A casio a168 ring watch worn on a finger, its small digital display showing the time against a plain background.

Casio’s Finger-Sized A168 Ring Watch Frees Your Wrist for $135

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-11-12

Casio has squeezed its best-known digital watch onto a finger. The CRW-002 Ring Watch is a finger-scale version of the A168, and this ring keeps much of the original’s character while leaving your wrist free.

The ring suits a particular kind of wearer. You may already rely on a watch for timekeeping, but you sometimes want a bracelet on the wrist or no wrist accessory at all. Ring health trackers exist, yet they don’t resemble a watch. This product fills that gap with a finger-sized watch that has a face you can read at a glance.

Shrinking the A168

Casio used metal injection molding, or MIM, to reproduce the A168’s case and band in stainless steel. The result keeps the original’s detailing at a much smaller scale.

Close-up of a small silver ring watch resting on a fingertip, face visible.

The case has a glossy finish, while the band is matte. That contrast mirrors the original watch, so the ring reads as a miniature Casio rather than a plain metal band with a screen.

Hand wearing a black digital ring watch with a rectangular display face.

The electronics required their own shrinking. Casio says high-density mounting and a miniature battery reduce the module to roughly one-tenth the size of a standard watch module. Even so, it keeps three buttons and a six-digit display showing hours, minutes, and seconds.

Shrinking a classic into a new form has plenty of precedent, and Sony‘s gold-infused Walkman models show how a retro icon can get a premium refresh for audiophiles. Sony’s gold Walkman revival for audiophiles offers a useful comparison for anyone weighing nostalgia against modern build quality.

Features and size of the casio a168 ring watch

The display also handles dual time, an automatic calendar, a 12/24-hour format, and a stopwatch that measures to 1/100 of a second. Those functions match the core of the A168 experience.

The case measures 25.2 × 18.2 × 6.2 mm, and the ring weighs 15 grams. Those figures show the scale, but they say little about comfort. How the case sits against neighboring fingers, and how easily a wearer presses tiny buttons, will determine daily wear.

Side view of a thin watch band wrapped around a person's finger.

An LED backlight is included. A feature called Time Flash produces a subtle pulse at a preset time or at the top of every hour. Casio describes Time Flash as entertainment, not a dependable alert. The light may also be hard to see in bright conditions, so reminders should come from another device.

Watch face showing the time in green digits on a dark background.

Water, fit, and battery

Water resistance is limited. Casio rates the ring for daily use, but the manual excludes handwashing, swimming, and work involving water. Remove the watch before washing your hands or using soap and detergent. For a piece you intend to forget about, that routine matters.

Fit requires attention before purchase. The ring comes in US size 10.5, with a 20 mm inner diameter. Two included spacers reduce that to 19 mm or 18 mm. Because the band has no wristwatch-style adjustment, the three options will not suit every finger. Try the ring on in person before ordering.

If you like the idea of a wearable gadget that frees your hands, Ryo Matsuoka’s design applies the same logic to bedtime reading. Ryo Matsuoka’s wearable reading light for cozy nights is worth a look for its comfort-first approach to hands-free wear.

Ring watch compared beside a standard wristwatch on a wooden table.

Casio estimates about two years of battery life, so the ring needs no regular charging. The battery can be replaced, but the manual says the job requires special tools. Replacement should go through the original retailer or an authorized Casio service center.

Person's hand resting on a table with the ring watch on one finger.

Pricing and availability

Casio announced US availability for November 2026. The silver model costs $135, and the gold-tone version costs $155.

Top-down view of the watch's buttons and display on a plain surface.

The ring is a clever translation of a familiar watch. Its real test is daily wear: whether the fit works, whether the buttons stay usable, and whether the water limits become a nuisance. For anyone who loves the A168 and wants a free wrist, that trade-off is worth weighing carefully.

Ring watch shown from the back, showing its band clasp and sizing.
A casio a168 ring watch worn on a finger, its small digital display showing the time against a plain background.

H/T yankodesign.com

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Casio CRW-002 Ring Watch cost?

The silver model costs $135, and the gold-tone version costs $155. Casio announced US availability for November 2026.

Can you wear the Casio CRW-002 ring watch while swimming?

No. Casio rates the ring for daily use, but the manual excludes handwashing, swimming, and work involving water. The watch should be removed before washing your hands or using soap and detergent.

What ring size fits the Casio CRW-002 Ring Watch?

The ring comes in US size 10.5, with a 20 mm inner diameter. Two included spacers reduce the inner diameter to 19 mm or 18 mm, but the band has no wristwatch-style adjustment, so the three options won’t suit every finger.

How long does the Casio ring watch battery last?

Casio estimates about two years of battery life. The battery can be replaced, but the job requires special tools, so replacement should go through the original retailer or an authorized Casio service center.

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