Head-to-Head Comparison

Casio Vintage A168WA vs Frederique Constant Classic Quartz Moonphase

Casio's chronograph meets Frederique Constant's dress watch

Quick Verdict

The Casio Vintage A168WA (Under $50) offers Casio Quartz (Battery) precision in the tier below the Frederique Constant Classic Quartz Moonphase ($1,000–$1,500). The Vintage A168WA measures 36.3mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Classic Quartz Moonphase counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.

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Casio Vintage A168WA

Casio

Vintage A168WA

Under $50

Frederique Constant Classic Quartz Moonphase

Frederique Constant

Classic Quartz Moonphase

$1,000–$1,500

Specifications Compared

FeatureCasio Vintage A168WAFrederique Constant Classic Quartz Moonphase
PriceUnder $50$1,000–$1,500
Case Size36.3mm40mm
MovementQuartz Module 3298Quartz FC-206
Caliber TypeCasio Quartz (Battery)Swiss Quartz
Power ReserveBattery
Water Resistance30m (3 ATM)50m (5 ATM)
CrystalMineral GlassAnti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal
Case MaterialStainless Steel & ResinStainless Steel
OriginMade in JapanSwiss Made

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Casio's design language vs Frederique Constant's approach

The Casio Vintage A168WA features a Stainless Steel & Resin case at 36.3mm with Mineral Glass protection. The Frederique Constant Classic Quartz Moonphase offers Stainless Steel construction at 40mm with Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Draw

Quartz Module 3298 vs Quartz FC-206

The Vintage A168WA runs the Quartz Module 3298 (Casio Quartz (Battery), standard power reserve) at standard frequency. The Classic Quartz Moonphase uses the Quartz FC-206 (Swiss Quartz, Battery 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 Classic Quartz Moonphase at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM).

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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 Frederique Constant Classic Quartz Moonphase at $1,000–$1,500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Vintage A168WA uses Mineral Glass with a standard reserve, against Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal and Battery on the Classic Quartz Moonphase. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Frederique Constant

30m (3 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM)

The Vintage A168WA is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Classic Quartz Moonphase handles 50m (5 ATM). The Classic Quartz Moonphase offers superior water resistance.

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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Frederique Constant

Classic Quartz Moonphase

Choose the Frederique Constant Classic Quartz Moonphase if you value Swiss Quartz technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $1,000–$1,500, the Quartz FC-206 with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Casio Vintage A168WA and Frederique Constant Classic Quartz Moonphase represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Casio bringing Made in Japan tradition while Frederique Constant delivers Swiss Made 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 Frederique Constant Classic Quartz Moonphase ($1,000–$1,500) features Quartz FC-206 with 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Made in Japan craftsmanship vs Swiss Made engineering.
The Casio Vintage A168WA offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at Under $50. However, the Frederique Constant Classic Quartz Moonphase 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 Classic Quartz Moonphase at 40mm with 50m (5 ATM) is similarly capable. The Vintage A168WA uses Mineral Glass while the Classic Quartz Moonphase uses Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal. 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.