So, it's pretty common, right? The Casio F-91W. After all, we're talking about a watch that has been in continuous production since 1991 and, according to Casio's estimation, boasts an annual production count of 3 million units. However, we're not here to talk about the '91' today. What you see here is its lesser-known twin, the Casio F-84W.
What’s the difference, then? Well, here are a few key differentiators between the ‘91’ and the ‘84’.
1. The Casio F-84W is smaller than the '91'
I never thought I'd come across a watch that would appear a tad undersized for my 6-inch wrist but the Casio F-84W is one of them. If you think the '91' is tiny, the '84' feels and looks noticeably smaller on the wrist. Officially, the '91' measures at 38.2mm by 35.2mm (horizontally across) and is 8.5mm thick versus the 38.7mm by 33.4mm of the '84'. It's also 8.5mm thick and weighs the same as the '91' at 21g.
2. The Casio F-84W is the older sibling, actually...
Yeah, it's true. The '84' made its debut in 1986 while the '91' was introduced in well... 1991. Although with that said, there are conflicting reports with PacParts stating that the Casio F-91W was born in 1989 instead.
If you're the kind of person who goes for heritage and all that jazz, the '84' is the one to go for. Get that and go tell your friends how much of a watch historian you are…
3. The '91' looks like it has more chest hair.
Both have lug widths of 18mm but the '84' has a more traditional lug design. With the '91', the lugs are pretty much non-existent and should you decide the swap out the straps, it may run the risk of looking a little oddly flush against the case.
A purely aesthetic take on this one but I prefer the lugs to be pronounced.
Also, the pushers on the '91' are placed atop bulges - I wouldn't call them crown guards - that make them look a tad more rugged. On the '84', things are more refined. Actually, this aesthetic cue sums up the difference between these two very nicely - one is more rugged while the other is actually a really refined, almost-feminine take on a digital beater.
4. Same, same but not the same (?)
Both watches have the Casio module 593 and all, I mean ALL, of the functions are the same. So you get a 1/100 stopwatch (max count at 59:59.99) with split time function, single daily alarm, hourly alert and a green LED for illumination.
The part that's not so same-same? The price. Well, despite being 99% identical outside and in, the '91' retails in Japan for ¥2,900 (RM111) while the '84' goes for ¥3,500 (RM134). No need to fret though, as you have to be pretty unlucky to find one selling at list price in Japan.
First published on: Centre Seconds http://centreseconds.com/quickie-casio-f-84w/
