like part of the Casio Vintage family. Both have a silver bracelet, digital display, resin/chrome-plated case, simple retro style and daily-wear appeal. But they are not made for the same buyer.
The Casio A168 is the classic choice. It is simple, affordable, recognizable, easy to wear and has a long 7-year battery life. It does not track steps, connect to your phone or try to be smart. That is part of its charm.
The Casio ABL100 is the newer and more functional option. It keeps the retro digital style but adds Bluetooth, automatic time adjustment, step tracking, app connection, dual time, timer, phone finder and more advanced stopwatch memory.
My honest opinion is simple: the A168 is the better pure vintage Casio. The ABL100 is better if you want modern features without wearing an Apple Watch or Garmin.
Quick Verdict
| Buyer type | Better choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best classic Casio Vintage | Casio A168 | More iconic, simpler and more traditional |
| Best smart features | Casio ABL100 | Bluetooth, step tracking and app support |
| Best battery life | Casio A168 | Around 7 years vs around 2 years |
| Best for step counting | Casio ABL100 | Built-in accelerometer and step tracking |
| Best for low-maintenance ownership | Casio A168 | No app, no pairing, longer battery |
| Best for modern daily use | Casio ABL100 | More useful features |
| Best for small wrists | Casio A168 | Smaller and lighter |
| Best for people tired of smartwatches | Casio A168 | No phone dependence |
| Best hybrid retro watch | Casio ABL100 | Vintage look with light smart functions |
| Best overall for most vintage fans | Casio A168 | Cleaner, simpler and more authentic |
Short answer: buy the A168 if you want the classic. Buy the ABL100 if you want a vintage Casio with modern utility.
Casio A168 vs ABL100: Main Differences
| Feature | Casio A168 | Casio ABL100 |
|---|---|---|
| Watch type | Classic vintage digital Casio | Smart-style vintage digital Casio |
| Case size | 38.6 x 36.3 x 9.6 mm | 41.6 x 37.9 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 50 g | 60 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 2 years |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Step tracking | No | Yes |
| Smartphone app | No | Yes |
| Time adjustment | Manual | Bluetooth automatic time correction |
| Timer | No | Yes |
| Stopwatch | Basic 1/100-second stopwatch | More advanced stopwatch with records |
| Daily alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Pure vintage simplicity | Retro style with modern features |
The ABL100 is clearly more advanced. But more advanced does not automatically mean better. It depends on whether you actually want those features.
Design and Style
At first glance, both watches sit in the same world: silver digital Casio, retro bracelet, small LCD display and affordable vintage appeal.
But the feeling is different.
The A168 is more familiar. It has the classic Casio Vintage face with the blue “ElectroLuminescence” text, red/orange accents and old-school Illuminator styling. It looks like a proper retro digital watch.
The ABL100 looks more modern and more technical. The case is bigger, the display layout feels more functional, and the step-tracking identity makes it feel like a lifestyle watch inside a vintage shell.
| Style factor | Casio A168 | Casio ABL100 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall look | Classic vintage digital | Modern retro digital |
| Wrist presence | Compact | Larger |
| Retro authenticity | Stronger | Good, but more modern |
| Face design | More colorful and nostalgic | Cleaner and more functional |
| Bracelet look | Classic affordable Casio | Similar, but larger case changes the feel |
| Best with casual outfits | Excellent | Excellent |
| Best with smart-casual outfits | Good | Good, but more tech-looking |
| Best for old-school Casio fans | A168 | ABL100 if they want new features |
My personal opinion: the A168 has more charm. The ABL100 looks good, but it feels less pure. It is a retro watch with modern electronics, while the A168 is just a retro watch.
Comfort and Wrist Feel
The A168 is smaller and lighter. That matters.
At around 50 g, the A168 already has enough weight to feel more substantial than a plastic F91W, but it still wears compactly. The case is not big, the bracelet is light, and it works well on small to medium wrists.
The ABL100 is larger and heavier at around 60 g. It is still not a heavy watch, but compared with the A168 it feels more present. The case is longer and wider, even though it is technically thinner.
| Comfort factor | Casio A168 | Casio ABL100 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 50 g | 60 g |
| Case length | Smaller | Larger |
| Thickness | Thicker on paper | Thinner on paper |
| Small wrist fit | Better | Depends on wrist size |
| Sleeve comfort | Good | Good because of thinner case |
| Bracelet feel | Affordable folded metal | Affordable folded metal |
| All-day comfort | Better for small wrists | Good, but more noticeable |
The ABL100 is not uncomfortable, but it is less invisible. If you like compact vintage watches, the A168 is safer. If you want a larger digital watch with more functions, the ABL100 is fine.
Features: ABL100 Wins Clearly
This is where the ABL100 separates itself.
The A168 is simple. You get time, alarm, hourly signal, stopwatch, calendar and backlight. That is enough for a classic Casio Vintage watch.
The ABL100 adds a lot more: Bluetooth time sync, step tracking, phone connection, dual time, timer, more advanced stopwatch records and phone finder.
| Function | Casio A168 | Casio ABL100 |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Yes | Yes |
| 12/24-hour format | Yes | Yes |
| Daily alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Hourly time signal | Yes | Yes |
| Stopwatch | Basic | More advanced |
| Countdown timer | No | Yes |
| Dual time | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth time adjustment | No | Yes |
| Step counter | No | Yes |
| Phone finder | No | Yes |
| App connection | No | Yes |
| Smart notifications | No | Limited / not the main purpose |
The ABL100 is not a full smartwatch, but it is much more useful than the A168 if you want daily tracking and phone-connected convenience.
Step Tracking and Bluetooth
The biggest reason to buy the ABL100 is the step tracker.
Casio added an accelerometer, so the watch can count steps and show daily activity data. With Bluetooth connection, you can sync data to your phone, adjust settings more easily and keep the time corrected automatically.
| ABL100 smart feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Step counter | Tracks daily movement without wearing a full smartwatch |
| Bluetooth time correction | Keeps time accurate automatically |
| App connection | Makes settings and data easier to manage |
| Phone finder | Useful if you often misplace your phone |
| Dual time | Helpful for travel or another time zone |
| Timer | Useful for workouts, cooking and reminders |
| Stopwatch records | Better than the basic A168 stopwatch |
This makes the ABL100 interesting. It is not trying to compete with Apple Watch, Garmin or G-Shock Move. It is more like a simple Casio Vintage watch with just enough smart features for normal daily life.
But the ABL100 Is Not a Real Smartwatch
This is important.
The ABL100 has Bluetooth and step tracking, but it is not a smartwatch replacement. It does not have a color screen, GPS, heart-rate sensor, advanced workout modes, maps, music control or rich notifications in the way people expect from modern smartwatches.
| Expectation | ABL100 reality |
|---|---|
| Full smartwatch | No |
| GPS tracking | No |
| Heart-rate sensor | No |
| Advanced sport metrics | No |
| Color display | No |
| Touchscreen | No |
| App ecosystem | No |
| Simple activity tracking | Yes |
| Automatic time sync | Yes |
| Retro digital style | Yes |
That is not a criticism if you understand what you are buying. The ABL100 is best for people who want a small amount of smart function without turning their wrist into a phone screen.
Battery Life: A168 Wins Hard
This is the biggest downside of the ABL100.
The A168 has around 7 years of battery life on a CR2016. That is classic Casio convenience. You buy it, wear it and mostly forget about the battery.
The ABL100 uses the same CR2016 battery size but is rated for around 2 years. That is because Bluetooth and step tracking use more power.
| Battery factor | Casio A168 | Casio ABL100 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery type | CR2016 | CR2016 |
| Approx. battery life | About 7 years | About 2 years |
| Charging needed | No | No |
| Battery replacement frequency | Low | Higher |
| Best for low maintenance | A168 | Not as strong |
| Best for features | Basic | Better |
Two years is not terrible. You still do not need to charge it every night like a smartwatch. But compared with the A168, it is a real downgrade.
If you hate maintenance, the A168 is better.
Backlight and Night Use
The A168 is famous for its electro-luminescent backlight. It gives a classic blue-green glow and is part of the watch’s identity.
The ABL100 has an LED light. It is practical, but it does not have the same nostalgic EL glow as the A168.
| Backlight factor | Casio A168 | Casio ABL100 |
|---|---|---|
| Light type | Electro-luminescent backlight | LED light |
| Night readability | Good | Good |
| Nostalgic feel | Stronger | Weaker |
| Practical use | Good | Good |
| Best for vintage glow | A168 | No |
The ABL100 light is useful. The A168 light is more charming.
Water Resistance
Both watches are Water Resistant. Neither is a swimming-focused watch.
They can handle normal daily moisture like rain, sweat and hand washing, but I would not recommend either for regular swimming, showering, sea water or diving.
For better water confidence, look at Casio AE1200, W800H, W59 or a G-Shock.
Durability and Long-Term Ownership
Neither the A168 nor ABL100 is a rugged watch.
Both use resin glass, chrome-plated resin construction and stainless steel bracelets. They are fine for daily casual wear, but they are not ideal for rough work, gym abuse or serious outdoor use.
| Durability factor | Casio A168 | Casio ABL100 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Better because of step tracking, but not rugged |
| Long-term casual wear | Good | Good |
The ABL100 has more electronics, so there is more to go wrong in theory. The A168 is simpler, and simple watches often age better.
That does not mean the ABL100 is fragile. It just means the A168 is the lower-risk long-term choice.
Price and Value
The A168 is usually cheaper and easier to justify as a casual vintage watch.
The ABL100 usually costs more because it has Bluetooth and step tracking. That can be worth it, but only if you will actually use those features.
| Value question | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Cheapest option | A168 |
| Best classic value | A168 |
| Best smart features value | ABL100 |
| Best low-maintenance value | A168 |
| Best step counter value | ABL100 |
| Best first Casio Vintage | A168 |
| Best upgrade from A168 | ABL100 |
| Best for people who hate smartwatches | A168 |
| Best for people who want light smart features | ABL100 |
My recommendation: do not buy the ABL100 only because it is newer. Buy it because you want step tracking and Bluetooth.
If you do not need those, the A168 is cleaner and better value.
Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the Casio A168 if:
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| You want the classic Casio Vintage look | A168 is more iconic |
| You want long battery life | Around 7 years |
| You prefer simple watches | No app or Bluetooth |
| You want lower maintenance | Less to manage |
| You like EL backlight | Classic blue-green glow |
| You have a smaller wrist | A168 wears smaller |
| You want better value | Usually cheaper |
Buy the Casio ABL100 if:
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| You want step tracking | This is the main upgrade |
| You want Bluetooth time sync | Automatic time correction is convenient |
| You want easier settings | App support helps |
| You want a timer | A168 does not have one |
| You want dual time | Useful for travel |
| You want a modern retro watch | Vintage style with smart features |
| You do not mind 2-year battery life | The features cost battery life |
My Personal Recommendation
If I were buying one watch as a pure Casio Vintage piece, I would choose the A168.
It is simpler, more iconic, has better battery life and feels more honest as a retro digital watch.
If I wanted a step counter but hated the look and charging routine of smartwatches, I would choose the ABL100.
The A168 is the better classic. The ABL100 is the better hybrid.
Better Alternatives to Consider
| Model | Why consider it |
|---|---|
| Casio A168 | Classic Vintage Casio with EL backlight |
| Casio ABL100 | Retro Casio with Bluetooth and step tracking |
| Casio A158 | Smaller and simpler vintage alternative |
| Casio A159 | More niche compact vintage model |
| Casio A700 | Thinner and more refined vintage Casio |
| Casio AE1200WHD | More features, 100m water resistance and stainless steel bracelet |
| Casio W800H | Cheap, practical, 100m water resistance and 10-year battery |
| Casio F91W | Cheapest plastic icon |
| G-Shock GBD-200 | Better if you want sport and step data in a tougher case |
If you want style, A168 or A700 may be better. If you want simple features, AE1200 or W800H may be more practical. If you want activity tracking in a tougher watch, look at G-Shock Move models.
Pros and Cons
| Watch | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Casio A168 | Iconic Vintage design, EL backlight, 7-year battery, compact size, simple and affordable | No Bluetooth, no step tracking, no timer, basic water resistance |
| Casio ABL100 | Bluetooth, step counter, automatic time correction, timer, dual time, phone finder, retro look | 2-year battery, larger and heavier, not a full smartwatch, less classic |
| Both | Affordable compared with smartwatches, no daily charging, stainless steel bracelet, retro digital style | Basic water resistance, resin glass, not rugged, not premium metal watches |
Final Verdict
The Casio A168 and ABL100 are both good watches, but they are good for different reasons.
The A168 is the better classic. It is simpler, more iconic, smaller, cheaper in many markets and has much better battery life. If you want a true Casio Vintage watch, the A168 is still the safer choice.
The ABL100 is the better modern utility watch. It adds Bluetooth, automatic time correction, step tracking, timer, dual time and phone finder while keeping a retro digital look. But it is larger, heavier and has much shorter battery life.
So the final answer is simple:
A168 for classic vintage style.
ABL100 for Bluetooth and step tracking.
If you want a watch that feels timeless, choose the A168. If you want a vintage Casio that does more, choose the ABL100.
FAQ
What is the difference between Casio A168 and ABL100?
The A168 is a classic vintage digital watch. The ABL100 is a newer vintage-style Casio with Bluetooth, step tracking, automatic time correction, timer and dual time.
Is Casio ABL100 better than A168?
It is better for features, but not necessarily better overall. The A168 has longer battery life, simpler ownership and stronger classic appeal.
Does the Casio ABL100 have Bluetooth?
Yes. It connects to a smartphone for automatic time correction, easier settings and activity data sync.
Does the Casio ABL100 count steps?
Yes. It has a step counter using an accelerometer.
Does the Casio A168 count steps?
No. The A168 is a simple digital watch without step tracking.
Which has better battery life, A168 or ABL100?
The A168 is much better. It is rated for about 7 years, while the ABL100 is rated for about 2 years.
Which is smaller, A168 or ABL100?
The A168 is smaller and lighter. The ABL100 is larger and heavier.
Is the ABL100 a smartwatch?
Not really. It has Bluetooth and step tracking, but it is not a full smartwatch with GPS, heart rate, apps or a color display.
Are A168 and ABL100 waterproof?
No. Both are Water Resistant, not true waterproof watches.
Should I buy Casio A168 or ABL100?
Buy the A168 if you want the classic Casio Vintage experience. Buy the ABL100 if you want Bluetooth and step tracking in a retro digital watch.