Casio F91w a UI/UX perspective

My earliest memory of this ultimate design masterpiece was back in the '90s as a kid when I used to borrow it from my dad make a fist around it and press the light button to see the light glow on the watch. So many years on, how is it that the design of this watch stands the test of time?

I’ve become so obsessed with it that I now have a little collection.

From a design and user experience perspective this is what I think makes this one of the most admired objects in the UI/UX community.

Some of the F91w's and similar variants from my collection

Here’s my take on it from a User Experience approach:

Usability:

• Simplicity: The F-91W's minimalist design makes it highly usable. Anybody can quickly and easily access essential information.

• User-Friendly Controls: The straightforward buttons for time, date, and alarm settings enhance usability. Do you remember how the Chime sounds?

• Legibility: The clear digital display ensures information is easily readable, improving overall usability.

Equitable:

• Affordability: The F-91W's low cost (currently priced at INR.1095) makes it accessible to a wide range of users, ensuring equitability.

• Durability: Its rugged design doesn't require frequent maintenance or replacement. I’ve worn it at conferences, on underwater dives, to playing Holi wearing it. It never fails on me.

Enjoyable:

• Iconic Design: The F-91W's iconic design has nostalgic appeal, making it enjoyable for folks who appreciate its retro aesthetics. I love pairing it with casuals, streetwear, and sometimes even formal events (with a stainless steel strap), and it just blends in well. It’s also a great conversation starter, many ask me ‘How do you still have that watch?’, ‘Do they still make them?’

• Variety: The availability of different colors and designs allows users to choose a style that suits their personal preferences. A rainbow of colors is available right now, leaving me with a lot more scope for my collection.

Useful:

• Reliability: The F-91W is known for its accurate timekeeping, I don’t have to worry about having a mobile connection to sync time, nor do I have to charge it from time to time like a smartwatch.

• Long Battery Life: They claim that a single battery would last more than a decade!

• Lightweight and Comfortable: With the comfort and lightweight design I sometimes even forget that I have it on.

Controversy: The F-91W has even gained some notoriety because it was reportedly used as a timing device in improvised explosive devices. Due to this, it has been associated with potential security concerns. As a result, some places, including airports, may subject wearers of the F-91W to additional scrutiny. ( I faced this when I was transiting through the Paris airport )

Do you have any fond memories of this watch?

Would you ever swap it for your smartwatch?

I’d love to know.

Tee, teet :)