Head-to-Head Comparison

Casio Vintage A168WA vs Citizen Blue Angels Navihawk 40mm

Two chronographs compared — Under $50 vs $250–$500

Quick Verdict

The Casio Vintage A168WA (Under $50) offers Casio Quartz (Battery) precision in the tier below the Citizen Blue Angels Navihawk 40mm ($250–$500). The Vintage A168WA measures 36.3mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Blue Angels Navihawk 40mm counters with Citizen (Japan) craftsmanship and robust water resistance. Both are exceptional chronographs for their respective tiers.

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Casio Vintage A168WA

Casio

Vintage A168WA

Under $50

Citizen Blue Angels Navihawk 40mm

Citizen

Blue Angels Navihawk 40mm

$250–$500

Specifications Compared

FeatureCasio Vintage A168WACitizen Blue Angels Navihawk 40mm
PriceUnder $50$250–$500
Case Size36.3mm40mm
MovementQuartz Module 3298Eco-Drive Chronograph
Caliber TypeCasio Quartz (Battery)Citizen Eco-Drive Caliber B620
Power Reserve
Water Resistance30m (3 ATM)
CrystalMineral GlassAnti-reflective sapphire
Case MaterialStainless Steel & ResinStainless Steel
OriginMade in JapanCitizen (Japan)

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Casio's design language vs Citizen's approach

The Casio Vintage A168WA features a Stainless Steel & Resin case at 36.3mm with Mineral Glass protection. The Citizen Blue Angels Navihawk 40mm offers Stainless Steel construction at 40mm with Anti-reflective sapphire. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Draw

Quartz Module 3298 vs Eco-Drive Chronograph

The Vintage A168WA runs the Quartz Module 3298 (Casio Quartz (Battery), standard power reserve) at standard frequency. The Blue Angels Navihawk 40mm uses the Eco-Drive Chronograph (Citizen Eco-Drive Caliber B620, standard reserve) at standard. Power reserves are closely matched.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Casio

36.3mm vs 40mm — different wrist presence

At 36.3mm, the Vintage A168WA wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Blue Angels Navihawk 40mm at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 50m.

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Casio

Casio sits in the lower tier

The Casio Vintage A168WA sits at Under $50 and the Citizen Blue Angels Navihawk 40mm at $250–$500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Vintage A168WA uses Mineral Glass with a standard reserve, against Anti-reflective sapphire and a standard reserve on the Blue Angels Navihawk 40mm. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Casio

30m (3 ATM) vs 50m

The Vintage A168WA is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Blue Angels Navihawk 40mm handles 50m. The Vintage A168WA is better suited for water activities.

Our Verdict

Casio

Vintage A168WA

Choose the Casio Vintage A168WA if you prioritize Casio Quartz (Battery) engineering, Made in Japan craftsmanship, and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. At Under $50, it delivers Quartz Module 3298 with solid power reserve.

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Citizen

Blue Angels Navihawk 40mm

Choose the Citizen Blue Angels Navihawk 40mm if you value Citizen Eco-Drive Caliber B620 technology, Citizen (Japan) heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $250–$500, the Eco-Drive Chronograph with ample power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Casio Vintage A168WA and Citizen Blue Angels Navihawk 40mm represent two distinct approaches to the chronograph category — the Casio bringing Made in Japan tradition while Citizen delivers Citizen (Japan) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither is objectively better — they serve different preferences. The Casio Vintage A168WA (Under $50) offers Quartz Module 3298 with reliable power reserve, while the Citizen Blue Angels Navihawk 40mm ($250–$500) features Eco-Drive Chronograph with solid water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Made in Japan craftsmanship vs Citizen (Japan) engineering.
The Casio Vintage A168WA offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at Under $50. However, the Citizen Blue Angels Navihawk 40mm may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The Vintage A168WA at 36.3mm with 30m (3 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Blue Angels Navihawk 40mm at 40mm with 50m is similarly capable. The Vintage A168WA uses Mineral Glass while the Blue Angels Navihawk 40mm uses Anti-reflective sapphire. Sapphire resists scratches noticeably better than mineral glass.

How This Page Was Made

Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.