Casio Edifice EFK100D-7A Automatic (similar to EFK-100CD-1A, EFK-100D-2A, EFK-100D-3A & EFK-100XPB-1A) - The Brand’s First Mechanical Watch, A Review (plus Video)

I finally got my hands on Casio's first automatic timepiece. The EFK100 series in under the Edifice line and it was launched in 2025 with much surprise and jubilation from the watch community. For purist, disappointment, as Casio decide against making their own in-house movement, opting to use Seiko's NH35A instead. For me and the vast majority of watch enthusiasts, the fact that Casio has finally embraced the mechanical movement as part of their repertoire of technologies for their watch designs says a lot. The choice of affordable mechanical watches from established brands are shrinking year-by-year as watchmakers goes up the value chain leaving the cheaper alternatives to alternative brands.

I wanted to get it when it was launched in 2025. Then, my choice was either the green or the blue dial version. However, after seeing them for the first time, it was the white dial that really stands out. The texturing on the dial makes it feel like a Grand Seiko 'Snowflake' but at a fraction of the cost. Unfortunately, that particular white dial has already been allocated to another buyer. After waiting for a number of months, finally, one of the branches of AWG got an allocation and a day later, it was on my wrist!

Longines HydroConquest Chronograph Automatic Blue Dial Reference L3.883.4.96.6 - Sporty Diver, A Review (plus Video)

I finally got a Longines watch for my collection.

I was on a trip to the UK to attend my daughter's graduation ceremony. It has been my tradition to buy myself a watch to commemorate such events. A few days before the ceremony, I visited the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to see what watch shops were there and what brands and models they carried.

The only interesting shop I found was Hour Passion, which carries a number of Swiss brands. The Longines section was prominent, but it did not carry the most recent models. I later found out that by accepting this limitation, the shop is free to offer deep discounts that other Authorized Dealers (ADs) may not be allowed to give. For this shop, the standard discount is 30% off the MSRP.

My eyes fell on the blue HydroConquest Chronograph on a bracelet. I knew this model had been phased out in 2023. After further negotiation with the dealer, I received an additional 10% off the already discounted price.

Before making the purchase, I contacted a dealer friend in Malaysia to find out if it was a good deal. While the MSRP would be cheaper in Malaysia due to different tax structures, the discounts offered in the UK were so deep that the deal was very palatable. Sweet!